Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell will begin Europe’s defence of the Ryder Cup in a matter of hours when they tee-off in the foursomes against the experienced and ever reliable Jim Furyk and in-form and now very very rich rookie Brandt Snedeker.
The other pairings kicking-off the biennial event will see the unbeaten pairing of Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia take on Phil Mickelson and another US rookie Keegan Bradley, the surprise pairing of Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari square up against another rookie Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson and the final match of the morning will see Ian and Poulter and Justin Rose facing perhaps the most potent partnership the US can field in Steve Stricker and Tiger Woods.
The biggest talking point around this Ryder Cup seems to be who starts as the favourites and for me I just, and I mean just, give the edge to the US, the set-up of the course with every fairway made as wide as possible and the rough virtually non-existent means the likes of Watson, Johnson and Woods can really unleash it off the tee without the fear of much reprisal.
But the all important factor in golf regardless of the format is putting and while Europe can boast pressure putters like Donald, Poulter and McDowell the US can counter that with Stricker, Mickelson, Snedeker and Bradley.
The crowd will also play a huge role in the outcome at times during this event the crowd whether it be European or American, seem to be able to give players that extra 5-10% needed to hold on for a win or comeback for a half, and the crowd in Chicago will be no different.
Chicago has been desperate to host a worldwide sporting event, they haven’t secured a Super Bowl or an Olympics, but now they have three days to live up to their reputation as a sports mad town.
Even though Europe have frankly dominated this event in recent times winning six of the last eight, I still think the US will wrestle the cup back, and as all the 24 players involved are ranked in the top 35 fans have the right to expect perhaps the best contest ever.
It should be close but as the US team have more players in better form, I think they could reverse the score from Celtic Manor two years ago and win 14.5-13.5, and it’s not like I’m biased or anything but
Go Europe !!!
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