Ryder Cup 2014: Early Predictions for International Event
Team Europe’s stunning comeback in the Ryder Cup at Medinah in 2012 was one of the most thrilling sporting moments in recent years, so on the brink of the 2014 edition, anticipation and excitement are naturally high.
This time, the Centenary Course in Gleneagles has the privilege of hosting one of the greatest team competitions on the planet, and the squad from the United States will be desperate to regain the trophy they last held in 2008.
Here are some highlights from that encapsulating day at Medinah two years ago:
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Ahead of the event, the course looks in fine fettle, as 18-time major champion Jack Nicklaus notes, per the official Ryder Cup Twitter account:
The Golden Bear will be keen for his compatriots to shine under the captaincy of Tom Watson, but the European team, packed with stellar names, are the big favourites ahead of the upcoming match.
In this competition, though, as has proved to be the case over the course of many different Ryder Cup matches, you just never know.
Nonetheless, here are some early predictions about what can we can expect to see over three thrilling days in Gleneagles.
Rory McIlroy Will Shine Again
Now a four-time major champion, McIlroy will be desperate to crown an outstanding season with victory in the Ryder Cup. European captain Paul McGinley will be looking to the Northern Irishman to spearhead this team's charge, and given the outstanding levels of quality and mental fortitude the 25-year-old has showcased this season, expect him to duly oblige.
Throughout 2014, few players have been able to best McIlroy when he plays at his absolute finest. All areas of his game seem to be in supreme working order, and while he was once a shrinking violet in the big tournaments, he now seems to relish the pressure that comes with being a major champion.
Here’s how he’s fared in the Ryder Cup in his showings to date, per the Team Europe Twitter account:
McIlroy will be desperate to improve on that record in a tournament he clearly harbours huge admiration for. But after failing to win the Tour Championship in Atlanta recently, he insisted it’s vital he rests up before the fun gets underway in Gleneagles, per Liam Prenderville of the Mirror:
"Right now I just want to get a bit of rest and not see my golf clubs for a few days.
I'm excited to take a few days off to be honest and then I will gear up for the Ryder Cup. I want to be itching to get back on the range at the end of the week.
"
If he can recuperate fully ahead of the Ryder Cup and showcase the form that’s yielded two major championships during this calendar year, that’s bad news for the Americans. McIlroy will have a huge part to play over the course of the weekend and should be one of the key instigators of a European victory.
Spirited American Display Will Make Things Tight
The American team assembled by Watson does contain some excellent players, but the depth within the squad is far surpassed by that of the Europeans. In years gone by, the perceived underdogs have been galvanised in the Ryder Cup and subsequently rallied to produce some gripping golf, though.
Indeed, when the United States last won this coveted trophy in 2008, Team Europe were the overwhelming favourites to claim victory, but some stunning final-day play from Bubba Watson and Boo Weekley dragged the Americans over the line. So don't expect this American team—a group that contains names like Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler—to roll over in Gleneagles.
With Watson at the helm, they have an inspirational figure leading the way, and they'll battle for every single point with vigour. Europe’s vice-captain Padraig Harrington has warned his teammates that the Americans will relish the underdog tag, per BBC Sport:
"I'm worried the US are going to be better team-wise than they have ever been. I'd be wary of them coming out with a point to prove and they are seemingly loving being the underdogs.
Phil Mickelson, not having Tiger there, will be the undisputed number one captain/player in the team room. The players like him and will listen to him. I think he will be a rallying cry for the US team.
"
For many members of this team, the memories of Medinah will still be raw, and with that in mind, expect a strong showing from the visitors. Whether they have the quality to overcome not only a star-studded European team but also a raucous crowd remains to be seen, though.
Europe Will Ultimately Have Too Much Quality
The Americans will make it difficult, but at the end of three days of golf, the European players will have too much class in the tank for their opponents and should run out as comfortable victors. Indeed, when you look at the European squad, it is bursting with experience and quality, so much so that McGinley left out former World No. 1 Luke Donald from his 12-man team.
But when you look at the side in full, it’s difficult to see just where the Englishman would fit into the setup, per Coral:
Former England footballer Michael Owen agrees, and he thinks the Americans could be on the end of a hiding:
The match may not be as one-sided as Owen suggests, but there are few chinks in the armour of McGinley’s squad. If they start the tournament well, it will set a positive early precedent, and with major winners such as McIlroy, Justin Rose and Martin Kaymer on the team, it’s difficult to see Europe letting any early initiative accrued slip away.
Prediction: Europe 16-12 United States
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
