Heading into this week's Ryder Cup, it's fair to say that it's going to take a monumental effort from the European team to stop the USA from winning the trophy away from home for the first time since 1993.
The most recent edition of the event was a huge embarrassment from a European perspective, coming out on the wrong side of a 19-9 scoreline at Whistling Straits. They will also have the less talented team on this occasion, although they will be hoping that home advantage can swing things in their favour.
One noticeable thing about this year Europe team is its relative lack of experience. The 12-man roster features no less than four rookies, with two other players making only their second appearance.
As well as that, the migration of some big name players to LIV Golf has left Luke Donald a bit short when it came to selecting vice-captains. The likes of Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood, and Ian Poulter fall into that category.
None of that trio will be involved on this occasion, with Jon Rahm recently saying that he felt it was 'stupid' not to include his compatriot Garcia in the team in some way.
I think it would be really stupid of anybody not to lean on Sergio Garcia's experience in the Ryder Cup. I mean, he is the best player Europe has ever had, won the most points and has shown it time and time again.
If he were able to be a vice-captain, I absolutely would lean on him. Same as we are going to lean on (Jose Maria Olazabal) this coming Ryder Cup, right.
The players who moved to LIV Golf gave up their membership of the DP World Tour as a result, meaning they were no longer eligible to be selected as players.
Luke Donald opens up on Sergio Garcia Ryder Cup absence
Luke Donald will have the likes of Francesco Molinari, Edoardo Molinari, Thomas Bjørn, Nicolas Colsaerts and José María Olazábal as his vice-captains in Rome, although some may feel that he has missed a trick by not including Sergio Garcia in some capacity.
Speaking at a Ryder Cup press conference this afternoon, the Englishman was asked about Rahm's comments relating to Garcia. He said it was not something he could have considered.
Obviously we know the situation with Sergio. He resigned his situation five months ago, and once that happened, he was ineligible for me to even consider him.
I know there was some stories about him trying to pay off some fines and stuff. Obviously we know what the DP World Tour rules are, and once you resign, can you not reapply for membership until the following year.
Again, those things will be decided in the future. Right now I'm just concentrating on my 12 guys that I have this week. My sole focus is dealing with those guys over the next six days and giving them the best opportunity for success.
It seems that there was never any possibility that Sergio Garcia was going to be involved in this edition of the Ryder Cup, although that could change in the future after PIF's partnership with the PGA Tour kicks in.
For now, Europe will have to make do with the roster available to them if they are to reclaim the trophy this weekend.
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