Rahm: Europe is '100%' the underdog at Ryder Cup
Jon Rahm wasn't even born the last time the United States won the Ryder Cup on European soil back in 1993, but the 28-year-old Spaniard insists that his side should be considered underdogs entering the 2023 edition of the event at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome.
"Of course," Rahm said when asked if the Europeans view themselves as underdogs, according to Golf.com. "If you look at accolades alone, yeah, 100%. We should be."
On paper, the U.S. squad is far superior. World No. 25 Rickie Fowler is the lowest-ranked player on the American side, while Europe has five players below that mark: Shane Lowry (34), Justin Rose (37), Robert MacIntyre (55), Ludvig Aberg (80), and Nicolai Hojgaard (82).
In terms of major championships, the European roster has a combined nine victories (four of which belong to Rory McIlroy), while the Americans have 15.
Rahm is happy to embrace the underdog mentality.
"We love being underdogs," he said. "Especially the way I've been playing lately, I usually see myself pretty high in the odds most of the week so to be in one of those where you're not, it's a nice change of pace. It's always fun to be part of a good underdog story."
Most sportsbooks would disagree that the Europeans are underdogs, though, and theScore Bet is listing it as a true pick 'em, with each side given +105 odds to win the tournament (+1100 for a tie).
Home soil is a big reason why, as it's historically proven to provide a significant advantage in the tournament. Europe has won six straight Ryder Cups at home.
Rahm's personal Ryder Cup experience has been a mixed bag. He was dialed in when the Europeans lost to the United States in 2021 at Whistling Straits, but he didn't have his A-game when Europe was victorious in 2018 at Le Golf National in France.
"This time, hopefully, it can be the best of both," he said.