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Home cooking has helped the US win the Ryder Cup all but three times on American soil but former captain Bernhard Langer has already proved once that he has the recipe for European success.
Eight years ago, Langer led Europe to a record victory by 18-1/2 points to 9-1/2 at Oakland Hills and the meticulous German believes his continent can triumph again this week by using a similarly subtle mix of various ingredients.
Though Langer believes home advantage will give the US a slight edge over holders Europe at Medinah Country Club, he expects the winning margin to be wafer thin, whichever team prevails.
“There are lots of little things a captain can do that could have an influence positively or negatively on a Ryder Cup,” the twice Masters champion told Reuters on Wednesday a short distance from 18th green on Medinah’s No 3 Course.
“If you can put a lot of the right pieces together, the puzzle looks a lot better than when you mess up a few pieces and it looks like a painting.”
Asked what advice he would give to European captain Jose Maria Olazabal for this week’s showdown, Langer replied: “To communicate well to his players, to keep them happy, especially those guys who are not playing.
“He has to figure out his best players on the course and if he puts someone out and if he is not confident enough or not playing well, he needs to give him a rest, give him a chance to work out his game or his putting stroke or whatever it is and hope he will be ready for the singles.
“If he has someone who is hot, let him play. Get out there and make more points. Find out who is comfortable with this golf course and with the speed of the greens and figure out who might not be comfortable.”
The fact that four players have to sit out each of the foursomes and fourballs sessions today and tomorrow gives the captain a public relations headache, according to Langer.