Jim Furyk Addresses U.S. Ryder Cup Team's Alternate Shot Struggles, Promises Improvements

Jim Furyk, set to captain the U.S. Ryder Cup team in 2027, acknowledged the team's recurring difficulties in alternate shot formats. Data shows a significant disadvantage: Europeans hold a 13-3 record in foursomes over the last two Ryder Cups, and Internationals a 13-5 record in the past two Presidents Cups.

"I know those numbers very, very well," Furyk stated at a "Year to Go" press conference. While the outcome for next September's event at Adare Manor remains to be seen, Furyk admitted to "issues" in foursomes and pledged to make changes.

“One, as captains, we need to do a better job, not only put the folks into good pairings in good positions, but I don’t think we are preparing for those matches in a proper way,” Furyk explained. “And I will promise you, we will be prepared. I’m going to ask this team to do more than any other United States team has in the past. We’ll be prepared. We’ll be ready to go in that format, and hopefully we can showcase our talent. We have too much depth to have that poor record in alternate shot.”

He outlined that enhanced preparation would involve both on- and off-site efforts. “To absolutely be here at Adare Manor next summer would be first and foremost,” he said. He emphasized the lead-up period, veteran players mentoring younger ones, and viewing the team as a cohesive program for the future, rather than just 12 individuals.

When asked about his pairing strategy, Furyk indicated a process that begins with understanding the course. "What’s it asking for, in both formats, whether it’s four-ball or foursomes, and then you start planning accordingly in that case," he noted. He plans to rely on a blend of analytics and input from vice captains like Justin Leonard and Stewart Cink. "I’ll gather information from all them and then make those difficult decisions with how we’re going to pair folks.”

While singles play has been a strong point for the U.S.—evidenced by wins in singles at recent Presidents Cups and Ryder Cups—Furyk stressed the need to avoid falling behind in earlier sessions. "You have to look to the first four sessions in both events and realise, seven points down at Bethpage, you’re digging too deep of a hole," he said. "I don’t care how well you play on Sunday; three points down here at Medinah."

He reiterated that alternate shot has been the primary challenge over the last four years. "That’s our focus. But the team play, we need to do a better job. We need to get ourselves into Sunday in a lot better position, and that will be the focus, obviously, team golf.”