Europe captain Donald relishing return of Ryder Cup roar

ROME: Europe suffered their worst Ryder Cup defeat two years ago at a hostile Whistling Straits but captain Luke Donald believes the energy of the home crowd in Rome can be a decisive factor in reclaiming the trophy this week.

Former world number one Donald was one of Padraig Harrington's vice captains in 2021 as the United States romped to a 19-9 victory in a match sadly lacking European fans because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year's edition will feel and sound much more like it for Donald's dozen with thousands of fans from across the continent descending on Rome's Marco Simone course.

Plenty of Americans will make the trip too, but home advantage will definitely favour Europe as they look to continue their domination on home soil.

"In the end we didn't perform at the level we needed to perform at," England's Donald said of the one-sided contest two years ago as he addressed the media on Monday.

"The Americans were strong and they played how they know they can play. Certainly, being at home, we know that's an advantage. We know it's an advantage when you're in the US.

"Having that support, that crowd behind you, it picks up your energy as a player and you feed off it. Absolutely we are looking forward to having a lot more support this time around because it was lacking a lot because of COVID two years ago."

United States captain Zach Johnson is attempting to mastermind a first US victory on European soil since a 15-13 victory at The Belfry 30 years ago.

Since then Europe have enjoyed some notable victories in the US including a rout at Oakland Hills in 2004 and the so-called Miracle of Medinah in 2012, but for whatever reason, the Americans have struggled to turn their rankings superiority into enough points to break their