Europe's Ryder Cup unity at "different level" to USA, says Billy Horschel

Billy Horschel feels the European team's ability to "leave their egos at the door" is what sets them apart from the US Ryder Cup side, contradicting the apparent mindset of US captain Keegan Bradley.

Bryson DeChambeau delivered a message of support to the US Walker Cup team last week in which he hinted that Bradley was encouraging his players to have their egos with them at Bethpage Black.

In a short video released by the USGA, DeChambeau told the American amateurs: “It’s a similar inspiration our captain has provided us for the Ryder Cup this year.

"It’s bringing your ego. Be who you know you are."

The two-time US Open champion was criticised by European fans on social media, and Horschel thinks the "tight-knit" unity in Europe's team room during Ryder Cup week is far superior to the Americans.

Speaking ahead of this week's BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth, where he is the defending champion, Horschel said: "I think The European Team has always been a tighter-knit team than the American team.

"The Americans, from my perspective, and I have not been in the team room, I think the press gives them a little bit of a harder time because they are not as close. They are close, but it's a completely different level at the European side.

"Shane Lowry told me they were flying over there to spend the week in New York, do a little bit practice session and hang out and play some golf. Listen, that goes a long way. 

"I think that's an under-valued thing when the team feels very close and very connected and everyone feels like they are all together for one goal. All the egos are left at the door, as I know The European team has talked about before.

"It's a benefit to be with your team-mates and get ready to go into battle into what is going to be a very hostile environment.

"They'll come together and sort of prepare and talk about what you're going to expect at the team competition, out on the golf course and how you're going to handle it.

"And if anything arises, what are they going to do as team? Yeah, the more time you can spend around your team-mates, I think the better."