Ryder Cup 2012: Most Disappointing Golfers so Far

The Ryder Cup is an event unlike any other in golf.  Friday's matches saw some great performances, most of which were on the American side.  But which golfers have been the most disappointing so far?

Let's start with the Americans.  They're trying to rebound from a loss in 2010, and after the first day's results, they look primed to do just that.

According to SBNation.com, after splitting Friday morning's four matches, the Americans won three out of four in the afternoon to enter today's play with a 5-3 advantage.  That was without the help of Tiger Woods, who along with partner Steve Stricker, lost both of his matchups. 

Woods was subsequently left out of the lineup for the Day 2 morning groupings.  That marks the first time in his seven Ryder Cup appearances he's been inactive for a session. 

Tiger's career record fell to 13-16-2 in Ryder Cup play, per ESPN.com.  That poor winning percentage is indicative of the struggles Woods has had in a tournament that draws in so many casual fans of the game.

The draw of the USA versus anyone in a major sporting event always attracts attention.  Tiger was never one to cave under pressure in the biggest moments, but even before his "slump" over the last few years, he's never seemed comfortable with the Ryder Cup format.

Whether it's the raucous crowds that are much more vocal than they are at any PGA event, or the unique setup that the tournament is played under, Woods' play has always left golf fans wanting and expecting more.

As for the Europeans, it's been two veterans that have been the most disappointing so far. 

According to RyderCup.com, Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald both sit at 0-2 entering Day 2's afternoon session.  They were paired together Friday morning, and were handled pretty easily by Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley.  Garcia and Donald were the only pairing on either side to bogey the par-5 14th hole.

Neither of them saw action in Friday afternoon's groupings, so they were both looking to get back on track this morning.  Donald was paired with Lee Westwood, and they were annihilated by the duo of Mickelson and Bradley, 7 & 6.

Sergio's match was much closer, as he was paired with Nicolas Colsaerts.  They still lost, 2 & 1, to Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson. 

Both squads are hoping these struggling vets can regroup for the rest of Day 2 and all of Day 3.  These three won't have a lot of time to reflect on what's gone wrong, and that's part of the intrigue of the Ryder Cup. 

Today's goats can be tomorrow's heroes.