Nick Faldo jetted over to New York from London on Sunday for the 45th Ryder Cup following an appearance at the Windsor Castle state dinner. The six-time major winner will be in the booth for NBC Sports this week – where cheering will be allowed – and he noted something interesting on the grounds of Bethpage Black upon arrival.
Behind the clubhouse sits a large sign with the Ryder Cup’s overall record, which leans heavily in the home team’s favor: 27 to 15.
Faldo, however, noted on twitter Monday that the sign should come with somewhat of an asterisk.
“Ha! Bit of psychological warfare because as we know, we Europeans know, it’s 11 to us to 7 to them over the last 40 years,” said Faldo, “ever since we were Europe and started winning as Europe.”
From 1927 through 1971, the United States took on players representing Great Britain. From 1973 to 1977, it was the U.S. vs. Great Britain and Ireland. Beginning in 1979, all of Europe was included on the team to take on the Americans.
“I shall get my Sharpie out and change the numbers,” said Faldo with a laugh.
The actual edit, however, would be 12-9-1 in Europe’s favor since the number of countries was expanded, with the Europeans retaining the Cup in 1989 after a tie at The Belfry. Since 1995, Europe holds a 10-4 advantage over the U.S.