My all time favouite event in Sport , MrM...by miles.
Nothing beats this for tension and the sheer beauty of well vented bigotry (the nice kind, of course).
This year it really looks like Europe will run out winners again.
To retain the Cup @ 10/11 on
betfair? Massive value. Lumpo! Lumpo!
The big negative for USA is not just the inexperienced players , but more importantly their Capt : Tom Lehman. He is a huge handicap.
I've watched this guy as a player for many years , and although he can say he was a Major Man (1996 British Open) , he has only won another 4 PGA tournaments in a career spanning over 400 attempts.
He has worked his somewhat unorthodox swing to great effect, and managed victories on the Nationwide Tour (4) , International Tour (2) , and won a number of other team events.
During all of this he never struck me as a "leader". Too emotionally immature when it comes to an event as big as the Ryder Cup and one that requires an exceptional control of your 'head over your heart'.
Of course Europe has had their fair share of Capts who liked an outburst , but in the main they were made at choice moments , and overall the piece the Euro Capts were always seen as being able to be more detached from events, but
rarely the players.
Lehman has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders , and with such an inexperienced side to 'rouse up' , who can help him?
Woods?...he's notorious for being a loner type. Lefty?..struggle to see him breaking out in a passionate speech. Furyk?...ur having a laugh.
Bear in mind as well that Lehman will play himself if he sees the need. That's a really bad move for USA , but greeat for Europe. His form is ok, but it's tactically naive to try to be 'team + boss'.....rarely comes off. This option is an insight into the mind of Lehman and one of the biggest reasons to oppose USA.
More than likely the young guns will pump themsleves up ( no laughing at the back!). That's a possible boost in some ways , if the younger ones bond early and get 'psyched'.
Playing in Ireland will benefit Europe. I see a decent Yank contingent making it over , as they see Ireland as a 2nd home in some ways due to the history of their country. Bigger crowds than in England, anyway.
The atmosphere will be tremendous and for those who have never felt it , it will be a real shock : either kill them or cure them.
Wild card picks will be interesting, as Lehman has to go for experienced men , so as to balance the Team.
Woosnam will more likely take form over experience. Whether Darren Clarke will want to play is debateable , but I don't see him taking part. Better to match the younger element in the USA squad with current form players regardless of experience, in my opinion.
Monty will again be a huge factor in the outcome, and it's been good to see his form over the last month. His problem has always been between his ears , and not his game. The Ryder Cup brings the best out in him. The true player is seen on the greens and fairways during this tournament.
There are still places to play for and come the day of the Cup we will see a slightly different make up to both teams , but the core 5/6 players will be as they are today, and based on that I'd say EUROPE look nailed on for another victory.
Roll on Sept!!!!