The Ryder Cup is without a doubt the greatest team event in world golf, and one of the greatest team events in international sport. It pits the entire continent of Europe against the USA. This year’s event will be staged at the Hazeltine National Golf Club in Minnesota from September 30th to October 2nd, 2016.
Europe has been dominant in this golf event in recent years winning the past three tournaments; in fact, it has taken home the Cup in six out of the last seven meetings against rival USA.
So, you could be mistaken for thinking that team Europe would start as a huge favourite at Hazeltine. However, Sun Bets have the USA as short as 4/7 with Darren Clarke’s European side at 15/8 to win the matchup outright and 11/8 to retain it; the defending champions keep the Cup in the event of a tied match.
The Year of the Rookie
Lending the US team the edge is how many well established European stars have either struggled this year, or have just missed the team. Stalwarts like Ian Poulter will be sorely missed, and past greats like Jose Maria Olazabal and Colin Montgomerie have not been easy to replace.
Europe has no fewer than six first time rookies this year in Danny Willett, Chris Wood, Andy Sullivan, Thomas Pieters, Matt Fitzpatrick and Rafa Cabrera Bello. The atmosphere will be white hot at Hazeltine, and big names like Rory McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and Henrik Stenson will have a lot riding on their shoulders.
Should these guys underperform, the USA could win this event comfortably buoyed by a passionate homegrown crowd. So what of the USA team, and why do the betting firms favour them so heavily?
Big Tournament Experience
The top end of the order for the USA is looking formidable and even at 46 years of age, Phil Mickelson can still cut it with the young guns just missing out on this year’s Open Championship. Plus, we have Jordan Spieth who is a double major winner and currently ranked top five in the world.
Add to the equation major winners like Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson and recent USPGA Champion Jimmy Walker all bringing big tournament experience to the fray. Plus, this year the US team has the celebrated Tiger Woods as Vice-Captain, along with Steve Stricker, Tom Lehman and Jim Furyk.
The Value Bet
If you don’t much relish the thought of backing the USA and fancy Europe to win the Ryder Cup yet again, then you can get various odds from numerous betting firms like SkyBet, William Hill and Coral, but the consensus is that the USA will emerge with the trophy in hand this year.
You can also take a wager on other markets, such as the leading European player and points scorer. In this market your best bet is to go with the in-form players, who will be expected to tee off in at least four if not all five matches across the three-day event. So, Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia should factor in your thought process before you throw your money down.
If you fancy a long shot and bigger odds SkyBet have some juicy ones on offer with their hole-in-one odds. For example, Ryder Cup rookie Thomas Pieters is 200/1 to make a hole-in-one along with Andy Sullivan, Chris Wood and Rafael Cabrera Bello. Contrast that with the 80/1 for Rory McIlroy to do the same thing, and it’s clear where the value lies.
