Ryder Cup 2012 Schedule: Best Potential Matchups for Remainder of Event

The Ryder Cup action has begun, but the weekend matches will decide the winner of this prestigious event.

After the first session on Friday, the European team and the United States team have earned two points. Team USA is looking to take the lead with its best players going in the second session.

However, there is plenty of excitement still ahead as the European squad looks to win its seventh title in the last nine events.

Remaining Schedule (via RyderCup.com)

Day	Date	Event	Time
Sat.	Sept. 29	Foursomes (Alternate Shot)	7:20 a.m. ET
Sat.	Sept. 29	Fourballs (Best Ball)	12:05 p.m. ET
Sun.	Sept. 30	Singles Matches	11:03 a.m. - 1:04 p.m. ET

Best Potential Matchups

Foursomes: Jim Furyk and Brandt Snedeker vs. Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia

Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia came into the event as two of the best Ryder Cup participants in European history. Donald won 77 percent of potential points, while Garcia was not far behind at 67 percent.

However, their unbeaten streak in foursome matches was broken on Friday as Keegen Bradley and Phil Mickelson were able to pull away to win 4 and 3.

They will need to bounce back as veteran leaders of the European squad, but Furyk and Snedeker could be an interesting challenge if it happens. The pair did well in a loss on Friday, and they seem to work well in the alternate shot competition.

If the USA can take this win, it will go a long way in securing the overall victory.

Fourballs: Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson vs. Rory McIlory and Graeme McDowell

There is little doubt that the McIlroy-McDowell combination is the best pairing Europe has to offer. They struggled against Mickelson and Bradley, but they will still be tough to deal with for the remainder of the tournament.

One U.S. team that might be up to the challenge is Watson and Simpson. Bubba's ability to get birdies pairs well with Simpson's consistency, and it works perfectly in the four-ball competition.

This group would also contain three of the four major tournament winners from 2012, a storyline that would be interesting for all fans to follow.

Singles: Tiger Woods vs. Rory McIlory

They are unquestionably the top two golfers in the world. It would be a shame if this is not a pairing on the final day.

Not only are Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the world, respectively, but they are likely the most popular players with the biggest following. A head-to-head match play event would be not only a highlight of the tournament, but a highlight of the year.

Woods might struggle at the Ryder Cup in team competitions, but he is 4-1-1 in his career in singles matches. With these players at the top of their games, this could be the beginning of a new exciting rivalry.

Of course, the captains could think it is a better strategic decisions to avoid this matchup. If that is the case, fans would be robbed of what could be a great moment in golf history.

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