Ryder Cup Preview

Tomorrow, the 40th Ryder Cup will kick off from Gleneagles, Scotland.  There is no question that the United States needs a win - badly.  The competition has become incredibly one-sided and this year, Europe is perceived as the heavy favorite to once again win Samuel Ryder's cup.  

The home team Europeans, lead by the Irishman Paul McGinley, boats a star-studded lineup led by the No. 1 player in the world Rory McIlroy.  Veteran players such as Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, and Lee Westwood will also be formidable.  But for as vaunted as the European team appears to be, they have weaknesses as well.  Stenson, Westwood, and Poulter have all struggled heading into this year's competition.  McDowell has not played his finest golf the last few months.  Neither has Martin Kaymer.  Thomas Bjorn is 43 years old, has been a vice-captain three times, and his game can be spotty.  And rookie Victor Dubuisson has been AWOL for the last few months.  Garcia and McIlroy are clearly the hottest players on the European team, but another European win will require more than just top play from a few players.  

The underdog American team, led by Tom Watson, will look to gain momentum from young players like Jordan Spieth and Rickie Fowler.  There are also lots of questions surrounding the United States team for players such as Patrick Reed and Webb Simpson who have struggled for the last several months.  Phil Mickelson is the elder statesman of the team.  I would not expect to see Phil out for all five sessions.  Many of the United States players will be looking for redemption following the collapse at Medinah two years ago.  

Ultimately, I think that the United States team knows they need this win more than the Europeans do.  There is a reason that Tom Watson was selected as the captain this year.  The losing has to end.  

Prediction: 

Europe: 13

United States: 15