Ryder Cup Preview
With no Tour golf to focus on the golfing World shifts its attention to the three day masterpiece that is The Ryder Cup. The 2014 addition will be held at Gleneagles in Scotland, with many pundits asking whether the Americans can win their first Ryder Cup since 2008. The answer to that question is, much like the result of the recent Scottish referendum on independence, likely to be ‘no’.
The Americans simply do not play good team golf. Phil Mickelson is an exceptional golfer but his Ryder Cup record is a poor 14 wins from 38 matches. Tiger’s record is similarly average – he’s won 13 of 33. On the other hand the Europeans thrive in the pressure cooker. Ian Poulter is the perfect example of passion. His Ryder Cup record is impeccable – never having lost a point a singles match (12 wins and three losses in total).
Let’s look at both of The Ryder Cup teams:
Team USA
Captained by Tom Watson the team features a nice mix of Ryder Cup veterans (Mickelson, Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson) and up and coming youngsters. The youngsters in this group who have featured prominently in majors and tour golf this year may well provide the impetus the dour Americans desperately need. Keegan Bradley, Webb Simpson, Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth, and Rickie Fowler are all under 30 and should have the requisite enthusiasm based on their solid years and the fact that most of them have played recent golf in the FedEx Cup playoffs.
The one positive of the US side is that without home advantage viewers won’t have to put up with the aggressive chants of USA after every shot.
Team Europe
Paul McGinley leads a European team that is littered with top 20 golfers. Rory McIlroy who is rightly the first player mentioned when it comes to discussing the European team is joined by Garcia, Stenson, Rose and Kaymer. All of whom have played some exceptional golf at times this year. Add to the mix Ian Poulter, Lee Westwood, and Rookie of the year nominee Victor Dubuisson and the European team will again be hard to topple.
On paper the Europeans look to have the advantage. They ooze confidence and have historically found a way to use the home advantage and momentum to their benefit.
Predictions
Bet365 are offering a number of options on this weeks play. Here’s where I would be focusing my attention.
Top Debutant – Debutants don’t always see a lot of action and Jordan Spieth is attracting the bulk of the money, but I wouldn’t look past Victor Dubuisson (9/2). Three top 10s in the Match Play Championship, The Open and The PGA highlights his incredible season.
Top Combined Points Scorer – Picking one player from 24 when they’re effectively the best players in the World this year is no easy feat. Poulter’s record is incredible. Rory is in fine form and has been driving the ball beautifully. Furyk and Kuchar are incredibly solid and would make highly sought after teammates. Interesting I’m picking Sergio (8/1). Although short odds, Sergio’s team record is strong he just plays singles poorly. I’m backing him to turn it around.
Correct Points Score – Like predicting how many women Shane Warne has bedded, but lets’ try Europe to win the Ryder Cup 15-13 (15/2).
