Ryder Cup 2012 Schedule: When to Catch All the Action for International Showdown

The 2012 Ryder Cup kicks off this Friday as the Americans defend their home turf against a talented European team. 

The full schedule of events can be found at RyderCup.com.

Each day will bring more exciting action as the tension continually builds toward Sunday’s finale. On both Friday and Saturday, foursomes will start at 8:20 a.m. ET, with fourballs kicking off at 1:05 p.m. ET. 

Sunday will feature singles play beginning at 12:03 p.m. ET, and a few hours after that, the Ryder Cup winner will be revealed. Here are the players to keep an eye on throughout the tournament.

Brandt Snedeker, United States

Snedeker is on fire coming into the Ryder Cup after winning the Tour Championship and the 2012 FedEx Cup.

Leading up to the FedEx Cup playoff finale, Snedeker put himself in fifth place in the standings by finishing second at The Barclays and sixth at the Deutsche Bank Championship.

This guaranteed him the $10 million bonus if he was able to win the Tour Championship, and he succeed in the face of pressure. 

Snedeker is an incredible putter, and his skills on the green will be a significant asset for the Americans if he continues his fine form. 

Rory McIlroy, Europe

Had Snedeker not won the Tour Championship, McIlroy would unquestionably be thought of as the hottest player in golf right now.

There is still an extremely convincing argument for the youngster as the best player in the world, with the main piece of evidence being his No. 1 world ranking.

McIlroy has won three of the last five tournaments he has played in, including the PGA Championship and two FedEx Cup playoff events.

He is capable of unleashing magnificent rounds of golf, and he will likely be the Europeans’ best player at Medinah.

Tiger Woods, United States

Regardless of who is the reigning FedEx Cup winner or the current top-ranked player, Woods is always the biggest name in golf. 

He showed significant improvement throughout the season and has climbed all the way back to No. 2 in the world rankings.

But spectators are still waiting for consistent performances from Woods, as well as the ability to elevate his game during the most important moments.

Still, there has never been a greater golfing talent, and he is constantly capable of doing things on the course that no other player in the world can.

Luke Donald, Europe

While other players in the tournament have significantly more hype surrounding them, Donald’s quiet consistency will be a hugely beneficial asset for his team. 

This is Donald’s fourth Ryder Cup, and he has been victorious in each of his past appearances.

The former world No. 1 is not flashy in any way, but has few weaknesses in his skill set. He can be counted on not to make any glaring errors during the tournament.

Donald’s low-key demeanor can cause him to be overlooked, but his performance at the tournament will certainly deserve appreciation.