The Ryder Cup is usually guaranteed to provide three days of wonderful golf entertainment. Hopefully this will be the case again when Europe take on USA starting on the 19th September in Kentucky. Of course, one of the most significant factors in not only how much entertainment will be provided, but in the outcome of the entire tournament, is the players themselves. That’s why I have decided to have a look at how each of the teams are looking, five weeks ahead of the official sides being announced.
First up, let’s take a look at team USA. As things stand this will be the set of players who will be taking on Europe come September:
Stewart Cink, Phil Mickelson, Kevin Perry, Jim Furyk, Anthony Kim, Justin Leonard, Boo Weekley, Steve Stricker.
These are the men that, at the moment, are to be lead by captain Paul Azinger. Obviously the main man missing from this list is Tiger Woods. He had already qualified, but is unfortunately going to miss out because of injury. Overall, this is a team that has a few new names to it. Maybe that will suit the Americans. Without Tiger Woods and with the exception of Phil Mickelson - none of these players are self confessed superstars. This has been a major factor behind Europe’s success in recent years so maybe the lack of the bigger names will help Azinger and his team.
Of course this is far from the final team. There are still plenty of golf bets being placed on the likes of Woody Austin, Rocco Mediate and even Zach Johnson fighting their way up the rankings. On top of the eight players that do qualify, Arzinger must choose four wildcards.This is in contrast to the two wildcards that will be choosen by Europe’s Nick Faldo. A system which should work in Azinger’s favour. He could pick the form players who haven’t quite made it into the top eight. So, Rocco Mediate - who pushed Tiger Woods all the way in the US Open - is likely to figure even if he doesn’t make the team automatically.
Whatever happens, Azinger - who has to hand pick a third of his team - will be happy with the players he has got. He will believe they have what it takes to beat Europe for the first time since 1999. He will prepare his players to the maximum and it should be an interesting contest as always. In terms of golf betting, I am struggling to decide who to back right now. I think it will be closer than it has been for years. Maybe I will wait until the final teams are announced before making any rash predictions!
Next time I will be looking at team Europe and how they are lining up as things stand. With Colin Montgomorie, Ian Poulter, Darren Clarke and Paul Casey outside the top ten in the rankings that decide who plays, there could be some tough decions for Nick Faldo when it comes to selecting his wildcards. More on this in my next installment for Orlando Golf Blogger.
Thomas Rooney - Freelance Sports Journalist