European veteran claims US Ryder Cup team "trying too hard"

England's Justin Rose says the US Ryder Cup team is "trying too hard". 

Rose and his 11 European teammates touched down in New York yesterday for a three-day reconnaissance trip to Bethpage Black ahead of the 2025 showdown.

Over the years, there has been plenty of discussion over how European and American golfers view the biennial event. 

Some European fans and former players are of the opinion they simply care more, pointing to the fact they would play for free and always gel as a team. 

For US players, the Ryder Cup is obviously a big deal, but that hasn't stopped accusations some players care more about individual legacy. 

And last December, it was announced that US players would be compensated for the first time in the 98-year history of the matches. 

The 12 US players will each receive $500,000, with $300,000 donated to a charity of their choice. 

US Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley has already declared his team is the "closest" he has ever been involved with. 

Rose agreed with Bradley, but believes the Americans "think being a great team is about being best mates". 

He told Sky Sports: "I think the US team have definitely bonded a lot more in recent years, and I think that they do have pockets of good friendships.

"But I think the Americans have gotten a little bit… they think being a great team is about being best mates. I really don't think that's what being a great team is.

"Being a great team is having a kind of a real good theme and having an identity that has come from players before you, and you all buy into that vision.

"You don't have to be having the greatest time in the world to do that. Although, inevitably, we do have a great time doing that.

"I think America have tried too hard to become a team, whereas Europe is a bit more natural and organic, and I think it comes from deeper roots in a way."

Rose has had plenty of different teammates over the years in the foursomes and fourballs. 

In Rome two years ago, captain Luke Donald elected to put Rose and rookie Bob MacIntyre together. 

Our Andy Roberts has already taken a deep dive into what Donald may do with his pairings next week. 

Rose said: "A good pairing on the European team doesn't mean playing with your best mate.

"You know, it means about representing something bigger than yourself, and I feel like that is what being a European Ryder Cup player is all about."

There has also been plenty of speculation as to what reception Rose and Team Europe will endure next week. 

Rory McIlroy told reporters after the BMW PGA Championship that they have been using VR headsets to simulate the verbal abuse they are expected to endure. 

Jon Rahm said the experience was fun, but nothing close to reality.

Rose said: "New Yorkers are crazy, and I think they become sort of caricatures of themselves.

"I think they feel like they have to live up to that reputation. So, fully expect absolute chaos out there.

"But I'm also not sure that that's necessarily bad either. 

"There comes a point where it just becomes noise, the more there is, potentially, I’m hoping it fades into just chaos and noise, which actually might be easier than one or two very, very distracting targeted noises."

The 2025 Ryder Cup will be played over 26-28 September. 

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