Bernhard Langer knows what it takes to beat USA on the home soil
The German Bernhard Langer knows the ingredients required to win on the US soil. The two-time Masters winner was the captain of the European Ryder Cup Team when it defeated team USA in its back yard, in 2004.
At Oakland Hills, Europe won with a record margin of 18-1/2 to 9-1/2 points eight years ago.
The former captain knows that winning on US soil is extremely tough but it is not impossible. Langer believes that the margin of victory will be the slightest and the home team will definitely have an edge over the visitors in regards to home advantage.
"There are lots of little things a captain can do that could have an influence positively or negatively on a Ryder Cup," the twice Masters champion said.
The German believes that there are numerous things which need to be done correctly by the captain.
When Langer was asked about the advice he would give to the Jose Maria Olazabal, Langer replied, "To communicate well to his players, to keep them happy, especially those guys who are not playing”.
"He has to figure out his best players on the course and if he puts someone out and if he is not confident enough or not playing well, he needs to give him a rest, give him a chance to work out his game or his putting stroke or whatever it is and hope he
will be ready for the singles”.
Picking up the right combination at the time right time will be a key factor. Those sitting out and not playing must be kept in confidence so that, when they go out for the singles, they are mentally relaxed.
Langer has himself played in ten Ryder Cups and he knows when you are sitting out, there are negative things going on in your head.
It is the duty of the captain to make sure that each and every player is on board with the team strategy.
Langer also believes that the setting of the golf course will not be much of a hindering factor. The course has been set in a way that there is very minimal rough. However, does not worry Langer much, as the Europeans also have some heavy arsenal in their
ranks.
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