Bernhard Langer says pressure is on USA Ryder Cup team at Hazeltine
Wednesday 28 September 2016 16:26, UK
Bernhard Langer believes the pressure is on the USA team to secure Ryder Cup victory in front of an expectant home crowd.
The hosts once again have the stronger side in terms of the world rankings, with seven of the world's top 20 in their team, with one more player to be added following the conclusion of this week's Tour Championship.
Davis Love III's side head to Hazeltine having lost the previous three tournaments, with victory at Valhalla in 2008 the USA's only triumph this century.
"They (the USA) have been getting a lot of flak for not performing well recently in the Ryder Cup, so there is a lot of pressure on them," Langer told Sky Sports News HQ. "They have home advantage, which is like having a 13th man on the team.
"There are still a number of guys Love could choose. Jim Furyk is a strong player, while Bubba Watson has had a pretty good year and the long course at Hazeltine probably suits him.
"There are a couple of young players who aren't on the team and feel they could be on the team, so this is one of the hardest choices captain Love will have to make."
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Langer appeared in six winning sides during his 10 Ryder Cup appearances, before leading Europe to a record-breaking victory at Oakland Hills in 2004.
The German had five rookies at his disposal in Michigan, one less than Darren Clarke has in his team this time around, but doesn't feel that a lack of Ryder Cup experience will be a problem for Europe.
"I think it's a very strong team," Langer added. "We've got a lot of rookies in the team, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing.
"They're rookies in terms of Ryder Cups, but not rookies in terms of competing in big tournaments all around the world.
"They're going to be facing a strong American team, but I think some of the guys on the European Team are in very good form and they're all keen to fly over and get the show on the road."
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