Ryder Cup talking points: Something old, something new, something Covid, winner in blue?

Few events in sports are parsed out and dissected more completely than Ryder Cup, where the second guessing often starts before the competition does. The captains don’t hit a single shot, but they are judged on the outcome nonetheless. Here are the primary talking points before the 43rd Ryder Cup matches.

United States captain Steve Stricker and European counterpart Padraig Harrington pose with the Ryder Cup. Picture: Andrew Redington, Getty Images

OLD WELL

The European team has been on an amazing run of success dating back to 1985 and the formula has been simple – ride the hearts and putters of proven veterans. Pádraig Harrington did not deviate from the blueprint, adding stalwarts Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter as captain’s picks to a roster that boasts five players making at least their fifth appearance in the biennial matches. Had Bernd Wiesberger not slipped into the final qualifying spot on the European points list at the deadline, Justin Rose would likely be in the team as well.