- Jun 12, 2014
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Founding Member
I was off on Friday and got to watch both the afternoon and morning sessions. I was pleased to be treated to some really good golf. As most might know by now, the Americans swept the foursomes in the mornings, leading some to believe that it was over with the early 4-0 lead and the cup was going to definitely be returning to American soil after a long hiatus. The fast start also seemed to confirm Captain Davis Love III's evaluation that this year's team was maybe the most talented ever assembled. Almost on cue, the Euros rebounded in the afternoon four ball, winning 3 of the four matches, and leaving the points at a competitive 5-3.
Looking at the rosters of the two teams, America has a distinct advantage over Europe in terms of talent and experience. If the support group of sub-captains means anything, you've got to believe that Tiger, Furyk, and maybe even Bubba Watson have a lot they can add in terms of Ryder Cup and competitive experience overall. But those that play and follow golf know that golf is probably 90% or so mental and factors beyond the specific Ryder Cup or match play experience a player has or lacks, such as their ability to overcome a deficit or keep the pedal on the gas with a lead, how good they are at knowing when to take a chance and when to play safe and consistently executing, and how well they brother-in-law in the team competitions is the true rub. To wit, we've seen Speith and Reed for America and Stenson and Rose for Europe play some great individual and team golf to each go 1-1 while being paired together in both sessions. The long guys, Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy, haven't disappointed with both bombing drives where most of us average guys might need a cab to get to and making a lot of putts, a part of their games that at one point many thought was a giant chink in their armor. We've seen Lee Westwood play like a C player in the $5 gangsomes, Mickelson display his trademark short game and hit his drives everywhere but the fairway, and Sergio show why he is probably still the best not to have won a major (though his clock is ticking).
Today and Sunday should be just as entertaining and competitive, but if I had to forecast a conclusion it would have America winning and regaining the cup. Their overall talent and experience should bolster them and Saturday's matches where Europe's relatively unknowns will play could likely make a significant difference. However it goes, Sunday has the potential for some great individual match ups. Johnson and McIlroy, Stenson and Speith, Rose and Kuchar, and Reed and Garcia would be some I'd love to watch if the captains cooperate. This great golf without the sometimes stagnancy that you can have in any tournament that isn't a major and the 45,000+ rowdy spectators along with continental pride gives it an appeal akin to a much faster moving sport.
Looking at the rosters of the two teams, America has a distinct advantage over Europe in terms of talent and experience. If the support group of sub-captains means anything, you've got to believe that Tiger, Furyk, and maybe even Bubba Watson have a lot they can add in terms of Ryder Cup and competitive experience overall. But those that play and follow golf know that golf is probably 90% or so mental and factors beyond the specific Ryder Cup or match play experience a player has or lacks, such as their ability to overcome a deficit or keep the pedal on the gas with a lead, how good they are at knowing when to take a chance and when to play safe and consistently executing, and how well they brother-in-law in the team competitions is the true rub. To wit, we've seen Speith and Reed for America and Stenson and Rose for Europe play some great individual and team golf to each go 1-1 while being paired together in both sessions. The long guys, Dustin Johnson and Rory McIlroy, haven't disappointed with both bombing drives where most of us average guys might need a cab to get to and making a lot of putts, a part of their games that at one point many thought was a giant chink in their armor. We've seen Lee Westwood play like a C player in the $5 gangsomes, Mickelson display his trademark short game and hit his drives everywhere but the fairway, and Sergio show why he is probably still the best not to have won a major (though his clock is ticking).
Today and Sunday should be just as entertaining and competitive, but if I had to forecast a conclusion it would have America winning and regaining the cup. Their overall talent and experience should bolster them and Saturday's matches where Europe's relatively unknowns will play could likely make a significant difference. However it goes, Sunday has the potential for some great individual match ups. Johnson and McIlroy, Stenson and Speith, Rose and Kuchar, and Reed and Garcia would be some I'd love to watch if the captains cooperate. This great golf without the sometimes stagnancy that you can have in any tournament that isn't a major and the 45,000+ rowdy spectators along with continental pride gives it an appeal akin to a much faster moving sport.
(single guy)
