Xander Schauffele: It will take “nothing special” to win Ryder Cup

US Ryder Cup star Xander Schauffele has put down an early marker ahead of this month’s hotly anticipated clash with Europe.

The 29-year-old wasn’t born the last time his nation beat their fierce rivals on the road but claims it will take “nothing special” to end that drought in Rome.

Speaking to Sports Illustrated, he said: “It may sound weird, but we didn’t do anything special at Whistling Straits.

“All the boys who were there are aware of that, and we have quite a few repeat guys on the team. We’re not really tainted by that sort of talk.”

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Team USA hasn’t lifted the historic trophy on European soil since 1993 when Tom Watson captained his side to glory at The Belfry.

Schauffele only made his Ryder Cup debut two years ago as part of a landslide home triumph at Whistling Straits.

And the seven-time PGA Tour winner is not interested in the America’s bleak record away from home.

He said: “People told me we haven’t won since before I was born. I think that’s great because I don’t really care. I don’t think anyone really cares.

“No one has talked about it, because of course, no one likes talking about losing. It isn’t really something that’s been brought up a lot to us.

“We’re looking forward to the week and bringing that thing back.”

The Olympic Gold Medal winner did not join Zach Johnson and nine of his teammates on their scouting mission last week.

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Schauffele missed out on the team trip due to previous commitments but fired another dig at Europe for what Team USA encountered.

He said: “A lot of good intel from the boys.

“Some very interesting things about the rough. It looks brutal. There’s like four to six different types of grass in it.

“Depending on where your ball ends up—there’s just no real way to practice for it. The fairways are this tight paspalum grass, as we’re told.

“I’m sure the Europeans tried to trick it up a little bit for our boys that went to go practice. I’m sure it’ll look different when we’re there come tournament time.”

Schauffele won all three pair’s matches on his debut, losing just one match to Rory McIlroy in Sunday singles.

John Turnbull A graduate of the University of Stirling, John joined the bunkered team in 2023 as a Content Producer, with a responsibility for covering all breaking news, tour news, grassroots content and much more besides. A keen golfer, he plays the majority of his golf at Falkirk Golf Club. Top of his 'bucket list' is a round of Pebble Beach... ideally in the company of Gareth Bale.