Ryder Cup Teams 2014: X-Factors Who Will Shine in Scotland
With one of the most seesaw PGA Tour seasons in recent memory, the stage is set for the 2014 Ryder Cup to pick up where that left off.
Even though the European team is the overwhelming favorite to walk away victorious, one bad shot can change everything in golf.
Also making this year's Ryder Cup fascinating is how little pressure there is on the United States. All of the odds are in Europe's favor, including having the world's top-ranked player Rory McIlroy on the team, so no one will be shocked if America comes up short.
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However, instead of focusing all the attention on stars such as McIlroy and Bubba Watson, we wanted to talk about the less-heralded names who are capable of giving their team an unexpected edge in the various matches over the weekend.
Here are our picks for the best X-factors who will play a key role in the outcome of this year's Ryder Cup.
| United States | Europe |
| Bubba Watson | Rory McIlroy |
| Rickie Fowler | Henrik Stenson |
| Jim Furyk | Victor Dubuisson |
| Jimmy Walker | Jamie Donaldson |
| Phil Mickelson | Sergio Garcia |
| Matt Kuchar | Justin Rose |
| Jordan Spieth | Martin Kaymer |
| Patrick Reed | Thomas Bjorn |
| Zach Johnson | Graeme McDowell |
| Keegan Bradley | Lee Westwood |
| Hunter Mahan | Ian Poulter |
| Webb Simpson | Stephen Gallacher |
Rickie Fowler, United States
Let's get the elephant out of the room right away. No, Rickie Fowler isn't included on this list strictly because he had "USA" cut into his hair, via PGA Tour:
With that out of the way, let's actually discuss Fowler's golfing ability. The 25-year-old star had a year to remember, even though the brass ring was always just out of reach. He had 10 top-10 finishes in 26 PGA events, including top-five finishes in all four major tournaments.
What makes Fowler so valuable for the United States team this week is his ability to close. As long as the Americans are able to keep the score close through the foursomes and fourballs on Friday and Saturday, Sunday is Fowler's day to shine.
Take a look at Fowler's scoring average by round this season, per Golf Central's official Twitter:
In many ways, the format of the Ryder Cup helps Fowler. He doesn't have to worry about putting together four traditional rounds of golf to win, which has been his biggest weakness in an otherwise stellar season.
Instead of having to put together the lowest score each day, he just has to be better than his opponent on the first two days.
Sunday is just a free-for-all with Fowler boasting a stellar resume so far this season. He has to be great, especially on the final day, to give the United States a chance to win.
Jordan Spieth and Jimmy Walker, United States
When you look at an NFL game, one thing that analysts talk about is how a great quarterback is the ultimate equalizer. There might be one team loaded with more talent than the other, but if the latter side has the elite quarterback, they always have a chance to win.
I would use a similar sentiment about putting in golf. You can hit the ball as hard and far as you want, but it doesn't mean much if you can't close the deal on the green.
Two years ago, Tiger Woods blew an easy par putt on the 18th hole against Francesco Molinari, conceded the hole and their match was halved to give Europe a 14.5-13.5 comeback win that has been dubbed the "Miracle at Medinah."
For the United States to close the gap between Europe, it has to putt perfectly all weekend. There's no better or more efficient putter on the American team than Jordan Spieth. He has the highest one-putt percentage of any player on the PGA Tour this year (45.86 in 102 rounds).
It's a lot of pressure to put on the shoulders of a 21-year-old in his first Ryder Cup, but there were enough moments for Spieth this season, notably finishing second at the Masters, to suggest he can handle whatever gets thrown his way.
Spieth also ranks second in the world, behind Rory McIlroy, in putting average despite ranking 152nd in greens in regulation. You want someone who can save strokes on the green. It's not always pretty with the young man, but in crunch time he gets the job done.
There isn't a more complete putter on the U.S. team than Jimmy Walker. He ranks first among the 12 American players in total putting and tied for fourth in putting average.
Winning the Ryder Cup depends so much on what happens when you get on the green. Spieth and Walker are the two best putters on the American squad, so they have to be on top of their game to make things interesting heading into the final day.
Lee Westwood, Europe
We've discussed the American X-factors for the majority of this piece because that team needs a lot more to go right in order to win. However, on the European side, it's hard to get attention as the "old guy" on a team that has McIlroy and Sergio Garcia.
Lee Westwood has been solid for Europe throughout his career, which dates back to 1997. Two years ago, he played a key role in the Sunday comeback by defeating Matt Kuchar, 3 & 2, in the match that would bring the Europeans even at 12-12.
It also doesn't hurt that Westwood has found his old stroke late in the year. As noted by Jeff Shain of The New York Times, the Ryder Cup veteran came on strong during two events in August that helped him make the team:
"For a time, though, there was serious doubt about whether Westwood would be able to add to those totals. A meager summer saw him miss four consecutive cuts, including at both the U.S. Open and British Open this year.
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But work with the swing coach Mike Walker brought glimpses of the old Westwood in August. A final-round 63 lifted him into the top 20 at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational, and he tied for 15th at the P.G.A. Championship after an opening 65 that matched his best round in any major.
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Westwood also played in the Barclays event at the end of August, finishing 57th at even par, but it was his third-straight cut made. His worst round at that tournament was a 73 in the second round that prevented him from finishing in the red.
Even though it's at times a cliche we rely on too much, don't underestimate the importance Westwood brings to the younger guys on this team as a veteran presence able to put things in perspective. He's not going to be the best player on the course at Gleneagles.
If you are looking for a player who won't make mistakes, give his team a chance to win and understands the magnitude of the situation, whether it's good or bad, Westwood is the guy.
Note: Stats via PGATour.com
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