The 37th Ryder Cup may be a few months away yet, but I am looking forward to the build up and tournament itself already. It is always a thrilling few days of sporting entertainment. Especially when you consider that Europe have won it on the last three occasions.
The most recent was in 2006 when a Darren Clarke inspired Europe thrashed USA by 18 ½ points to 9 ½ points whilst donning those fabulous pink shirts on the final day at the K Club. It was a ridiculously large victory margin for the Europeans and the Americans will still be hurting. That’s why this year will surely be much, much closer.
Back in 2006 the Americans were dis-jointed, lacking leadership and looked a lot like a group of individuals rather than a team. That’s always been their major criticism. Tiger Woods who is by far the best player in the world during individual tournaments, simply doesn’t perform for his country. He may well have been their leading point scorer last time around, but they still need more from him. If he plays like he can do, it will send positive vibes throughout the USA team.
Everyone knows the following Tiger gets. Therefore if he chips in from the edge of the green to eagle the first hole, those at the 9th and 10th will know about it. Players, caddies and fans should know that when they hear a big cheer from afar it means that Tiger has done something special.
Tiger Woods needs to make moments like this a regular occurrence in Kentucky this September. If he does, I am certain it will help his team mates raise their game. I would bet on Tiger Woodsto be somewhere near his best this time around. This will be the year he leads his team as he always should have done.
In contrast to the American team, Europe prides itself on team moral and togetherness. There has always been a strong unity between the players and under the guidance of new captain Nick Faldo this will be no different. However, the talent in this European team cannot be underestimated.
Players like Sergio Garcia, Padraig Harrington, Justin Rose and Luke Donald have been in and around the top ten golfers in the world for quite some time now. Lee Westwood and Miguel Angel Jimenez are also moving their way up the rankings, with the latter recently securing his first PGA Championship title after a tense play-off against emerging Englishman Oliver Wilson at Wentworth.
From a British point-of view, the European Ryder Cup as it stands makes for very good reading. Lee Westwood is one of three Englishman in the line up along with Ryder Cup virgins Justin Rose and Nick Dougherty. They are joined by Ireland’s Padraig Harrington and Northern Ireland’s Graham McDowell.
Although it is nice to see Europe beat USA, it is made extra special when there is plenty of British involvement. Cast your minds back to when Colin Montgomerie sunk the winning putt back in 2004. That was a very special moment and one which European and British golf will never forget.
Overall, I think this year’s tournament will be a lot closer than last time. The Americans are dominating the world rankings right now and Tiger Woods has looked more unstoppable than ever in the last couple of years. Like I have said I expect him to be a success in this years tournament, but it won’t be quite enough for the Americans.
With consideration to your golf betting this year, I would suggest a narrow European victory with Justin Rose slotting home the winning putt on the final day. What a few days of golf would proceed scenarios such as that. I for one cannot wait.
1 comment so far
1 Miranda // May 31, 2008 at 10:11 pm
I think this year’s Ryder Cup will be very close. To me, it doesn’t seem like the European players are all that inspired to make the team like they were in 2006. Back then Sergio talked about changing his playing schedule to earn enough points to make the team, this year, I haven’t heard that kind of desire coming from him, although he did win the Players and has apparently gotten some points for that. I have a feeling that Faldo as captain might have something to do with the Europeans’ interest in the team. Something tells me that neither the Americans nor the Europeans are all that excited to play for Faldo or Azinger. Aside from wanting Kenny Perry and JB Holmes to make the US Team, the one thing I’m waiting to see is if Azinger actually sits out Tiger or makes him play with someone he doesn’t want to play with. In the past, every other captain has catered to Tiger, to the detriment of the team. I want to see Azinger take charge.