Kohler (United States) (AFP)

Postponed for a year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the 43rd edition of the Ryder Cup kicks off Friday in Wisconsin, where the United States and its contingent of players from the top 10 world will try to retake the trophy from the 'Europe.

On the windy Whistling Straits course, nestled between cliffs and hills along Lake Michigan, the Americans, admittedly deprived of Tiger Woods, still recovering seven months after the serious car accident that broke his right leg, are favorites against Europeans who had imposed themselves three years ago in France, in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines.

In any case, this is the opinion expressed by their captain Steve Striker: "I have the impression that on paper, given the world rankings, we are a stronger team. But I don't think our guys are leaving with this idea that we are better. They know deep down how hard it will be to beat them. "

The last example calls for caution: in 2018, the United States presented a formidable team, made up of players who had won 10 of the previous 16 Grand Slams, but they were outclassed 17.5 to 10.5.

- To Europeans the experience -

This time, they have eight players ranked in the top ten in the world: Dustin Johnson (N.2) winner of the Masters 2020, Collin Morikawa (N.3) winner of the British Open this summer, Patrick Cantlay (N.4) FedEx Cup winner, Xander Sc Chaudele (N.5) Olympic gold medalist in Tokyo, Justin Thomas (N.6), Bryson DeChambeau (N.7), Tony Finau (N.9) and Brooks Koepka (N. 10).

The experienced Paul Casey of the European team trains on the course of Whistling Straits for his participation in the 43rd Ryder Cup, September 22, 2021 Andrew Redington Getty / AFP / Archives

Opposite, only the Spaniard Jon Rahm, world No. 1, who opened his major counter at the US Open this year, is part of this hat.

At his side will be notably his compatriot Sergio Garcia, the Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy, ex-world number one, the British Tommy Fleetwood, Ian Poulter and Shane Lowry, winner of the British Open 2019. All of them regulars.

The experience is on the European side, as only three players out of 12 will make their debut in the event against six for the Americans.

Symbol of this important parameter, Garcia is the one who has scored the most points (25.5) in the history of the event in nine participations.

Star golfer Rory McIlroy of the European Ryder Cup team practices on the greens of Whistling Straits, Wisconsin on September 22, 2021, two days before the start of the 43rd edition Warren Little Getty / AFP / Archives

"We have a strong team there. The experience counts a lot when you play away from home. It was true several times when we crossed the Atlantic", recalled the Irish Padraig Harrington, captain. of the European team, winner of nine of the last 12 editions and three of the last six contested on American soil, which gradually made it possible to close the gap in the prize list (26 American successes, 14 Europeans, 2 draws).

- Public heated to white -

Motivation is easy to find for Poulter, who has never lost a Ryder Cup singles match.

"Everything is against us. When you're in the shoes of the underdog, you can turn the tide and come out victorious, that means a little more. I hope we can tap into all the energy we need. "

The United States will be able to count on the unconditional support of some 40,000 supporters expected each day, because the entry restrictions on the territory for European fans are still in force.

Numerous supporters at the training of the American Brooks Koepka, here at hole # 17 of the Whistling Straits course, before the 43rd edition of the Ryder Cup, September 22, 2021 Mike Ehrmann Getty / AFP / Archives

“There will be some noise. We need that, we play at home. But we also hope that they don't cross the line, as we have seen at other Ryders over the years,” said Steve Striker, who expects a first tee "10 times more electric than usual on Friday".

"I was called a turd in Hazeltine, Minnesota, in 2016. It was the first time I was called a turd since I was 12, in a playground," recalls Lee Westwood, one of the four forties of the European team, while the American workforce has rarely been so young.

"At the end of the week, experience and inexperience will have been weighed several times to determine the result," anticipates Padraig Harrington, seeing it as a cause for hope.

© 2021 AFP