Jon Rahm sends “miracle” warning to USA ahead of Ryder Cup

Jon Rahm has warned Team USA that he is using the Miracle at Medinah as inspiration as he bids to help Europe earn a rare Ryder Cup victory on away soil later this month.

The last five editions have all been won by the home team, and each by comfortable distances as the smallest margin of victory since 2014 has been five clear points.

Europe do have the recent advantage when it comes to away victories in the Ryder Cup, having won four times in the US since breaking the mould at Muirfield Village in 1987.

In contrast, Team USA have not won the trophy in Europe since 1993, although they did go close at Valderrama in 1997 and also at Celtic Manor in 2010, losing both by just a single point.

The most recent away win was back in 2012, when Jose Maria Olazabal's side pulled off an unprecedented final-day comeback at Medinah Country Club having trailed 10-6 going into the Sunday singles.

Inspired by the late Seve Ballesteros, and some Saturday night heroics from Ian Poulter, Europe surged to the most unlikeliest of victories in a contest that would soon be dubbed the "Miracle at Medinah".

And, while recognising the difficulties involved in winning the Ryder Cup away from home, Rahm gave a bullish warning before heading to Bethpage Black.

Asked if he believed that this year's European line-up can match the exploits of their 2012 peers, Rahm said: "Well, it wouldn't be the first time miracles happened twice!

"We've got to have faith. I think we're playing good enough and we are a good and strong enough team to face what we are going to face at Bethpage and hopefully end up with the Cup."

In terms of what they will face, Rahm admitted it was "really fun" to use virtual reality headsets to simulate the abuse European players are expecting in New York, although it's "not even anywhere close to real life".

Rahm was also reluctant to commit to agreeing with Rory McIlroy's assertion that winning the Cup on away soil could be regarded as the greatest achievement in golf.

"It's fitting to say that after accomplishing the Grand Slam," said Rahm with a wry grin. "I'd still put the Grand Slam ahead of it, I'm not sure. The list of accomplishments now for Rory that he still wants to do has started to become a little short!

"But he has said that multiple times, and I think it's because it doesn't depend only on one player. You need 12 players, the captain and the vice-captains to all do really good.

"Winning away is complicated, but I still would say there are more players who have won a Ryder Cup away than players who have won a Grand Slam!

"But I would agree with him that it's very, very difficult and, hopefully, this European team can be the one to take the Cup back from the US."