Ryder Cup conspiracy theory: Is THIS the reason why USA are struggling at Le Golf National
A RYDER CUP theory is circling in America over why their golfers have flopped at Le Golf National.
The American press have blasted the PGA Tour over the last few days for the way they manage the courses for the country's top players.
It's claimed that American players on the PGA Tour are 'mollycoddled' and that they put pressure on to have courses with wide fairways to suit the big-hitting players.
Then, if they don't like a set-up and they don't change it, the PGA Tour will then take that particular course off the schedule.
Le Golf National in Paris rewards accuracy off the tee with significant rough and tight fairways.
Only a handful of holes at Le Golf National provide an opportunity to hit a driver off the tee - and that in itself curtails some of the Americans’ strength.
Of the top 11 golf players this season in driving distance on the PGA Tour this season, five are Americans - Tony Finau, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Bubba Watson and Justin Thomas.
It's a far cry from the vast Hazeltine course that Justin Rose labelled an "absolute joke" with a "pro-am feel in terms of the pin placements".
"They were all middle of the green," Rose added. "I don’t quite understand that, to be honest with you. We want to showcase our skills. We want to be tested.”
You'll see a different American group out there today
The conditions have been played far better by Europe, who hold a 10-6 lead going into the final day.
But Sky Sports pundit Butch Harmon, who used to coach Tiger Woods, doesn't think the Ryder Cup is over.
"I think you'll see a different American group out there today because they're in their own environment, I'm in control of my own ball," he said.
"I don't have a partner, I don't have to hit one shot and wait. This is how they play very week.
"This for them has become a medal play event against the guy they are playing.
"The American stars have got to come to the forefront today. Justin Thomas and Rickie Fowler, they have to show up today for America to have any chance.
"If they don't, it could become a long day for them."