Ryder Cup Betting – Europe/USA Predictions
The 39th version of the Ryder Cup is finally here and it may be one of the most anticipated in a very long time. Team Europe, headed by Rory McIlroy will try to defend the Cup against a stacked and HOT American team. The 24 players from each team all are among the top 35 in the world ranking.
2012 Ryder Cup
Dates: Friday, September 28th – Sunday, September 30th, 2012
Location: Medinah Country Club, Medinah, IL
Defending Ryder Cup Winner: Europe
TV Coverage – Network: NBC, ESPN, Sky Sports, BBC
Europe has nine players who have combined to win 15 tournaments this year. The United States has 11 players who have combined to win 15 tournaments this year.
The Ryder Cup features 28 matches spread over 3 days. It is notable as one of the few major golf tournaments to use a match play scoring system.
Unlike stroke play, the match play system awards players/teams a point for every hole in which they get the better of their opponent. September 28th and 29th will see the play of 8 foursome matches (where golfers compete in teams of two using the same ball, the winner being the team that completes the whole in the fewest shots) and 8 fourball matches (where golfers compete in teams of two, but all golfers use their own ball.
The round is awarded to the team of the golfer who completes the whole in the fewest shots).
This sets up the tournament finale on September 30th, 12 singles matches featuring all 12 team members. The results of the 28 matches are added cumulatively, meaning team USA need 14.5 points to regain the cup from team Europe, who will retain the trophy if the competition is tied.
If you aren’t looking forward to this one – you simply aren’t a golf fan! Here is a breakdown of the teams and the betting odds ahead of possibly the best weekend on the 2012 golf calendar! [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Europe: +126
1. Rory McIlroy
2. Luke Donald
3. Lee Westwood
4. Justin Rose
5. Graeme McDowell
6. Paul Lawrie
7. Francesco Molinari
8. Sergio Garcia
9. Peter Hanson
10. Martin Kaymer
11. Ian Poulter*
12. Nicolas Colsaerts*
* Denotes a captain’s pick
Europe boasts three of the top four players in the world and has eight players with outright winning Ryder Cup records, the most notable being Donald 8-2-1, Westwood 16-11-6 and Sergio Garcia 14-6-4. There are some names largely unfamiliar with North American courses on the European team – Nicolas Colsaerts, Paul Lawrie and Francisco Molinari have lived on the European Tout this year and have little experience on American soil facing hostile American fans.
USA: -146
1. Tiger Woods
2. Bubba Watson
3. Jason Dufner
4. Keegan Bradley
5. Webb Simpson
6. Zach Johnson
7. Matt Kuchar
8. Phil Mickelson
9. Jim Furyk*
10. Steve Stricker*
11. Dustin Johnson*
12. Brandt Snedeker*
* Denotes a captain’s pick
The Americans do not have a single player with a winning Ryder Cup record but they do have one of the hottest players on the planet – Captain’s Brilliant Pick Brandt Snedeker. There are absolutely ne weaknesses on this team – they are comfortable on this course and they will have an amped crowd behind them.
And then there is Tiger Woods who will have a lot to prove on a massive stage after a disappointing TOUR Championship last week.
The odds for a Draw +1000 and the odds for No Draw are -1500
Betting Prediction
This Ryder Cup could be the closest to call on paper in years. Both teams are stacked with top tier talent. The US has dominated Sunday action at the Ryder Cup the last few years – these singles matches will likely determine this year’s victor as well.
I like the Americans to get it done in front of a home crowd – they appear slightly better top to bottom and they have more players entering the weekend on highs.
It will be close for sure but I like the US to get it done at home this week in thrilling fashion.
Pick: USA -146
PGA Lines/Odds Feeds Will UPDATE When Bovada/Bodog updates their lines for this week. Check back soon.
