Furyk targets foursomes preparation as U.S. plans Ryder Cup changes

Jim Furyk is planning changes to the United States’ preparation for the 2027 Ryder Cup, with its poor alternate-shot record a central concern. At Tuesday’s year-to-go press conference at Adare Manor, the U.S. captain said the team has not prepared properly for foursomes and promised more work before the next meeting with Europe.

The Americans have an 8-26 record in foursomes across their last four team competitions, according to the PGA Tour’s account. Golf Channel’s Ryan Lavner reported that Furyk rejected the idea that the repeated losses were an anomaly. The problem includes the recent Presidents Cup, where the U.S. recovered on the final day after another 5-0 foursomes session defeat.

Furyk’s response involves both the players and the staff assembling their pairings. He said preparation must improve, and Lavner reported that Furyk is planning a prospective scouting trip to Adare Manor next summer. Furyk also emphasized selecting players whose games fit the course when discussing how he approaches captain’s picks.

Some changes already exist. The PGA Tour reported that the U.S. qualification points window has been shortened to the season leading into the Ryder Cup, rather than the full two-year cycle. For 2027, points begin at The American Express in January. Furyk has also changed the analytics group, replacing Scouts Consulting Group with a team led by Justin Ray and Hunter Stewart.

Furyk has yet to name his twelve-player roster or any foursomes partnerships.

Furyk described the United States as the underdog at Adare Manor. The Americans have not won a Ryder Cup in Europe since 1993, while Europe won at home in Rome in 2023 and away at Bethpage Black in 2025.

European captain Luke Donald said he would guard against complacency despite that record. The Ryder Cup’s official report quoted Donald acknowledging the changes Furyk has been making and his motivation to challenge Europe. Donald will captain Europe for a third consecutive edition.

The repeated foursomes defeats put pressure on the preparation behind the pairings. Furyk’s Tuesday account describes changes to that process ahead of another attempt to win in Europe.