Ryder Cup 2014: Predictions for Top USA, European Stars at Gleneagles
Distinguishing the biggest stars for the USA and European teams in the Ryder Cup is a highly subjective exercise, as is predicting how they'll fare without any knowledge of the captains' lineups.
The 2014 international showdown at Gleneagles in Scotland will see Europe as the clear favorites, featuring a number of players with tremendous past success to draw on, including world No. 1 Rory McIlroy.
But there's something to be said for an American underdog story. Here's a pertinent fact from the Ryder Cup's official Twitter account:
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Phil Mickelson always tempts fate with his freewheeling style of play, and he's the most seasoned veteran for a diverse U.S. mix overseen by captain Tom Watson.
Although the European team has more star power, all bets are off in this match-play format and the passion it stirs for both sides.
Below is a closer look at the notable U.S. and European players and how they should fare when the competition commences on September 26.
Note: Stats are courtesy of PGATour.com and RyderCup.com.
Predictions
USA: Phil Mickelson, Keegan Bradley and Rickie Fowler
Captain's picks Webb Simpson and Hunter Mahan have been extremely inconsistent during the 2013-14 PGA Tour season, as has Bradley. All three have previous Ryder Cup experience, though—something Watson definitely valued with three rookies already in the fold.
Bradley brings the raw emotion the USA needs to thrive. He teamed with Mickelson in 2012 at Medinah to go 3-0 before the Americans lost a massive final-day lead in the singles matches.
Making his 10th appearance, there's no doubt Mickelson made the Ryder Cup a priority. After withdrawing from the BMW Championship, Mickelson made it known in a statement.
"My primary goal is to rest and prepare for the Ryder Cup," said Mickelson, via ESPN.com's Bob Harig. "Without a chance to contend at the Tour Championship, the most important thing for me now is to prepare for the Ryder Cup."
Shane Bacon of Yahoo Sports brought up an interesting singles scenario—a potential rematch of Mickelson's runner-up finish to McIlroy at the PGA Championship:
But the tone of the Ryder Cup will be set during team play, where the Americans must secure points when they can and find the proper mixes of players to pair together.
Having still not unpacked his bag from the 2012 event, no one can question how determined Bradley was to get back here—even if it wasn't totally on merit. If Watson elects to pair Mickelson and Bradley together, it just may provide the necessary spark to both their games and give the USA a big lift.
Among the young stars on the squad, though, no one can boast the consistency of Rickie Fowler. Coming off top-five finishes in all the majors, he had three top 10s in the four FedEx Cup playoff tournaments.
But Fowler still has just one tour victory on his resume. This is his time to make a real mark.
Fowler needs to lead by example among the young players. Jordan Spieth (two top 10s since the Players Championship) and Patrick Reed (disappointing FedEx Cup finish) have struggled as of late.
Look for Mickelson, Bradley and Fowler to be placed together in some combination. All three have motivation to chase down McIlroy.
Mickelson just missed at the PGA, Fowler was bested in both the PGA and British Open and Bradley lost to McIlroy in the 2012 Ryder Cup singles.
All three are great choices to play against the top-ranked player in Sunday singles. Mickelson also thrives playing with younger players, like he did with Bradley and Anthony Kim in 2008. This year's trio should create a foundation for the rest of the USA to build on.
Whether it will be enough to post a cumulative record near .500 and keep the U.S. in the thick of things remains to be seen.
Europe: Rory McIlroy, Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia
A lot of the focus has been on McIlroy—and rightly so. An amazing summer of golf didn't quite culminate in a FedEx Cup crown, so he ought to have extra motivation to get it done at Gleneagles.
The turning point in 2012 came when McIlroy was with Ian Poulter on the last day of doubles. Their 1-up victory over Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson in the final afternoon four-ball fixture was what began to turn the tide.
Poulter hasn't had the best of years, in part due to injury. However, no one can question his amazing Ryder Cup history, featuring a 12-3 record. Such stuff made Poulter a mortal lock for an at-large pick from European captain Paul McGinley.
Perhaps no one cares as much as Poulter about the event. His putter tends to heat up in the tensest moments, and he's been the USA's nemesis. Kelly Tilghman of Golf Channel weighed in on Poulter's stellar form:
There's a strong possibility McIlroy will team with Northern Irish compatriot, friend and mentor Graeme McDowell, who closed out Mahan in the decisive 2010 singles match. It was the last time Europe hosted the Ryder Cup, too.
McIlroy and McDowell have been together in the previous two competitions, going a combined 3-2-1.
Due to his lack of success in majors despite prodigious ability, Sergio Garcia might be overlooked. That would be a mistake, because the Spaniard has improved with the flat iron a lot and has gotten more mature over the years, aiding his mental fortitude between the ropes.
Other than a bad loss 5 and 4 to Kim to kick off the 2008 Ryder Cup singles, his Ryder Cup record is rather sensational at 16-8-4.
With the way McIlroy is playing, how he seems to thrive with everyone chasing him and with an experienced team to back him, he will be particularly dangerous.
McIlroy can play even more aggressively than he already does, taking on any and all flag sticks without being penalized as much in match play.
As for Poulter, he has been borderline invincible in the Ryder Cup. Based on the personnel and lack of dynamic personalities on the U.S. side, it wouldn't be wise to bet on him losing or tying more than one match.
Garcia, who like Fowler has enjoyed a great season but hasn't won, will be eager to amend falling short of the winner's circle as an individual to help Europe retain the Ryder Cup. If the home galleries get on Europe's side and the team gets early momentum, this competition could be over quickly.
The Americans will have to hope that gritty grinders such as Jim Furyk, Matt Kuchar and Johnson can help cooler heads prevail. Amid this electric atmosphere, though, the Europeans appear destined for a colossal win.
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