Ryder Cup Review
The smart money is on the USA but I am not so sure. The optimism for a States victory seems to be based on home form and 6 rookies in the opponents. This fails to take into account that the States have lost 8 out of the last 10 Ryder Cups. Further whilst the Europeans seem a cohesive force under Darren Clarke, there is less esprit de corps Stateside. Phil Mickleson rounded on and sounded off at captain Tom Watson at the press conference after the Gleneagles loss. He was at it again criticising Hal Sutton. The vice captains, Tiger Woods, Steve Stricker, Jim Furyk all played with poor Ryder Cup records – as does Phil Mickelson – and are part and indeed responsible for the failure in Ryder Cup competition. Besides Europe have won with five rookies in Oaklnd Hill in 2004 and with 6 at Celtic Manor, it’s form not experience that matters. Johnny Miller’s assessment of the Europeans as “the worst team they have had in any years” is ill advised. This is a team that includes an Open Champion (Henrik Stensen who effectively beat Mickelson in match play conditions), a Masters champion (Danny Willett), a Fedex winner (Rory McIlroy ) and an Olympic Champion ( Justin Rose). Spanish golfers seem to do well in the Ryder Cup, think Olly and Seve, and Sergio Garcia has only 9 losses in 32 games. So I can see his partnership with Rafa Cabrera Bello flourishing. The one area where I identify an American advantage is on the dance floor. Ironically a course , Hazeltine, was chosen to suit the bombers like Dustin Johnson but the flat stick experts like Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth and Brandt Snedeker have the edge over the Europeans. Putting is crucial in match play .
So where is the Pargie money? As ever I look to my guru Jeremy Chapman who recommends USA to win 15.5 -12.5 and 16-12 and Martin Kaymer as top European wildcard. I’m on Matt Kuchar as top American wildcard as he will partners Dustin Johnson who had in tandem a 100% record at Medinah. The only concern is that the Kooch has twice missed the cut in the US PGA at Hazeltine. Despite a skinny price I’m also backing Patrick Reed as top American and Danny Willett as top debutant. Let’s get it on!
