It may have taken a long three years, but the 43rd running of the Ryder Cup is almost upon us.
The two teams – the top 12 golfers from the U.S. and their European equivalents – line up at Whistling Straits, on the edge of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin later Friday.
The draw for the opening foursomes has taken place, and, as Europeans, we are worried! Our two strongest teams face very tough opposition and if they were to fail it could be a very long weekend.
That said, the European team could have an advantage in the second pairing, with Paul Casey and Viktor Hovland taking on an out of sorts Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa, who may have a back issue.
We think this team could win a point in the morning session. This would likely mean Hovland plays again in the afternoon, but a 44-year old Casey may well be rested. Given this dynamic, and the likelihood that points may be scarce for the Europeans, we’re siding with the young Norwegian to be top European points scorer.
Still, we really do fancy the Americans on this occasion, and we fear that an early points lead could get the crowd involved, resulting in a potential landslide.
To hedge against this happening, we’re advising a punt on the American team winning all five sessions, the two foursomes and the two four balls as well as the final day singles. Paddy Power offers 14/1 on this happening, which we think offers value.
Recommendations:
Hovland to be top European points scorer, 1 pt, at 11/2, widely available
US to win all five sessions, 1 pt, at 14/1, Paddy Power
