# U.S. Golf's Match Play Kryptonite

> Team USA's golf turnaround needs a blueprint from track and field's success.
- Title: U.S. Golf's Match Play Kryptonite · Golf | Shortify
- Summary: Team USA's golf turnaround needs a blueprint from track and field's success. U.S. golf teams make fewer putts than opponents in match play, but adopting…
- Keywords: us golf, team usa, presidents cup, match play, one team, relay teams, usatf, track and field, sprinters, golf, rider cup, sports
- Source: Golf — https://golf.com/news/team-usa-match-play-turnaround-sprinting
- Published: 2026-10-04T21:45:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: us golf, team usa, presidents cup, match play, one team, relay teams, usatf, track and field, sprinters, golf, rider cup, sports
## U.S. Golf's Match Play Problem
Team USA's golf turnaround should start with a visit to USA Track and Field.
## The Putt Deficit
The Internationals made more putts in foursomes play at the Presidents Cup in 2026.
## Data Backs the Putt Claim
Over four team events, the Americans made half as many birdies as opponents in opening foursomes sessions.
## The Luck Factor
American team golf makes fewer putts than opponents in alternate shot, but luck is something you make.
## European Success
Under Luke Donald, the Europeans created a competitive machine with analytics and team practices.
## U.S. Track and Field Lessons
American sprinters failed to medal in five straight Olympics despite having the fastest individual sprinters.
## Carl Lewis' Critique
Carl Lewis wrote on Twitter that it is time to blow up the USATF system.
## USATF's 'One Team' Program
USATF announced a new program called 'One Team' to revamp relay team performance.
## Relay Success
Since the 'One Team' system went into effect in 2026, U.S. relay teams have won 10 titles.
## World Record Relay
The American men won gold with a world-leading time of 37.43 in the 4×100 men's relay.
## USATF's Approach
USATF focused on team cohesion, wearable technology, and baton handoff improvements.
## The Time Factor
U.S. golf has eleven months until the Ryder Cup in Ireland, while track and field has a lifetime to change.
## The Lesson
Adopting track and field's 'One Team' system could fix U.S. golf's match play issues.
## The Path Forward
U.S. golf needs to act quickly to improve match play performance before the Ryder Cup.
## Key takeaway

U.S. golf teams make fewer putts than opponents in match play, but adopting track and field's 'One Team' system could improve their performance.