Ryder Cup 2014: Predictions for Rory McIlroy and Top Stars

Golf's most patriotic event is finally upon us. As of Monday evening, neither Ryder Cup captain was revealing his pairings for foursome and fourball play over the first two days of the tournament. 

European captain Paul McGinley has been reconsidering a pairing between world No. 1 Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, according to a press conference including Doug Ferguson of The Associated Press (via RyderCup.com):

"

Three or four months ago, I had a very strong view that they would have been (partners). But the more I look at their statistics, and the more I look at the different value I have with them, I'm thinking there may be a value in not doing it. But if I don't do it, it certainly won't be because of any issues.

As both of them have said, there are no issues between them and both will be happy to play together. But it will be my decision ultimately.

"

As for the American side, captain Tom Watson's lips are sealed. Ryder Cup veteran Jim Furyk relayed his little knowledge of the situation during an interview with Rex Hoggard of GolfChannel.com: "I haven't spoken yet with Tom. I'm sure he wasn't going to bother me (at the Tour Championship). But I'm guessing we'll talk about that this week. When we land and arrive over there in Scotland, we'll be ready to go."

It's a bit tricky to determine how each player will fare in the team formats at Gleneagles.

While we don't know which players will be facing off on Day 3 during singles play, based on current trends, match-play history and how they fare on links-style courses will be a factor.

Keeping those circumstances in mind, here's a look at how each competitor should be expected to fare in singles play if they were to be matched by their respective world golf rankings.

Winner	Score	Loser	Winning Team
(1) Rory McIlroy	2-up	(4) Jim Furyk	Europe
(3) Sergio Garcia	5&4	(7) Bubba Watson	Europe
(5) Henrik Stenson	4&3	(9) Matt Kuchar	Europe
(10) Rickie Fowler	1-up	(6) Justin Rose	USA
(12) Martin Kaymer	5&4	(11) Phil Mickelson	Europe
(18) Graeme McDowell	2-up	(13) Jordan Spieth	Europe
(16) Zach Johnson	3&2	(23) Victor Dubuisson	USA
(19) Jimmy Walker	1-up	(25) Jamie Donaldson	USA
(30) Thomas Bjorn	4&3	(21) Hunter Mahan	Europe
(26) Keegan Bradley	2-up	(34) Stephen Gallacher	USA
(38) Ian Poulter	5&4	(27) Patrick Reed	Europe
(44) Lee Westwood	2-up	(33) Webb Simpson	Europe

It's tough to bet against McIlroy heading into the Ryder Cup. The world's No. 1 golfer has had an incredibly hot hand through the back half of the 2014 season and is riding plenty of momentum. While Furyk's accuracy gives him an advantage on a short, links-style course, his tendency to falter toward the end of a big round will come back to haunt him here.

The Americans may have even given McIlroy more motivation, according to Morning Drive:

Sergio Garcia against Bubba Watson could be an intriguing matchup; however, Garcia has been the hotter golfer of late, and while Watson hits the ball a long way, accuracy issues could hinder his performance. Gleneagles is jam-packed with deep bunkers and unforgiving rough.

Garcia certainly appears pumped up for the forthcoming tournament:

If Henrik Stenson were to face off against Matt Kuchar, the European side should be expected to come away with a win. While Kuchar has had a better 2014 season, Stenson hasn't played poorly of late and can take advantage of Kuchar's 0-2-0 career record in Ryder Cup singles matches.

Stenson's been clutch for Europe in the past, and the European Ryder Cup's Twitter account reminded us: 

Rickie Fowler could provide the United States with its first win during singles play. Justin Rose has a flawless 2-0-0 record in singles play at previous Ryder Cups, and despite his T4 finish at the Tour Championship, Fowler is coming in with more momentum. With three top-10 finishes over his last four tournaments, Fowler has the ability to produce an upset here.

Fowler's patriotism is already well on display, as per ESPN:

We won't know the official matchups until the captains submit their lists prior to Day 3; however, looking at the cast of all-star players set to take the course in Scotland, we can easily assume we're in for three days of compelling golf.

All Ryder Cup statistics courtesy of RyderCup.com.