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Ryder Cup Predictions

By: Nick Bonfield | Sun 21 Sep 2014


Nick Bonfield lists a few of the things he's expecting to see at the 40th staging of golf’s biggest and best event at the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles.  Let us know what your thoughts, predictions and hopes are in the comments below.


Ryder CupIt seems like just yesterday when the talismanic Ian Poulter dragged Europe single-handedly from the abyss en route to one of the most incredible comebacks in the history of sport. With Europe seemingly down and out, the cocksure Londoner birdied his final five holes during the Saturday fourballs at Medinah to rejuvenate his on-looking teammates and instill a sense of hope. Everyone played their part during a scintillating Sunday – the most enthralling day of golf I’ve ever witnessed – but most agree Poulter’s heroics we’re the precursor to European success.

But that is all confined to the annuls of golfing history with the 2014 contest at Gleneagles just a matter of days away. Of course, matchplay golf, and the Ryder Cup especially, is inherently unpredictable, and the fervently patriotic US side – labeled as comfortable second favourites with all the bookmakers – will be desperate to avenge a series of heart-breaking recent defeats. Ryder Cup prediction is notoriously difficult, but below, I’ve listed a few things I’m expecting to see at the 40th staging of golf’s biggest and best event.

Key holes:

In my mind, two of the key holes at Gleneagles are the 9th and the 14th. The former is a long par 5, but Paul McGinely has moved the tees up to ensure it’s reachable for most of the players on both sides, even into the prevailing wind. It will produce numerous birdies and at least a couple of eagles, and a hole victory here will provide some good momentum heading into the back nine. That said, water comes into play, so birdies are by no means guaranteed. It’s an excellent matchplay proposition and one that looks poised to produce a hole winner more often than not.

As we saw at both Celtic Manor and Medinah, a driveable par-4 brings so much excitement, especially when it comes at a potentially pivotal point on the back nine. The 16th at Celtic Manor and the 14th at Medinah were both drivable par 4s, and both facilitated momentum shifts in a number of matches throughout the course of the three days. At Gleneages, the 14th can be reached by the bigger hitters, and the temptation to chase an eagle will be felt by most players – especially those behind in their matches. It’s a hole that should produce some real drama.

Top European points scorer:

I’ve changed my mind in this category on a number of occasions, but I’ve finally settled on Justin Rose. Why? Firstly, I think he’ll play in every session, thanks to his remarkable consistency, temperament and experience. His game – which is centered on driving accuracy and greens in regulation – is perfectly suited to Gleneagles, making him an excellent partner in foursomes. He comes into the Ryder Cup in good form following a 4th-place finish in the Tour Championship, his cup record is excellent and he’s never been beaten in the singles.

Top European rookie:

I think Victor Dubuisson – a man who comes into the Ryder Cup very much under the radar having played a limited schedule over the last couple of months – will turn some heads at Gleneagles. Much has been made of his reserved nature and demeanour, but the ability to control your emotions, maintain an unflappable character and stay calm under pressure is hugely valuable in matchplay golf. He’s a wonderfully gifted player with a brilliant short-game and he showed in winning his first European Tour event – the Turkish Airlines Open, a field containing the likes of Woods, Stenson and Rose – and during his stunning debut performance in the WGC-Accenture Matchplay that he has the constitution to cope with the big occasion. It remains to be seen how often Dubuisson will be utilised in a European side brimming with world-class players, but I think he’ll be a real asset.

Top US points scorer:

I like the look of Rickie Fowler in this category. The young American has had a break-out season, despite failing to record victory. He finished inside the top five in all four majors – with only an inspired McIlroy thwarting him at the Open and US PGA – and we know that he feels comfortable playing golf on any course in any conditions. He impressed en debut at Celtic Manor in 2010 – a course with a number of similarities with Gleneagles – and he should play in most, if not all, of the sessions. He’s an aggressive golfer with a sound all-round game and someone who won’t be phased if conditions deteriorate, so he looks a shrewd bet as top US points scorer.

Top US rookie:

I’ve been very impressed with Jimmy Walker this season. The American has come out of seemingly nowhere to win three PGA Tour events and finish top of US Ryder Cup qualification. He’s performed well in the majors, too. Walker has honed a very consistent swing – much like Fowler – under the stewardship of Butch Harmon in a coaching switch that’s undoubtedly contributed to his success. What’s more, he’s extremely solid in all areas. Last season on the PGA Tour, he ranked 11th in Strokes Gained: Putting, 19th in Driving Distance, 12th in Scoring Average and 24th in the All-Around Ranking. Granted, he doesn’t have a great deal of experience in Europe, but with Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed going through period of indifferent form, Walker gets my vote.

Crowd impact huge

Paul McGinley has been encouraging the European gallery to be loud and partisan (yet respectful) in their support of his side, and I think they will have a massive impact. The crowd was absolutely fantastic at Celtic Manor four years ago and you’d expect the Scots to be very vocal, with the Ryder Cup returning for the first time since 1973 and one of their own, Stephen Gallacher, selected by McGinley to make his Ryder Cup debut. If Europe gets off to a strong start on Friday, the combination of momentum and crowd support could be a very tough thing for the Americans to nullify.

Possible pairings: Europe

It’ll be interesting to see how McGinley sees his group of players, but there are some pairings I’m expecting to be rekindled. I think McIlroy will team up with McDowell, Westwood will pair Garcia and Poulter will play with Rose. Elsewhere, I think a Dubuisson/Kaymer partnership could work, as could a Gallacher/Stenson combination. But the reality is the squad of players is so strong and versatile that most players could team up relatively seamlessly.

Possible pairings: USA

You have to think Mickelson will play alongside Bradley again after their unbeaten run at Medinah. Watson and Simpson made a good pair two years ago and I think we’ll see that again. If I was Tom Watson, I’d definitely pair Fowler with Furyk, I’d put Kuchar and Johnson together and I’d also be tempted to harness the confidence, aggression and fearlessness of youth and play Spieth alongside Reed.

The end result?

It’s a tough one to call and I’m expecting a close encounter, but the strength of the European side and home advantage should lead to a European victory. I’ll go for Europe 15 – 13 USA.

What do you think ?  let us know your thoughts in the comments below ....


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