Dust off your American Flag pants, Uncle Sam top hat, or your finest “Ole, ole, ole, ole” chant, it’s Ryder Cup time. Few things elicit as passionate a response from golf fans as the Ryder Cup. Watching the crowds alone will stir up your strongest feelings of nationalism, but there always seems to be incredible theater involving the matches as well.
Gleneagles Resort in Perthshire, Scotland hosts the 2014 Ryder Cup.
Every 2 years Europe takes on the Americans in a team match play tournament. The event always has built in drama due to its long, interesting history, and this year is no exception.
A summary of the event, which started in 1927, would display a lopsided dominance by the United States. The last 20 years however, have been just the opposite. Since the 1995 Ryder Cup, the U.S. has won only twice.
The European squad comes in as a heavy favorite this year which is a unique position for them. Despite dominating the last couple decades, the Europeans have done so under the guise of perennial underdogs.
The advantage stems from Europe being represented by the #1 (Rory McIlroy) and #3 (Sergio Garcia) ranked golfers in the world, with Australian Adam Scott (#2 in the world) not involved in the competition. McIlroy has displayed a dominance that makes one believe he can win anytime he chooses. Garcia is playing the best golf of his life and has an affinity for this event nearly on par with Ian Poulter. Studying the numbers further, Europe brings 4 of the top 6 golfers in the world into their clubhouse (Henrik Stenson #5, Justin Rose #6).
The highest ranking American on the list, and lone American in the top 6, is 4th-ranked Jim Furyk.
Moving through the top 20 will bring numerous Americans into the mix, but the point to be noted is the shift in favor. European Captain Paul McGinley will downplay it and previews originating from the U.S. have had 3 weeks to pump up our underdog squad, but don’t believe for a minute that Europe isn’t expected to trounce the U.S.
They say it’s tough to play the Ryder Cup as the favorite because the underdogs have nothing to lose. We’ll find out if this is true for team match play or just a manufactured application of the cliché from 20 years worth of favored American teams that couldn’t come together and get it done.
The 2014 Ryder Cup kicks off Friday September 25, 2014 through Sunday September 27, 2014.
Recent Comments