Ryder Cup Odds 2014: Predictions for Latest Prop Bets and Betting Lines
Because of the way Rory McIlroy dominated the last few months of the golf season, as well as Martin Kaymer's performance at the U.S. Open and Henrik Stenson's overall consistency, it looks as if the Europeans have a leg up on the Americans heading into the 2014 Ryder Cup.
If McIlroy, Kaymer and Stenson play the way they're capable of, they could make it very tough on Team USA. Here are the latest odds.
| Bet | Europe | USA | Tie |
| Winner | -185 | +175 | +1100 |
| To Lift The Trophy | -225 | +175 | - |
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All odds per Odds Shark.
If you're convinced that the Europeans will come away with the victory but you're looking for something else to wager on, prop bets might be of some interest.
Here are two basic but interesting gimmick wagers.
Ryder Cup 2014—Top American Rookie
- Jordan Spieth +125
- Jimmy Walker +175
- Patrick Reed +250
Jimmy Walker started the season like he was going to be a threat in every tournament he played in. By the first week of February, Walker had three wins. Unfortunately, he cooled off in a major way for the rest of the year.
He had just one more top-five finish the rest of the season. The major question for Walker at the Ryder Cup is, will the moment be too big for him? He could be staring down the likes of McIlroy, Lee Westwood, Sergio Garcia and several more accomplished players on the European side. Can he hold his own in fourball, foursomes and head-to-head? Has he built up enough swagger to perform in these situations?
From a pure talent standpoint, Jordan Spieth is the best rookie. He didn't capture a major this year, but he was competitive in most of the tournaments with high-quality fields.
That said, his lack of poise during the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship back in February might be reason to be discouraged about his performance in the Ryder Cup. Spieth seemed to get down on himself when he struggled to find his rhythm, and it showed.
Afterward, Spieth acknowledged his behavior and apologized.
Per Rex Hoggard of the Golf Channel, Spieth said, "I didn’t have my swing, but I was a little mental midget out there. Actually kind of embarrassing looking back. I was dropping clubs and kind of just whining ... and you just can’t do that. In match play you’ve got to keep your cool. Anytime you show that, it’s weakness."
Spieth has grown a great deal over the past year. He's likely learned from that mistake, and he'll be better prepared to play well at the Ryder Cup.
He's the pick to shine brightest among American rookies.
Ryder Cup 2014—Top Points Scorer
USA
- Rickie Fowler 12/1
- Phil Mickelson 12/1
- Matt Kuchar 18/1
- Jim Furyk 18/1
- Keegan Bradley 18/1
- Bubba Watson 22/1
- Jordan Spieth 18/1
- Hunter Mahan 22/1
- Webb Simpson 25/1
- Zach Johnson 28/1
- Jimmy Walker 40/1
- Patrick Reed 50/1
Europe
- Rory McIlroy 7/1
- Sergio Garcia 10/1
- Justin Rose 11/1
- Ian Poulter 10/1
- Henrik Stenson 14/1
- Graeme McDowell 16/1
- Martin Kaymer 16/1
- Lee Westwood 20/1
- Victor Dubuisson 33/1
- Thomas Bjorn 28/1
- Jamie Donaldson 28/1
- Stephen Gallacher 33/1
We all know that Mickelson and Garcia are capable of playing lights-out golf, but Lefty's age (43) and Garcia's penchant for shrinking in pressure situations should make prop bettors nervous.
Instead of looking for a player who might surprise, this year's top performer will be one of the favorites. The way Fowler and McIlroy finished the season, it seems clear they are headed toward an entertaining and competitive rivalry in 2015.
This year's Ryder Cup could serve as a preview.
McIlroy ascended to No. 1 in the world after winning The Open Championship, the Bridgestone Invitational and the PGA Championship. In the process, he acquired an air of confidence that we used to associate with Tiger Woods.
Fowler has made the transition from young, up-and-coming player to one of the best in the world. Though he didn't win a tournament, Fowler finished in the top 10 in seven of his last nine outings.
The top performer will be between McIlroy and Fowler, but who will generate the most points for his team? Fowler's time is coming, but not yet. It's Rory's world right now, and he'll prove it at the Ryder Cup by being the top point-winner.
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