by (AP) – Rickie Fowler (Navajo) believes the strength of the bonds forged between members of Team USA’s Ryder Cup squad can help steer them to victory.
Hazeltine plays host the 41st edition of the competition this week, with the hosts heavily tipped to win back a title they last claimed in 2008.
Fowler, one of Davis Love III’s captain’s picks, cited the team spirit, particular among America’s emerging talents, as a potential key to victory.
“I think the friendships with the younger generation can only help us in the Ryder Cup and I think there’s a lot of younger players coming in that will have the potential of playing on this Ryder Cup team and future ones to come,” he said.
“So I’m looking forward to it. Hopefully it’s positive. We’re just going to have to play well to win.
“I feel like in Ryder Cup you build some friendships that are on another level than at times before.
“Playing alongside Jim Furyk [in 2010] we had a rolling thing and we ended up halving the match and I was playing with him and he was someone I looked up to.
“I got to play with Phil [Mickelson], he’s a good friend and someone I looked up to before turning pro.
“And then Jimmy Walker and I played a lot at the last Ryder Cup. So those are the three I’ve played a bit with.
“Jimmy’s one of my best buddies. [I hope] him and I get to play as much as we did at the last Ryder Cup and hopefully it’s not the last time him and I play together.”
