As part of their preparation for this month’s Ryder Cup, the European team have already taken a trip to the United States.
After the BMW PGA Championship wrapped up on Sunday evening, both players and staff made their way to New York.
Despite how well Keegan Bradley’s USA side has been playing – and with Scottie Scheffler in such great form – Europe still have reasons to feel confident about keeping hold of the trophy.
But one notable absence from Bethpage Black will be a key figure from the 2023 Ryder Cup squad, who was left out by Luke Donald.
Nicolas Colsaerts addresses Ryder Cup snub
Nicolas Colsaerts was part of the European team that pulled off a remarkable comeback at Medinah in 2012.
He later returned to the Ryder Cup as one of four vice-captains under Luke Donald in 2023, helping Europe to a 16.5-11.5 win in Rome.
Colsaerts had been hoping to reprise that role at Bethpage Black but was overlooked by Donald this time around. Speaking to Sky Sports, he admitted he was disappointed by the decision.
“Well, yeah, I was very disappointed because it’s a competition that I live for. It has basically been the only thing to get me out of bed for the last couple of years.
“I was extremely disappointed, but the captain is in charge. There are no hard feelings about the decision the captain made.
“Also, because of my respect for the competition and my respect for who is representing us every two years, I will always back them.
“Of course, I would have loved to be there, and more than that, I would have loved to help. It’s not really about living the week, it’s that I’m not able to help, which I’m disappointed and sad about.
“At the same time, I’m going for a couple of days, and I’m going to mingle a little bit with them early in the week. Then I’ll come and work with you guys on the build-up show on Saturday and Sunday, which I’m actually really excited about.
“I will always back the team. I will always wish them good luck. I will always think the world of the guys representing us. I hope that we keep the cup.”
Colsaerts backs familiar faces to help Europe deal with Bethpage atmosphere
The European team arrive at Bethpage Black with a nearly unchanged setup from the previous Ryder Cup, a stark contrast to the American side.
The only adjustments are Colsaerts stepping aside as vice-captain and Rasmus Hojgaard coming in for his brother Nicolai.
Colsaerts believes that familiarity could be important, especially against what is expected to be a very loud and supportive New York crowd.
“Yeah. Everyone is comfortable with one another,” he said. “You go there with that familiar feeling. Everybody knows what they have to do.
“They say, ‘Never change a winning team,’ so it’s no coincidence. Also, the challenge is different because you’re going to have to work more closely because of the crowd that you’re going to play in front of.
“From what I know, because I’m not in the loop, it looks like they’re doing everything they need to do to be ready for next week.”