Overview

• U.S. captain Keegan Bradley said his biggest regret was the course setup at Bethpage Black, calling it a mistake and taking responsibility for the defeat.
• Once the captain’s influence ended the Sunday before play, the Match Committee controlled daily conditions, limiting any U.S. push to speed up softened greens.
• Tournament officials allowed preferred lies on the rain-soaked course, which softened greens, eased scoring, and favored Europe’s adjustments.
• Bradley’s personnel calls came under review, including not selecting himself, twice pairing Collin Morikawa with Harris English, and listing English in the envelope that kept him out of singles after Viktor Hovland withdrew.
• European captain Luke Donald’s preparation emphasized short-putt performance and marginal comforts for players, while the U.S. won most Sunday singles yet still fell two points short.