Ryder Cup 2021: Why the US will SMOKE Europe at Whistling Straits
Here is why GolfMagic thinks Europe have a massive task on their hands to retain the Ryder Cup.
The Ryder Cup is only days away, and the Americans are going to win.
At least, that's my feeling for three days of golf that has always been notoriously difficult to predict with results that defy logic.
It's where a lonely person's sport is transformed by a team environment, thousands of fans lining the fairways cheering over every shot.
But this year has a different feel for an event that has been three years in the making thanks to the global pandemic, and it favours the US.
There is no doubt the rookies will have a huge say at Whistling Straits. Six for US captain Steve Stricker and three for Padraig Harrington.
There's always an element of risk when picking a rookie - you'll have no real idea how they respond.
The pressure, the crowds, the increasing tension.
Yet we've been surprised over the years by the likes of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson who seldom deliver their best.
So who knows what will happen, right?
Well, there is a certain element to that, but surely if we take a deeper look at the US side they'll be feeling confident.
They do have twice as many rookies to their opposite number, but can you really call them rookies?
Especially when they are major winners with Presidents Cup experience?
They are not rookies in your traditional sense.
They've won big tournaments with big prize money on the line. Held clutch putts. Got up and down when they needed to.
It could be a defining feature of Whistling Straits.
But surely if you're going to put Collin Morikawa up against anyone, you'll favour quite possibly the best iron player in the world.
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"Moli, Moli Moli..."
A partnership of two best friends who won four out of four matches at the 2018 Ryder Cup.
@PEGA | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/kGMZkbe3T0— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 14, 2021
I do think the Americans seem better prepared this time around, they've got to the course early.
Their captain is saying the right things and the blend of the team seems a bit better.
There's a massive element of public relations with regards to Brooks Koepka and Bryson DeChambeau's social media war.
Do they really not like each other, or are they just nonplussed over each other? I suggest the latter.
Xander Schauffele, Jordan Spieth, Daniel Berger and Justin Thomas all grew up on the tour together.
They've played against each other in college and seem like quite a close-knit group.
Any pairings with those four is a formidable partnership and one that will take some seriously good golf to claim a point.
Stricker has good vice-captains. Davis Love III endured a crushing defeat at Medinah in 2012, but settled the score at Hazeltine.
He's a veteran of six Ryder Cups as a player and was an assistant to Corey Pavin in 2010 at Celtic Manor.
He's a calm, measured presence that commands respect.
The same can be said of Freddie Couples, Phil Mickelson, Zach Johnson and Jim Furyk who will be vice-captains to Stricker.
They're all well liked. The blend is good.
Then there is the course, a typical PGA Tour course. 8,000 yards.
The Europeans will have to be hitting their long irons well. If there is an advantage herE, it favours the Americans.
The crowd will carry huge momentum for the US side. The Americans are so desperate for a win. You'll be able to hear for the roars for miles.
It certainly does feel like an uphill task for Padraig Harrington's side. But if they do manage to pull it off, it'll be one of the greatest wins ever.
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Ben joined GolfMagic as Content Executive in September 2021 just before the Ryder Cup and has contributed significantly to the growth of the site. Ben now assumes our Content Manager role, specialising in PGA Tour, DP World Tour and LIV Golf content.
