Ryder Cup is idiot proof as Rory McIlroy and Co ready for tears of joy as claims of Europe's demise prove unfounded

Rory McIlroy wept. European golf wept.

As Padraig Harrington’s brutally battered team were scattered across the shores of Lake Michigan, the thought of this Ryder Cup even being a proper contest seemed fanciful. Fast forward two years and Rome is set for a potential epic where maybe, just maybe, all the tears into the Trevi Fountain will be shed by Americans. It’s not really possible for a sporting event to outstrip the legend of this place.

Yet never mind a city that’s Eternal. The projected United States domination of The Ryder Cup might not even be as long-lasting as one single defence. Golf’s landscape has changed as dramatically as forecasts for the home side being ruined. No question, seismic developments in the game have moved the goalposts. LIV Golf and in-fighting have had a big effect and, on the face of it, it’s the Americans who will suffer.

Brooks Koepka is here, but not so some of his fellow defectors. Dustin Johnson was one of the elite. Swaggering and spitting to five points in 2021. Gone. Bryson DeChambeau, a symbol of American brute power two years ago blasting his first drive onto the green at the par-four first. Gone. Justin Thomas has gone from spraying beer in celebration over the fans in the stands at Whistling Straits to spraying golf balls across every course he stands on.

The likes of Sam Burns and Max Homa have taken over. Outstanding talents, yet not at this point with an aura to have Donald’s boys diving behind golf buggies in fear. Europe, on the other hand, has made potential advances. LIV caused captain Henrik Stenson to be axed and replaced by Donald, but the playing side is not affected adversely. Sergio Garcia became Europe’s highest-ever points scorer, but it was a farewell.

Ian