Tranlate this title Jackson Koivun tells Jim Furyk what Team USA must improve before Ryder Cup in spanish

Jackson Koivun believes the United States should spend more time practicing foursomes if they want to end their long wait for a Ryder Cup victory on European soil.

The 21-year-old American, who recently represented his country at the Presidents Cup, has offered some advice to US Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk ahead of next year’s competition in Ireland.

The Americans have not won the Ryder Cup in Europe since 1993, and their recent performances in alternate-shot matches have been one of their problems.

Team USA has won only eight of its last 34 foursomes matches across the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup since 2023.

Koivun believes more practice and better preparation could help the American players improve in this format.

Speaking on the No Laying Up podcast, the youngster suggested that Furyk should already be thinking about how his team will approach foursomes at Adare Manor.

«I think it’s just practicing it more,» Koivun said.

«I think in singles we play really, really well. Best ball we are fine.

And then alternate shot, statistically we have not been that great.»

The American also stressed that European players are often more familiar with this format because of their experience in team competitions from a young age.

«I think getting comfortable in that format, where the Europeans have played that since they have been younger and playing those team events where in the US it’s a little different.

I think practicing that and getting more comfortable having a nice, sturdy, solid plan going into the Ryder Cup and not going away from that too would be my suggestion.»

Koivun enjoyed a successful Presidents Cup debut last month, helping the United States defeat the International Team.

The 21-year-old finished with two victories and one tied match, collecting 2.5 points for his country.

He partnered Justin Thomas in two fourball matches, winning one and tying the other.

In the singles competition, Koivun defeated South Korea’s Si Woo Kim 2&1.

However, he did not participate in the foursomes matches, the same format he believes could cause problems for the Americans next year.

Koivun explains what makes foursomes difficult

Although Koivun did not play alternate shot at the Presidents Cup, he has experience with the format from his amateur career.

The American represented his country at the 2025 Walker Cup, where he played alongside Tommy Morrison.

He believes that finding players with similar styles is quite important when choosing foursomes partnerships.

«It’s very easy to gain momentum and very easy to lose momentum,» Koivun said.

«It is a weird format. I do definitely enjoy playing it.

I played two matches with Tommy Morrison at Cypress Point [at the 2025 Walker Cup] and he has been killing it, but we play similar golf and I think that is part of the key to alternate shot.

It’s playing with guys who are similar to you.»

The young American also gave an example of what could happen if he was paired with someone who hits the ball much farther than him.

«Me personally, if I get put with a guy who hits it 360 in alternate shot, it might put me in some spots I am not used to but if I’m playing with someone who plays the game in a similar way it is easier to get into a rhythm and a flow and gain that momentum.»

Koivun has had a good start to his professional career after enjoying a successful period at Auburn University.

The American won his first PGA Tour title at the 2026 3M Open and has also joined Motor City Golf Club for the next TGL season.

His Presidents Cup performances have given him additional experience in international team golf, although he will have to earn a place on Furyk’s Ryder Cup team.

Furyk admits the Americans need changes

Meanwhile, Furyk has already admitted that the United States must improve its foursomes performances before traveling to Ireland.

The former US Open champion was recently at Adare Manor with European captain Luke Donald for a press conference marking one year until the competition.

Furyk pointed out that the Americans have won only three of their last 16 foursomes matches across the previous two Ryder Cups.

The 56-year-old confirmed that changes are being made to the team’s preparation, including the qualification process and the use of statistics.

He also admitted that the United States would face a difficult task against Donald’s team.

«We know what we are up against, we also know it’s been 34 years since we won in Europe,» Furyk said.

«There is no secret, I’m going to hear it over and over again so I am going to embrace it.»

The former world No. 2 also claimed that his team would start the competition as the underdogs.

«I know it’s always been the Americans who seem to be the favourites, this year there is no chance that could happen. We are the underdogs, we understand that and we have a lot of work ahead of us.»

Furyk previously captained the Americans at the 2018 Ryder Cup in France, where Europe won 17½-10½.

He was given another opportunity after Keegan Bradley’s team lost the 2025 edition at Bethpage Black.

However, Donald does not completely agree with the idea that the Europeans will be favorites next year.

The Englishman has warned that the Americans will have a very competitive team and that Europe cannot afford to underestimate them.

«He’s going to bring a very strong team, that’s why I’m not quite so certain that they’ll definitely be the underdogs,» Donald said.

«They’ll be strong and will be coming for us but we’ll be ready.»

Donald has already led Europe to two consecutive Ryder Cup victories and will now try to win the competition for a third time as captain.

The former world No. 1 also expects some changes to his team compared with the previous two editions.

«Certainly something unique was that we had a lot of continuity with the last two teams but I expect that to shift a little bit for this one,» he said.

«There’s always new talent coming up, it’s about recognising that, getting to know new players, understanding how they tick and coming up with a great plan for success.»

The 2027 Ryder Cup will take place at Adare Manor in County Limerick from September 17 to 19.