Ryder Cup Predictions 2014: Early Projections for USA vs. Europe Competition

There is a genuine excitement in the air surrounding the 2014 edition of the Ryder Cup from The Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, Scotland, and golf fans are looking for the latest predictions for the event starting on Friday.

With Team Europe dominating this match play event, the Americans are looking to bounce back under the tutelage of captain Tom Watson. The Europeans have a stacked roster, though, headlined by the hottest player in the world, Rory McIlroy.

Here are the early predictions for the 2014 Ryder Cup, the full rosters for each team and a preview of the marquee international matchup.

Team	Predicted Points	Predicted Leading Scorer
Team Europe	15.5	Rory McIlroy
Team USA	12.5	Phil Mickelson

Europe Roster (Captain: Paul McGinley)	Previous Ryder Cups
American Roster (Captain: Tom Watson)	Previous Ryder Cups
Rory McIlroy	2
Henrik Stenson	2
Victor Dubuisson	0
Jamie Donaldson	0
Sergio Garcia	6
Justin Rose	2
Martin Kaymer	2
Thomas Bjorn	2
Graeme McDowell	3
Stephen Gallacher	0
Ian Poulter	4
Lee Westwood	8
Bubba Watson	2
Rickie Fowler	1
Jim Furyk	8
Jimmy Walker	0
Phil Mickelson	9
Matt Kuchar	2
Jordan Spieth	0
Patrick Reed	0
Zach Johnson	3
Keegan Bradley	1
Webb Simpson	1
Hunter Mahan	2

Harry Engels/Getty Images

Predicting the Ryder Cup Winner

For golf fans who feel left out in the cold now that all the majors have been completed for 2014, the Ryder Cup is the kind of event to appeal to hardcore and casual fans of the sport alike.

Over the last 20 years, Team Europe has dominated Team USA, winning seven of the 10 events held during that period. The Americans were able to buck the trend in 2008 and take home a victory, but the Europeans won in 2010 and 2012.

In 2014, Team Europe will be captained by Paul McGinley. The veteran has named an incredible team that features an interesting mix of experience and youthful exuberance. The European team is headlined by the winner of the last two majors, Rory McIlroy.

When asked about winning the last two majors of the season, McIlroy spoke to Coleman McDowell of Golf Magazine regarding the pressure of being the top player for the Europeans:

"

I know I will have a target on my back but I love that and I am going to play up to it as much as I can. It’s a massive compliment whenever the opposition are talking about you. I know what a huge fillip it would be for them if I lose, but it is up to me to make sure it doesn’t happen. I’m a double major champion this year, and it’s important that I embrace that and step up and take on the responsibility.

"

While McIlroy has stolen many headlines, the real strength of the team is the depth. Between Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia, Justin Rose, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, it will be hard for the Americans to find a rhythm during the event.

Team USA won’t go down without a fight, though. Led by a strong core of veterans, including Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk, the Watson-led Americans will be a tenacious group looking to bring the Ryder Cup home for the USA.

CEO of the PGA of America, Peter Bevacqua, and the official Twitter of the American Ryder Cup team tweeted out their excitement:

"

Ryder Cup bound with Capt. Watson and Team USA. Go USA! @pgaofamerica @RyderCupUSA

— Peter Bevacqua (@PeterBevacqua) September 21, 2014"

While Team Europe has plenty of depth, Team USA is bringing just as much firepower to Scotland as the home team. The roster features talented players such as Bubba Watson, Rickie Fowler, Matt Kuchar, Jordan Spieth, Zach Johnson, Keegan Bradley and Hunter Mahan, and that will afford Tom Watson the opportunity to build the best possible team to counter the Europeans.

There is so much talent on both teams. The key will be consistent play from every member of the roster when given the opportunity to shine. With each team possessing the ability to win, experience will be a major factor.

With Team Europe possessing a slight edge in overall talent, a consistent three days of play at Gleneagles Hotel will result in yet another win for the defending champions.

Predicted Winner: Team Europe, 15.5-12.5

*Stats via PGATour.com.

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