The United States are the underdogs for the 2027 Ryder Cup, with Furyk aiming to end the team's curse when competing on European soil.

The United States (US) will enter the 2027 Ryder Cup in an unusual position. Team USA captain Jim Furyk has labelled his squad as underdogs ahead of the clash against Europe at Adare Manor, Ireland. Despite this tag, the Americans carry a critical mission: to end over three decades of hurt by finally securing an away victory on European soil.

The US last won a Ryder Cup held in Europe back in 1993, when they defeated the host side at The Belfry. In every one of the seven subsequent Ryder Cups hosted across the continent, the United States has left defeated.

Furyk has been reappointed to the captain role, having previously led Team USA at the 2018 Ryder Cup in France. That tournament ended in a heavy 10½-17½ defeat for his side against Europe.

This second chance at captaincy follows Keegan Bradley's US squad being beaten by Luke Donald's European side at Bethpage Black in 2025. The challenge awaiting Furyk is even steeper this time, as America's decades-long away losing streak in Europe returns to full public focus.

"We know exactly what we are up against. We all know it has now been 34 years since we won in Europe. There is no hiding this fact, I will hear it mentioned constantly, so I am just going to own it," stated Furyk during an official press conference at Adare Manor, County Limerick.

Furyk explained this context gives Europe a tangible advantage, most notably as Luke Donald and European vice-captain Edoardo Molinari will be able to configure the Golf Course setup to favour their team's playing style.

"Luke and Dodo [Edoardo Molinari] get to set the course, they get to tilt the playing field in Europe's favour. That makes us the underdogs," he added.

Furyk went further, asserting the United States cannot reasonably be considered tournament favourites this year, breaking the pattern of almost all previous Ryder Cup editions.

"I know historically the United States has always been installed as the pre-tournament favourites, but that will absolutely not be the case this time. We are the underdogs. We accept that reality, and we have an enormous amount of work ahead of us," he said.

However Luke Donald has rejected this underdog narrative entirely. The European captain maintains the US will still arrive with an elite, highly motivated squad determined to reverse their poor results from the last two Ryder Cups.

"If you read between the lines, he is completely locked in on this tournament. He is desperate to atone for what happened in 2018 and the last two editions," Donald told BBC Sport NI.

"He will bring an extremely strong team. That is exactly why I am not convinced they are true underdogs. They will be a formidable opponent coming here to challenge us, but we will be ready for them," he added.

Donald holds an undefeated record as Ryder Cup captain. He led Europe to a comfortable 16½-11½ victory in Rome 2023, before masterminding a dramatic 15-13 away win at Bethpage in 2025 - Europe's first away Ryder Cup triumph since 2012.

Donald is now targeting history as the first captain to lead Europe to three consecutive Ryder Cup titles. To achieve this feat, he has confirmed he will prioritise bringing emerging young talent into the squad.

Eugenio Chacarra, Angel Ayora, Alex Fitzpatrick and Kristoffer Reitan are among the potential debutants invited to recent scouting and preparation sessions at Adare Manor. Donald noted that controlled generational renewal is a core pillar of Europe's game plan.

"There is good Continuity from our last two winning squads, but I do expect there will be some fresh faces this time around," Donald said.

"New talent always emerges. The key is identifying these players properly, getting to understand their characters, and building the best possible structure to deliver success."

Furyk Targets Foursomes Fix

Alongside squad composition, Furyk has one glaring specific weakness to resolve: Team USA's catastrophic recent record in the foursomes format.

Across the last two Ryder Cups, the United States claimed only 3 out of a possible 16 total points in this alternate shot format. Furyk has described this statistic as unacceptable and non-negotiable to fix.

This failing is the top priority as he builds strategy for Adare Manor. Rather than only adjusting playing partnerships, Furyk intends to completely overhaul how the entire team trains and prepares for foursomes matches.

"I know those numbers all too well. I have lived through this slump across the last four tournaments," Furyk said.

"This is not bad luck. There are root problems. We have identified them. I am not satisfied with this situation, and I will be implementing changes."

Furyk also highlighted emerging young talent as a source of optimism. 21 year old Jackson Koivun recently completed an unbeaten debut campaign at the Presidents Cup, and has emerged as a strong contender for the 2027 squad.

"I have huge respect for all the experienced players that have represented this team over recent years," said Furyk.

"We have tough, battle proven senior players with enormous Ryder Cup experience. But I am also very excited about the incredible pool of young talent waiting for their first call up. I would wager at least two or three of these young players will be on the team at Adare Manor."

Furyk has sufficient time to build his intended blend of veteran experience and emerging youth, with one single clear target: finally bring the Ryder Cup back to the United States after this 34 year away drought.

"I will be making changes," he reiterated.

The 2027 Ryder Cup will be staged 17-19 September at Adare Manor. After over three decades without an away win in Europe, the United States will arrive carrying huge pressure, painful past experience, and a Young Generation that could finally rewrite the narrative. (BBC)