Team events such as the Ryder Cup have a unique standing in the world of professional golf. The sport is usually very individualistic, with golfers only performing for themselves and competing directly with every other player on the course at a given moment.
That dynamic very much switches when it comes to the Ryder Cup, with players on both sides desperate to claim the trophy for their teams in Rome over the coming days.
The Americans produced a comprehensive victory at Whistling Straits two years ago, winning by a record margin in Wisconsin. From a European perspective, they will be hoping to avoid a first defeat on home soil since 1993.
Of course, the nature of this event means that some players will be tasked with joining forces with peers that they otherwise might not interact all that often with.
Ryder Cup teammate says he has no issue with Brooks Koepka
Brooks Koepka is some who has not been afraid to speak his mind when it comes to giving his opinions on other golfers, something has resulted in some memorable quotes in the past.
One of the arrived at The Masters earlier this year, when he said a group in front of him involving Patrick Cantlay was 'brutally slow' during the final round of the tournament.
Yeah, the group in front of us was brutally slow. Jon [Rahm] went to the bathroom like seven times during the round, and we were still waiting.
That pair will now be part of the same American team at this year's Ryder Cup.
Cantlay has been criticised by quite a few other players for the pace of his play, although he does not seem to take the remarks personally.
Speaking in Italy earlier today, he said he has no issue with Koepka despite those comments. He also admitted that he would quite enjoy if the European fans began to give him a hard time for his approach to the game this week.
Not from my part at all. I think looking back at his comments, it was in general about it being slow.
So no, not a big deal at all, and I'm his biggest fan this week...
It would be great. I don't mind.
Any of that stuff I think in this format really makes it what it is. I mean, you want people to care and try to get under your skin in this tournament, so I'm looking forward to it.
Every Ryder Cup needs a villain, with there being a good chance that Patrick Cantlay could play that role this year.
You get the sense that it is something he would thoroughly enjoy.
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