2012 USA Ryder Cup Team: Players Who Must Lead Americans to Victory

Let's get one thing clear—the United States should win this year's Ryder Cup. From top to bottom, they have the deeper, more talented side. 

However, given that the European team as won six of the last eight in this event, nothing is guaranteed. Nothing.

That means a few choice players are going to need to step up in a big way to ensure that the Americans get the win. From the usual suspects for the United States to a few new faces, the following players need to be under par rather than subpar in this always anticipated competition.

Tiger Woods

It's always about Tiger Woods. Always. Even in a team competition, all eyes will be on him. 

He led the way in qualification points, so he's the top U.S. player heading into the event in the first place. While he's been inconsistent for the team in the past, he and Steve Stricker generally play well together and most expect them to be paired once again.

However, Tiger's performance could be psychological for the rest of the team as well. If he struggles, that becomes the story everyone focuses on. Even if he's not the dominant golfer he once was, the "Can the U.S. win without Tiger?" stories come to the forefront.

His failure hurts the team in every regard. Tiger needs to show up in a big way for this U.S. side once the Ryder Cup rolls around.

Phil Mickelson

Much of what was written about Woods holds true for Phil Mickelson as well. He's another player that is going to illicit a response and if his play is poor, he'll attract attention for all of the wrong reasons.

Lefty is cool enough to play off any negative attention—and his pairing will be important—but in his record ninth Ryder Cup needs, Lefty needs to lead the way.

Don't think he doesn't have some magic up his sleeve. He's played great golf of late, with two top-five finishes in the last two tournaments. He'll need to stay in that groove for this U.S. side.

The Rookies

One of the best putters on Tour in 2012, Brandt Snedeker will be making his first appearance on the Ryder Cup squad. He'll be under some pressure—along with the rest of the captain's picks—to prove he deserved his selection over Hunter Mahan, who has won twice this year.

Meanwhile, Jason Dufner, Keegan Bradley and Webb Simpson all qualified in points but will also be making their Ryder Cup debuts. It's no wonder captain Davis Love III added experienced veterans Jim Furyk and Steve Stricker with two of his four captain's selections.

The new guns will be expected to step in and handle business for this U.S. side. If the bright lights bother them—and by bright lights, I guess I mean the sun—the United States will be in serious trouble.

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