Getting back to the OP, I cant help but think that whilst it is not in doubt Europe have the stronger team, 1-12, on paper, America will prevail in this years Ryder Cup.
I think it will be very close, but on hearing how Azinger has set the course up, and I think he will be very astute in sending out the Kentucky pair of Kenny Perry and JB Holmes together early on, I think the crowd will soon become as raucous and partizan as they did at Brookline, and I just feel that the Americans will be more "together" this time around - for once being the underdog, for once having that siege mentality, and not having the Tiger Woods quandary to deal with.
I dont think the Europeans look as strong as they have done over recent years - Poulter has floundered on the US Tour events he has played this year, Soren Hansen hasnt played much at all over there, nor has McDowell or Wilson - and while the States team has more rookie players in there, there is no doubt they have an advantage by being on home soil, with a huge base of fans whooping them up. I think Faldo will rue his choice of wildcard players also.
With America being 5/4 I see them as the value from a betting perspective, and though I hope im wrong, and know it will be close, I fancy them to shade it and will be having a decent tenner on the correct score - hedging my bets over :
USA win 15-13 @ 10/1
USA win 15.5 - 12.5 @ 12/1
USA win 16 -12 @ 14/1
|