Ryder Cup Predictions 2014: Projections on Latest Golf Odds and Prop Lines
Just like the NFL's Super Bowl, golf's Ryder Cup is an awe-inspiring event that never fails to captivate an audience—it's also just a little more fun with some money on the line.
We already know that a strong European team featuring world No. 1 Rory McIlroy and tournament veterans Sergio Garcia, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter is favored over a United States team that lacks significant experience and previous success at the tournament. But Vegas oddsmakers have put together several other lines that are rather intriguing as well.
If you think Europe will win in Gleneagles this year, what do you think the final score will be? Which American will fare the best? Which European will dominate? Which rookie will shine above the rest? All of these questions will be answered by the conclusion of Day 3, and we have a chance to make things a little more interesting with a wager or two while watching some compelling golf.
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Here's a look at some enthralling odds and prop lines currently being offered, followed by predictions for each.
| Europe | 27-50 |
| Tie | 11-1 |
| United States | 7-4 |
| Phil Mickelson | 6-1 |
| Rickie Fowler | 6-1 |
| Jim Furyk | 8-1 |
| Jordan Spieth | 8-1 |
| Keegan Bradley | 8-1 |
| Matt Kuchar | 8-1 |
| Bubba Watson | 10-1 |
| Hunter Mahan | 10-1 |
| Webb Simpson | 12-1 |
| Zach Johnson | 14-1 |
| Jimmy Walker | 16-1 |
| Patrick Reed | 25-1 |
| Rory McIlroy | 7-2 |
| Ian Poulter | 6-1 |
| Sergio Garcia | 6-1 |
| Justin Rose | 7-1 |
| Henrik Stenson | 8-1 |
| Graeme McDowell | 10-1 |
| Martin Kaymer | 10-1 |
| Lee Westwood | 12-1 |
| Thomas Bjorn | 16-1 |
| Jamie Donaldson | 20-1 |
| Victor Dubuisson | 20-1 |
| Stephen Gallacher | 25-1 |
| Jordan Spieth | 5-2 |
| Jimmy Walker | 9-2 |
| Patrick Reed | 6-1 |
| Jamie Donaldson | 4-1 |
| Stephen Gallacher | 5-1 |
| Victor Dubuisson | 9-2 |
All Ryder Cup odds courtesy of Odds Shark.
Predictions
Ryder Cup Winner
While Europe is expected to come through against the Americans, don't expect the United States to go down without a fight—especially after a few instances that have gone in its favor since arriving at Gleneagles.
Captain Paul McGinley's squad is experiencing some dissension in the ranks just before the onset of the tournament. Long-time pairing McIlroy and Graeme McDowell may be splitting during the fourball and foursome segments of the Ryder Cup.
BBC Sport tweeted the reason for the potential split:
This appears to be under consideration from McGinley, as the European Ryder Cup team tweeted the practice pairings for Tuesday:
Meanwhile, the Americans have been steadily practicing and gaining chemistry since landing in Scotland. In fact, the country's most dominant duo appears likely to be back at it again this year, according to this tweet from PGA Tour:
While the Americans will keep it close through the first two days, it's just too difficult to think they'll keep it together against so much talent on Europe's roster. Expect the European squad to win it on the final day of the tournament during singles play, retaining the trophy for another two years. However, we should also be counting on a valiant effort from the United States, remaining in contention down to the bitter end.
Prediction: Europe
Top American
There's plenty of talent to choose from here, but for the Americans, the pick has to be based on previous success at the Ryder Cup. That distinction would go to Zach Johnson.
The lone tournament veteran with a winning record, Johnson has played well at the Ryder Cup no matter how he's fared during the season. While he got off to a great start in 2014, wining the Hyundai Tournament of Champions, he hasn't been able to do much more than a second-place finish at the John Deere Classic since.
However, his 6-4-1 career record at the Ryder cup speaks volumes for his ability in the forthcoming formats. Comfort and confidence translates to wins in this tournament, and no American has more than Johnson.
Prediction: Zach Johnson
Top European
Common wisdom says to take McIlroy here; however, that may not be the wisest move. After all, he may not be paired with his usual partner, and that could severely hurt his scoring chances during the first two days of the tournament.
Like the American side, it reverts back to past success in the Ryder Cup, and the player with the most of it resides on Europe's team. That would be Ian Poulter.
Poulter holds a remarkable 12-3-0 record in four appearances in the tournament, earning himself the title of the American team's target—something he doesn't seem to mind, according to Golf Central:
Expect another big showing from the savvy veteran.
Prediction: Ian Poulter
Top American Rookie
The course at Gleneagles features a bevy of danger around every twist and turn. The links-style course can be overcome with gusty winds that help errant golf balls find their way into deep rough and treacherous bunkers. The importance of accuracy off the tee will go a long way for rookies of the event.
This is the reason why Jordan Spieth should take the United States' top rookie honors this year. He finished the 2014 season ranked T129 on the PGA Tour, hitting 58.79 percent of fairways. While that's not a fantastic statistic, it's better than Patrick Reed's 55.59 percent and Jimmy Walker's 51.67 percent, according to PGATour.com.
Prediction: Jordan Spieth
Top European Rookie
The European side is far more used to the ensuing tournament conditions. What will separate these players is their ability to get the ball to the hole after finding trouble. Scrambling is a big part of playing a links course, and whichever rookie can overcome his mistakes better than his American opponent will come away with the most points.
This year on the European Tour, Jamie Donaldson ranked an impressive ninth, scrambling 215 times—an average of 3.5 scrambles per round—and converting 61.3 percent of them. Stephen Gallacher ranked 62nd, and Victor Dubuisson ranked 79th in that same category, according to EuropeanTour.com.
Prediction: Jamie Donaldson
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