Ryder Cup 2014: Live Updates for Day 1 Scoring and Standings for USA vs. Europe
Two years ago, the American team entered the final day of the Ryder Cup with a four-point lead on home soil and watched as Europe stormed back to win. If that doesn't serve as motivation as it arrives in Scotland for the 40th edition of the event, nothing will.
Notably absent from this year's matches is Tiger Woods. He served as the anchor in singles at Medinah, but Europe had already secured victory by the time his match ended. Now he's out with ongoing back issues, leaving Team USA without its biggest star.
That has to add an extra dose of confidence to the European side, which has already won five of the past six matchups. Let's check out all of the key information for the latest clash along with a look at the most important players for the 2014 Ryder Cup.
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Key Information
Where: Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, Scotland
When: Sept. 26 – 28
Watch: NBC and Golf Channel
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra
Live Updates: Official Ryder Cup Site
Most Important Players
Team USA: Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley
The tandem of Mickelson and Bradley showed remarkable chemistry two years ago. The veteran experience of the five-time major champion combined with the youthful exuberance of the 2011 PGA Championship winner helped spark Team USA to that early lead.
They went 3-0 together, winning a pair of foursomes matches and a fourball match. It included victories over opposing teams that included Luke Donald (twice), Sergio Garcia, Rory McIlroy, Graeme McDowell and Lee Westwood. That's a remarkable effort.
Getting them back together should provide some stability to an American squad, as the opening match showed. They give captain Tom Watson one team he can count on, even if he's forced to juggle the other pairs. Golf Channel notes Hall of Famer Johnny Miller agrees:
Mickelson and Bradley may not go undefeated again, especially if they are asked to play all four rounds of pairs this time around. But for the Americans to have a chance to regain the Cup, they need to provide some energy and post a winning record.
Team Europe: Ian Poulter
Poulter is a golfer with a boxer's mentality. He's never been able to string four great days in a row together to win a major title, but he excels in these head-to-head situations. That's why he's on the team as a captain's pick despite an up-and-down season.
The Englishman holds a 12-4 record in 16 Ryder Cup matches, putting him on pace to become one of the most successful players in the event's history. He's also won a pair of match play tournaments, further illustrating his ability to thrive in this type of format.
One possible reason for that is his fiery approach. It's not something that works particularly well in majors, where it pays to remain even-keeled, but it's perfect for the Ryder Cup. And you can feel that emotion from him in comments passed along by Bob Harig of ESPN.com.
"Just the pride of what it means to put the shirt on, to walk over the bridge and through the tunnel and soak up the electricity that you get from the crowd is something which is the biggest adrenaline rush you could ever possibly have. It only happens every two years. It's been a long time to wait between those weeks. It's something that keeps you going.
"
The European team features a boatload of talent and an experienced captain in Paul McGinley. What it needs, however, is a leader on the course. That's the role Poulter must assume if Europe is going to defend the Ryder Cup title.
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