USA Ryder Cup Roster 2012: Golfers Vital to Holding off Underdog European Team

Led by team captain Davis Love III, the United States heads into this weekend's festivities at Medina considered prohibitive favorites to capture the 2012 Ryder Cup.

Listed at -140 according to Bovada, the oddsmakers are seemingly making a strong statement in the Yanks' favor—especially considering they have lost five of the last seven matches against the European squad. 

Nevertheless, when taking a look at the cavalcade of talent on the United States' roster, it's not hard to see the reason for the oddsmakers' confidence. The team boasts stalwarts Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson as well as 2012 major champions Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson. 

Despite the never-ending stable of talent at Love's disposal, there are a few guys who stick out as more vital than the rest to reclaiming the Ryder Cup. For that reason, here's a look at those golfers and why they will be so critical to the United States' cause. 

Tiger Woods

As is always the case in these Ryder Cup events, all eyes will be placed on Woods in singles competition and his pairing in partnered matches.

Though the former world No. 1 has never been the greatest player in the competition's history, it's fascinating to see Woods' dynamic with other golfers.

Nonetheless, this may be the most intriguing Ryder Cup of Tiger's career. Perhaps for the first time in his entire career, there are questions about whether he is still the most talented golfer in the world.

That distinction (along with the world No. 1 ranking) now belongs to 23-year-old Rory McIlroy, who is coming off a second-place finish in the FedEx Cup standings. The Northern Irishman already threw playful barbs Woods' way in preparation of the Ryder Cup and all eyes will be on the two if they face off (via ESPN's Farrell Evans).

If McIlroy gets his desired head-to-head combat, expect both golfers to play their best and give the golf world the answer to its most oft-debated question. 

Brandt Snedeker

Coming off a brilliant victory in the Tour Championship and FedEx Cup, there may be no hotter golfer in the world right now than the 31-year-old Tennessean.

Snedeker's late-season surge not only made him an infinitely richer man, but also completely justified his selection onto the Ryder Cup team.

Nevertheless, 2012 was his first true foray into top-tier play and he has still never finished any better than third in a major championship.

If Snedeker is able to handle the big moment once again at Medinah, he will be among the Americans' most-vital stars. On the other hand, if he crumbles as so many have predicted, it could put the team in a precarious position over the weekend.

Phil Mickelson

The FedEx Cup seemed to come at a perfect time for Mickelson, who had seen a massive late-season downswing in play before righting the ship in his last three tournaments.

Before finishing third at the Deutsche Bank, the 42-year-old had finished no higher than 36th in his previous seven tournaments, which included three missed cuts.

For the United States' Ryder Cup hopes, Mickelson's marked improvement could not be more welcomed. Lefty, like Tiger, does not have the best track record playing for his country, compiling an 11-17-6 record in nine appearances.

While it would be unfair to expect a resurgent performance from Mickelson this late in his career, having him playing well certainly will cause fewer sleepless nights for Love.

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