Ryder Cup 2014: Americans with Most on the Line at Match-Play Event
While the Ryder Cup is a team event, there might be more pressure on individual players than any other event in golf.
In a sport where the athletes are usually competing for themselves, there are all of a sudden others counting on each player to carry his weight in the tournament. Even the pairs events can come down to the play of one key competitor.
There are 12 Americans attempting to bring the trophy back home after losing the last two competitions, but there will be a brighter spotlight on a few people. Not only will their performances determine the outcome of this event, but it will be important for their careers going forward.
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No player has more experience at the Ryder Cup than Phil Mickelson, who will be competing in his 10th competition this year.
Caddie Jim MacKay explained, “I’m somewhat surprised, but he has said that when he looks back on his career, the weeks he will remember the most are the Ryder Cup weeks,” via Jim McCabe of GolfWeek.com.
Unfortunately, Mickelson has not had much success, and the team has gone just 2-7 in his nine appearances. McCabe also notes the veteran has struggled in his own matches, earning a losing record in each event.
For his career, Mickelson is 4-5-4 in foursome play, 6-8-2 in four-ball and 4-5 in singles, bringing his total to a 14-18-6 record overall.
To make matters worse, Mickelson is coming off an awful 2014 season, as Golf Central noted:
While he did come in second at the PGA Championship, this was the only top 10 of the year, as he could not find any consistency from round to round.
The 44-year-old veteran can turn things around in both cases with a strong showing at the Ryder Cup, although this does not seem likely at this stage.
Rickie Fowler
There are few people as pumped up for the upcoming event as Rickie Fowler, who showed his patriotism with this haircut:
Fowler competed in 2010 before missing the squad in 2012, something that became a major letdown. He told Rob Doster of Athlon Sports:
"It was a struggle for me through that summer because my main goal that year was to make the Ryder Cup team. I was in position and was playing decent, and then I didn't make it well known, but after the fact, a lot of people knew that I was playing injured with my back that was giving me trouble...I've put myself in a position now where I'm locked up for the Ryder Cup team and I can go ahead and play.
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He controlled his own destiny this time around with an outstanding season, especially in majors. He did not take home any titles, but he finished in the top five in each major, proving he can come through in big moments.
Fowler also earned a top-10 finish in six of his last seven events, which should make him one of the leaders for Team USA this weekend. With a strong performance, he can take yet another step toward becoming one of the top golfers in the world.
The 25-year-old player has always had the talent, but now he can become a true fan favorite.
Webb Simpson
When Webb Simpson competed in the 2012 Ryder Cup, he was coming off a U.S. Open victory and appeared to be on his way toward becoming one of the top young players in the sport. Unfortunately, he has not reached this level of success.
Simpson has had some solid tournaments, but he is as inconsistent as they come, missing six cuts in 25 starts this year. He has a win and six total top-five finishes, but only 11 in the top 25.
This did not prevent him from being one of the final men selected by captain Tom Watson, who had good things to say about the golfer:
Still, earning this spot over someone like Billy Horschel is certain to put even more pressure on the competitor than usual, according to Chris Chase of For The Win:
"If Tom Watson had to make his captain’s picks this week instead of at the beginning of September, would he still go with Simpson over Billy Horschel? While Simpson was adequate in the FedEx Cup playoffs, Horschel was transcendent, winning the last two tournaments of the year and taking home the $10 million prize...Fairly or not, everyone will be watching the Wake Forest product. If he slips, the worldwide press will be waiting to pounce on him and Watson. As if any golfer needed more pressure at the Ryder Cup.
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Simpson has a chance to have a good tournament, likely playing alongside Bubba Watson in the team events. However, a poor showing and he will disappoint a lot of people.
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