I don't know what to say really. 86 minutes to the biggest battle of our professional lives. It all comes down to today...
Or something like that.
The final day of a Ryder Cup is guaranteed to be a special day, and the 2012 edition should be no different. Europe have been outplayed by a superior team over the last two days, but some sheer terrifying blood 'n' guts from a certain guy have given them just a sniff at a chance in the singles. Yes, 10-6 is a huge deficit to make up, on foreign soil, against a team as hot as Davis Love III's team. But you can guarantee that José María Olazábal's team will not give up until that 14 1/2 mark is reached by either team.
Looking at the pairings, I feel slightly more optimistic. There's no match there that scares me in particular; even those of our players who haven't performed so far seem to be coming up against their U.S. counterparts (basically Kaymer and Stricker). Olazábal had no option but to put his best foot forward - there's no point holding back some big guns for the later matches if we go out and drop the first three. Love has the option of mixing around his talent to some extent, although he too looks to be trying to get the Cup safe as soon as possible. He has left a certain man until the end though, should things get tough...
Bubba Watson v. Luke Donald
Tough to get two more different players. The wild, unpredictable, crowd-revving Watson against the quiet, tidy Luke Donald. Don't doubt the mutual respect between these two, however. Bubba has been great so far, although Webb Simpson's putter has helped him a lot. Donald did well to hold on to his point last night after Woods and Stricker fought back, and his tee shot to the 17th shows his nerve under pressure. This should be a fantastic opening match.
Donald to win 3&2
Webb Simpson v. Ian Poulter
Ian Poulter's performance last night was, quite simply, one of the greatest performances I have ever seen in sport. The man is a Ryder Cup machine. He wants to get his point in the bag early today and, despite the quality of Webb Simpson's play, it's tough to go against him. He's up against one of the U.S. team's most consistent players so far, but the same was true in Wales, where he handed Matt Kuchar a 5&4 drubbing. I think he's got one more game in him.
Poulter to win 4&3
Keegan Bradley v. Rory McIlroy
Poulter may have birdied the final 5 last night, but McIlroy holed a great putt on the 13th to get the fightback started. That said, he contributed little else in the round, and has looked pretty flat since his first nine holes on Friday morning. Keegan Bradley has been anything but flat - I don't know if I've ever seen an American as pumped as that man. He made it clear that he wanted a shot at McIlroy - he's got it now, and I only see this going one way.
Bradley to win 4&3
Phil Mickelson v. Justin Rose
It's interesting to see that Love has kept his first two pairs as close as possible for each other - does he feel that Mickelson and Bradley will be able to feed off each other from 300 yards? He might be right - it's a different Phil Mickelson in this Ryder Cup - he too will be without a red-hot partner on the greens, but you can tell he's enjoying this. Rose has picked up two points alongside Poulter, but yesterday morning he was beginning to wobble around the greens, and didn't play in the afternoon. Tight match, but I think the home team will make it 2-2 here.
Mickelson to win 2&1
Brandt Snedeker v. Paul Lawrie
Paul Lawrie has played a lot of decent golf for his two losses, and I fancy him to do well today. He's seen it all before, so won't be easily rattled by anything that happens on the course or in the crowds. Snedeker has had a solid debut Cup, and has shown himself again to be a great putter, but I think he'll miss the steady Furyk at his side.
Lawrie to win 1 up
Dustin Johnson v. Nicolas Colsaerts
Don't bother looking at the first 350 yards of any hole in this match. These boys can hit it hard. DJ has picked up two points, but he has Matt Kuchar to thank for plenty. He made a great birdie putt on the 17th yesterday to deny Colsaerts and Lawrie, so you can be sure the Belgian wants revenge. He's been impressive in his first Ryder Cup, and don't forget that he won the European Tour matchplay earlier this year.
Colsaerts to win 2&1
Zach Johnson v. Graeme McDowell
I don't know if there's a tidier player in the world than Zach Johnson, and he's used it to his team's advantage in the 2012 Ryder Cup. He's up against the other big firebrand in the European team who, after a rest yesterday evening, will be itching to contribute to another win. Few players thrive on pressure as much as McDowell, but this is a really tough match to call - I'll go for the first share of the week.
Halved match
Jim Furyk v. Sergio Garcia
He who holes wins here. Both players have played solid stuff, but Sergio needs to make some putts if he's to take a point off Furyk. Ryder Cup time used to be when Sergio found his putter, but it hasn't been great this year, and he lost his last singles back in 2008. You know how much he cares about the Ryder Cup though, and his win last night should have given him some confidence.
Garcia to win 1 up
Jason Dufner v. Peter Hanson
I could just watch Jason Dufner play forever. He mixes sleepiness with mild surprise like no one else. He's also been on fire so far in this tournament - there wasn't much more he and Zach could have done last night against the Poulter juggernaut - you just have to accept it and move on.
Peter Hanson didn't get much of a game on Friday, coming up against the Bubba/Simpson fireworks, and it's tough to say how he's playing. He's as steady as they come, but I would worry that it's a little late for steadiness at this point.
Dufner to win 3&2
Matt Kuchar v. Lee Westwood
Kuchar has been very good. Westwood has been awful. I think Westwood will lift his game for the situation, but there's no way he can match Kuchar on the greens. Nothing more to say here.
Kuchar to win 4&3
Steve Stricker v. Martin Kaymer
Oh God. Really? The way these two have been playing so far, this could be dull. I think they're both great players, but neither is in great form, and even Stricker's putting seems to have gone on holiday. He probably still has enough to see off a simply out of form Kaymer.
Stricker to win 3&2
Tiger Woods v. Francesco Molinari
So. Is Love hiding Tiger or holding him back. The way he plays singles, and the way he's played the back nine this week, I think it's the latter. It's been a tale of two halves for Woods this week, but he's been trying so hard to find a win and, in truth, is unlucky to have 0/3. Molinari started to get going yesterday evening, but had too much ground to make up against Bubba and Simpson. He played (and lost to) Tiger in Wales in 2010, so at least he won't be put off by that. If he makes some putts, the Italian has a chance. I fear, however, that this match won't be crucial.
Woods to win 4&3
So that's that. 6.5 - 5.5, leaving the final score at 16.5 - 11.5.
If it goes like this, we'll be in for an exciting day, with Europe making up some early ground. All in all though, I can't see them limiting the U.S. to 4 points, and the home team should take a very well deserved victory.
Enjoy it - after this, there's no Ryder Cup for two years.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Help Needed
So we're 12 points into the Ryder Cup, and we're all thinking the same thing - why can't Ian Poulter play all our matches?
You can't blame the captain for his team's poor play, but the one massive mistake Olazábal made was leaving out Ian Poulter yesterday afternoon - if Europe have a chance of winning this Ryder Cup then Poulter will be contributing plenty of points and guts.
The fourball pairings are out for Saturday afternoon, and the big news is that the unstoppable force of Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson has been stopped. I have no hesitation in saying that this is a stupid decision from the captain - no matter what your pre-match plans are, you have to be flexible. When you're playing that well you want to go straight back out there - fatigue is not nor will not be an issue. It's a let-off for the Europeans and they need to take advantage.
Match 13: Dustin Johnson & Matt Kuchar v. Nicolas Colsaerts & Paul Lawrie
The big worry here is that Colsaerts will have been brought back down to earth and have lost some confidence after some shaky moments this morning. However, he's good enough to know that fourballs is a different game, and having the calm (although most boring man in the world) Paul Lawrie alongside him should be a help.
DJ and Kuchar won their match very quietly and confidently yesterday - Kuchar doesn't make mistakes and Johnson makes heaps of birdies - that sounds like a good combo to me. Kuchar will hole any putt he looks and and is just the friendliest guy in golf.
Verdict: This is going to be a tough match for Europe - Colsaerts is going to need to replicate some of his Friday form, while Lawrie needs to play an anchor role. The two pairings are similar enough, but I think Kuchar's putting could be the difference here.
U.S. to win 3&2
Match 14: Webb Simpson & Bubba Watson v. Justin Rose & Francesco Molinari
Justin Rose has another partner today after another successful morning with Ian Poulter. He picks up GIR-machine Francesco Molinari, who never really got going with Westwood yesterday morning. My concern is that Francesco isn't a great putter, and Rose missed a few down the stretch this morning, but I like the look of this pairing in general.
Simpson and Bubba were looking good early on in the foursomes, but a couple of creaks around the turn proved enough for Europe to pounce. That said, Bubba showed his cool under the gun when he hit a marvellous approach to the 18th, which Simpson just failed to convert. Another cracking fourball pairing, marrying Bubba's flair and power with Simpson's all-round class.
Verdict: Really tough game to call, and maybe I'm just being partisan, but I think Europe can get something out of this one. Don't expect it to finish early though.
Halved Match
Match 15: Steve Stricker & Tiger Woods v. Luke Donald & Sergio Garcia
After a horrible morning yesterday, Tiger played some great golf in the afternoon, particularly on the back nine. The steady Stricker could have done more to back him up, but you can bet your life that this pair are out for blood.
Donald and Sergio were Bricklesoned (totally going to catch on) yesterday morning, and neither has looked in great touch throughout the two days. Donald even missed some short-mid length putts today, which is not normal service. He must take the chances he creates this afternoon, and Sergio needs to find some of his Ryder Cup magic.
Verdict: I'm afraid I only see this going one way. Tiger showed me enough class yesterday to prove that he's going to take his first point of 2012.
U.S. to win 2&1
Match 16: Jason Dufner & Zach Johnson v. Rory McIlroy & Ian Poulter
Rory McIlroy has lost one firebrand in Graeme McDowell but has been given the ultimate in Ian Poulter. The Northern Irish pair haven't played well since about the 12th hole on Friday morning - they managed to hang on to a win in that match, but have been distinctly lacklustre since then. We knew McIlroy would need to hole putts, and he simply hasn't, although his stroke's looked decent.
Dropping McDowell is a brave decision, but maybe McIlroy needs a different approach. He holed some nice putts towards the end of the foursomes, and hopefully he can carry that forward. Poulter is just great.
Dufner and Johnson have played reasonably tidy golf, as expected, holing putts when needed. Despite their 2 points from 2 matches so far, I don't think McIlroy and Poulter should fear them too much in the fourballs. A vital match for Europe to shore up the day's play.
Verdict: I hope that we can finally have a slightly more comfortable victory here although, knowing how the Ryder Cup works, probably not.
Europe to win 4&3
So that's another prediction for a 2 1/2 -1 1/2 session, this time in the U.S.'s favour. That'd leave the overnight score at 10.5-6.5. The U.S's famous 1999 comeback was from 10-6 down - we really need to win this session and keep the deficit to a maximum of 3 points.
So far, the Ryder Cup has not disappointed. Let's see if Europe can contribute some more of the excitement.
You can't blame the captain for his team's poor play, but the one massive mistake Olazábal made was leaving out Ian Poulter yesterday afternoon - if Europe have a chance of winning this Ryder Cup then Poulter will be contributing plenty of points and guts.
The fourball pairings are out for Saturday afternoon, and the big news is that the unstoppable force of Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson has been stopped. I have no hesitation in saying that this is a stupid decision from the captain - no matter what your pre-match plans are, you have to be flexible. When you're playing that well you want to go straight back out there - fatigue is not nor will not be an issue. It's a let-off for the Europeans and they need to take advantage.
Match 13: Dustin Johnson & Matt Kuchar v. Nicolas Colsaerts & Paul Lawrie
The big worry here is that Colsaerts will have been brought back down to earth and have lost some confidence after some shaky moments this morning. However, he's good enough to know that fourballs is a different game, and having the calm (although most boring man in the world) Paul Lawrie alongside him should be a help.
DJ and Kuchar won their match very quietly and confidently yesterday - Kuchar doesn't make mistakes and Johnson makes heaps of birdies - that sounds like a good combo to me. Kuchar will hole any putt he looks and and is just the friendliest guy in golf.
Verdict: This is going to be a tough match for Europe - Colsaerts is going to need to replicate some of his Friday form, while Lawrie needs to play an anchor role. The two pairings are similar enough, but I think Kuchar's putting could be the difference here.
U.S. to win 3&2
Match 14: Webb Simpson & Bubba Watson v. Justin Rose & Francesco Molinari
Justin Rose has another partner today after another successful morning with Ian Poulter. He picks up GIR-machine Francesco Molinari, who never really got going with Westwood yesterday morning. My concern is that Francesco isn't a great putter, and Rose missed a few down the stretch this morning, but I like the look of this pairing in general.
Simpson and Bubba were looking good early on in the foursomes, but a couple of creaks around the turn proved enough for Europe to pounce. That said, Bubba showed his cool under the gun when he hit a marvellous approach to the 18th, which Simpson just failed to convert. Another cracking fourball pairing, marrying Bubba's flair and power with Simpson's all-round class.
Verdict: Really tough game to call, and maybe I'm just being partisan, but I think Europe can get something out of this one. Don't expect it to finish early though.
Halved Match
Match 15: Steve Stricker & Tiger Woods v. Luke Donald & Sergio Garcia
After a horrible morning yesterday, Tiger played some great golf in the afternoon, particularly on the back nine. The steady Stricker could have done more to back him up, but you can bet your life that this pair are out for blood.
Donald and Sergio were Bricklesoned (totally going to catch on) yesterday morning, and neither has looked in great touch throughout the two days. Donald even missed some short-mid length putts today, which is not normal service. He must take the chances he creates this afternoon, and Sergio needs to find some of his Ryder Cup magic.
Verdict: I'm afraid I only see this going one way. Tiger showed me enough class yesterday to prove that he's going to take his first point of 2012.
U.S. to win 2&1
Match 16: Jason Dufner & Zach Johnson v. Rory McIlroy & Ian Poulter
Rory McIlroy has lost one firebrand in Graeme McDowell but has been given the ultimate in Ian Poulter. The Northern Irish pair haven't played well since about the 12th hole on Friday morning - they managed to hang on to a win in that match, but have been distinctly lacklustre since then. We knew McIlroy would need to hole putts, and he simply hasn't, although his stroke's looked decent.
Dropping McDowell is a brave decision, but maybe McIlroy needs a different approach. He holed some nice putts towards the end of the foursomes, and hopefully he can carry that forward. Poulter is just great.
Dufner and Johnson have played reasonably tidy golf, as expected, holing putts when needed. Despite their 2 points from 2 matches so far, I don't think McIlroy and Poulter should fear them too much in the fourballs. A vital match for Europe to shore up the day's play.
Verdict: I hope that we can finally have a slightly more comfortable victory here although, knowing how the Ryder Cup works, probably not.
Europe to win 4&3
So that's another prediction for a 2 1/2 -1 1/2 session, this time in the U.S.'s favour. That'd leave the overnight score at 10.5-6.5. The U.S's famous 1999 comeback was from 10-6 down - we really need to win this session and keep the deficit to a maximum of 3 points.
So far, the Ryder Cup has not disappointed. Let's see if Europe can contribute some more of the excitement.
A Mountain to Climb
So, the 39th Ryder Cup is one day old and, so far, it has not disappointed.
Friday morning foursomes were full of the nip and tuck that makes the Ryder Cup what it is, with the early European momentum being dragged back by a spirited American team, to leave the first session at 2-2. In the afternoon, the home team simply blew Europe away in the better-ball matches, the one exception being a tall Belgian man who didn't seem to realize how difficult the Ryder Cup is meant to be. Carrying his partner Lee Westwood, Nicolas Colsaerts gave his captain some hope by shooting -10 on his own card and securing a vital point for Europe. This was after Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson had annihilated Paul Lawrie and Peter Hanson in the top match, followed by wins for the inspired new pairing of Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley, as well as Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar.
Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker finished the first day pointless and, although Tiger bounced back from a woeful foursomes display to play some decent golf in the fourballs, Davis Love III has decided to leave him and his partner on the bench for Saturday morning's foursomes; the first time Tiger has been rested at a Ryder Cup.
It may be easier to say after the poor afternoon session, but I think that José María Olazábal showed some poor captaincy in the afternoon. After seeing the Americans build momentum and rescue a 2-2 result from the morning's play, it was vital that Europe got out of the blocks fast and got points on the board in the fourballs. The answer? Put out the guys who you know will deliver. Ian Poulter sat on the sidelines after winning with Justin Rose in the morning, and we saw the four mrning subs make their first start of the matches. I agree with the sentiment of getting all 12 players out on Day 1, but it needs to be a flexible approach. Resting Poulter was madness. Luke Donald and Sergio hadn't looked their best in the foursomes, but you can guarantee that Donald will hole his putts and that Sergio will always produce some magic. Peter Hanson and Paul Lawrie were unlucky to come up against the unstoppable force that was Watson and Simpson, but I can't help feeling that holding back at least one of them until Saturday would have been a stronger move. Martin Kaymer was almost invisible for most of the afternoon, and showed why he has not been contending like his 2009 and 2010 self.
DL3's captaincy was good, although it has to be said that he has any easier job at times, given the talent at his disposal. He's claimed that he doesn't want any player playing all 5 matches, and that Tiger's rest has nothing to do with his Friday morning form. Fair enough Davis, although just try and stop Mickelson and Bradley walking on to the first tee this afternoon.
So, how do they match up on Saturday morning?
Match 9: Webb Simpson & Bubba Watson v. Ian Poulter & Justin Rose
We got plenty of the famous Poulter stare yesterday, so anyone who doubted if he was as up for this as ever quickly had those doubts put to bed. He looks comfortable with Rose, and vice versa - I get the feeling Rose will be relieved to be back with Poulter after failing to get anything going with Martin Kaymer.
Simpson and Bubba were outstanding yesterday - there's a case to be made that Bubba might be more of a fourball player, although that swing manages to put the ball in the fairway more often than simple physics would suggest. Simpson is just a class act in all dimensions, and thrived yesterday in Bubba's company.
Verdict: Really tough match to call, but I just get the feeling that Poulter, knowing the trouble his team is in, will drag something out of this no matter what. Should be a cracker.
Europe to win 2&1
Match 10: Keegan Bradley & Phil Mickelson v. Luke Donald & Lee Westwood
What can you say about this American twosome? Mickelson has been mentoring Bradley for some time now, so they're obviously totally comfortable in each other's company. Love will be as delighted to have found a partner for Mickelson as much as Bradley, given Lefty's questionable Ryder Cup record. Bradley took to the Ryder Cup like a duck takes to water, if ducks hole everything within sight and leap around to beat the band. These guys are the pairing that have lit it up so far, and it's tough to see them stopping just yet.
Donald lost to this group with Sergio in the morning yesterday, but didn't play bad golf. Westwood played a lot of bad golf in both matches and, as expected, couldn't hole a putt. He'll be delighted to have Donald taking responsibility over some of the short game, but will have to deliver with the long game.
Verdict: The U.S. pair were awesome to watch yesterday; it was impossible not to enjoy Bradley's enthusiasm and Phil's delight. I don't doubt that they will continue to play well, but they're up against a cool matchplayer in Luke Donald, who should help to settle Lee Westwood. I don't quite know where I'm getting this from, but I'm going to back the boys in blue to get something here.
Halved Match
Match 11: Jason Dufner & Zach Johnson v. Nicolas Colsaerts & Sergio Garcia
Can Nicolas Colsaerts continue his magic from yesterday? Before the match, I'd have seen him as a fourball player - heaps of birdies but sitting out of a few holes after doing damage off the tee. He took Woods and Stricker on single-handedly with barely an error, and he should enjoy having Garcia's infectious enthusiasm beside him today.
Dufner and Johnson played solidly to beat Westwood and Molinari in the foursomes, holing their putts where they needed to. Dufner looked nervous at the beginning, but anyone who's watched his career progress will know that once he's in the comfort zone, he's hard to get out.
Verdict: These predictions seem a little topsy-turvy, but I'm going to give the home team a win here. They look calm and settled now, and they're going to continue to hole their putts. I can't imagine that Colsaerts isn't a little drained after his magnificence yesterday, and I just hope that he can recover himself in times for his obvious fourball appearance in the afternoon.
U.S. to win 3&2
Match 12: Jim Furyk & Brandt Snedeker v. Graeme McDowell & Rory McIlroy
The final foursome of the 2012 Ryder Cup sees a rematch of the opening match. In Part 1, the Europeans looked to be cruising before surviving a fantastic comeback from the Americans to win it with a shaky par on the last. McIlroy and McDowell never got going in the afternoon, but it's hard to see them not picking themselves up and getting things going again today. McIlroy continued to miss some important putts, but G-Mac tends to make what he needs.
Furyk and Snedeker aren't the most charismatic pairing on the course, but they'll be disappointed that they couldn't convert their fightback into a point yesterday morning. Snedeker needed to find a good drive on the last but he blocked it miles right. The Ryder CUp isn't easy, and he'll need to bounce back fast. Furyk's experience and calm was invaluable on the back nine yesterday, but the veteran will need to hole a few more putts if he and Snedeker are to take down the Macs.
Verdict: No more than Poulter, I think the Europeans will deliver when the heat is on. They know they're in the anchor match to either shore things up or to put the final touch on a winning session. They played enough good golf yesterday to show that they're in form, and G-Mac has that look in his eyes.
Europe to win 4&2
By my calculations, that's a 2 1/2 - 1 1/2 session for Europe, which would reduce the American's lead to a single point going into the afternoon. Optimistic? Maybe so.
Check back as the foursomes wind down for a preview of the final team matches of this year's Cup.
Friday morning foursomes were full of the nip and tuck that makes the Ryder Cup what it is, with the early European momentum being dragged back by a spirited American team, to leave the first session at 2-2. In the afternoon, the home team simply blew Europe away in the better-ball matches, the one exception being a tall Belgian man who didn't seem to realize how difficult the Ryder Cup is meant to be. Carrying his partner Lee Westwood, Nicolas Colsaerts gave his captain some hope by shooting -10 on his own card and securing a vital point for Europe. This was after Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson had annihilated Paul Lawrie and Peter Hanson in the top match, followed by wins for the inspired new pairing of Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley, as well as Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar.
Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker finished the first day pointless and, although Tiger bounced back from a woeful foursomes display to play some decent golf in the fourballs, Davis Love III has decided to leave him and his partner on the bench for Saturday morning's foursomes; the first time Tiger has been rested at a Ryder Cup.
It may be easier to say after the poor afternoon session, but I think that José María Olazábal showed some poor captaincy in the afternoon. After seeing the Americans build momentum and rescue a 2-2 result from the morning's play, it was vital that Europe got out of the blocks fast and got points on the board in the fourballs. The answer? Put out the guys who you know will deliver. Ian Poulter sat on the sidelines after winning with Justin Rose in the morning, and we saw the four mrning subs make their first start of the matches. I agree with the sentiment of getting all 12 players out on Day 1, but it needs to be a flexible approach. Resting Poulter was madness. Luke Donald and Sergio hadn't looked their best in the foursomes, but you can guarantee that Donald will hole his putts and that Sergio will always produce some magic. Peter Hanson and Paul Lawrie were unlucky to come up against the unstoppable force that was Watson and Simpson, but I can't help feeling that holding back at least one of them until Saturday would have been a stronger move. Martin Kaymer was almost invisible for most of the afternoon, and showed why he has not been contending like his 2009 and 2010 self.
DL3's captaincy was good, although it has to be said that he has any easier job at times, given the talent at his disposal. He's claimed that he doesn't want any player playing all 5 matches, and that Tiger's rest has nothing to do with his Friday morning form. Fair enough Davis, although just try and stop Mickelson and Bradley walking on to the first tee this afternoon.
So, how do they match up on Saturday morning?
Match 9: Webb Simpson & Bubba Watson v. Ian Poulter & Justin Rose
We got plenty of the famous Poulter stare yesterday, so anyone who doubted if he was as up for this as ever quickly had those doubts put to bed. He looks comfortable with Rose, and vice versa - I get the feeling Rose will be relieved to be back with Poulter after failing to get anything going with Martin Kaymer.
Simpson and Bubba were outstanding yesterday - there's a case to be made that Bubba might be more of a fourball player, although that swing manages to put the ball in the fairway more often than simple physics would suggest. Simpson is just a class act in all dimensions, and thrived yesterday in Bubba's company.
Verdict: Really tough match to call, but I just get the feeling that Poulter, knowing the trouble his team is in, will drag something out of this no matter what. Should be a cracker.
Europe to win 2&1
Match 10: Keegan Bradley & Phil Mickelson v. Luke Donald & Lee Westwood
What can you say about this American twosome? Mickelson has been mentoring Bradley for some time now, so they're obviously totally comfortable in each other's company. Love will be as delighted to have found a partner for Mickelson as much as Bradley, given Lefty's questionable Ryder Cup record. Bradley took to the Ryder Cup like a duck takes to water, if ducks hole everything within sight and leap around to beat the band. These guys are the pairing that have lit it up so far, and it's tough to see them stopping just yet.
Donald lost to this group with Sergio in the morning yesterday, but didn't play bad golf. Westwood played a lot of bad golf in both matches and, as expected, couldn't hole a putt. He'll be delighted to have Donald taking responsibility over some of the short game, but will have to deliver with the long game.
Verdict: The U.S. pair were awesome to watch yesterday; it was impossible not to enjoy Bradley's enthusiasm and Phil's delight. I don't doubt that they will continue to play well, but they're up against a cool matchplayer in Luke Donald, who should help to settle Lee Westwood. I don't quite know where I'm getting this from, but I'm going to back the boys in blue to get something here.
Halved Match
Match 11: Jason Dufner & Zach Johnson v. Nicolas Colsaerts & Sergio Garcia
Can Nicolas Colsaerts continue his magic from yesterday? Before the match, I'd have seen him as a fourball player - heaps of birdies but sitting out of a few holes after doing damage off the tee. He took Woods and Stricker on single-handedly with barely an error, and he should enjoy having Garcia's infectious enthusiasm beside him today.
Dufner and Johnson played solidly to beat Westwood and Molinari in the foursomes, holing their putts where they needed to. Dufner looked nervous at the beginning, but anyone who's watched his career progress will know that once he's in the comfort zone, he's hard to get out.
Verdict: These predictions seem a little topsy-turvy, but I'm going to give the home team a win here. They look calm and settled now, and they're going to continue to hole their putts. I can't imagine that Colsaerts isn't a little drained after his magnificence yesterday, and I just hope that he can recover himself in times for his obvious fourball appearance in the afternoon.
U.S. to win 3&2
Match 12: Jim Furyk & Brandt Snedeker v. Graeme McDowell & Rory McIlroy
The final foursome of the 2012 Ryder Cup sees a rematch of the opening match. In Part 1, the Europeans looked to be cruising before surviving a fantastic comeback from the Americans to win it with a shaky par on the last. McIlroy and McDowell never got going in the afternoon, but it's hard to see them not picking themselves up and getting things going again today. McIlroy continued to miss some important putts, but G-Mac tends to make what he needs.
Furyk and Snedeker aren't the most charismatic pairing on the course, but they'll be disappointed that they couldn't convert their fightback into a point yesterday morning. Snedeker needed to find a good drive on the last but he blocked it miles right. The Ryder CUp isn't easy, and he'll need to bounce back fast. Furyk's experience and calm was invaluable on the back nine yesterday, but the veteran will need to hole a few more putts if he and Snedeker are to take down the Macs.
Verdict: No more than Poulter, I think the Europeans will deliver when the heat is on. They know they're in the anchor match to either shore things up or to put the final touch on a winning session. They played enough good golf yesterday to show that they're in form, and G-Mac has that look in his eyes.
Europe to win 4&2
By my calculations, that's a 2 1/2 - 1 1/2 session for Europe, which would reduce the American's lead to a single point going into the afternoon. Optimistic? Maybe so.
Check back as the foursomes wind down for a preview of the final team matches of this year's Cup.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Ready, Steady, Go!
The 2-year wait is over. The slightly odd procession of wives is behind us. We have one more sleep before the 39th Ryder Cup kicks off in Medinah, and with the foursome pairings at our fingertips, we can begin to imagine what will happen.
Match 1: Jim Furyk & Brandt Snedeker v. Rory McIlroy & Graeme McDowell
No surprises from José María Olazábal with the first match out - World Number 1 Rory McIlroy partners Northern Irish compatriot Graeme McDowell to resume their partnership from Celtic Manor. McIlroy is playing fantastic golf right now, albeit with a return to his poor putting in the Tour Championship. McDowell didn't make it to East Lake, but a good showing in the BMW Championship was enough to show that his best golf is not far off, and only Ian Poulter can rival G-Mac for fire in the belly.
I was a little disappointed that Davis Love III didn't lead off with Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker, but I reckon they'll get the chance to take on the Macs later on in the weekend. Meanwhile, Jim Furyk and Brandt Snedeker won't be a pushover. Furyk had a return to form this year, although faltered slightly in the autumn, requiring a captain's pick. One man who instantly repaid his captain's faith in him was Snedeker, who picked up the FedEx Cup and some money last week in East Lake. Snedeker is a phenomenal putter, and with Furyk's phlegmatic calm alongside him, should be able to stay cool on his Ryder Cup debut.
Verdict: This is a tough match to call - if McIlroy holes some putts, that should be enough to take Europe over the line - you can be sure McDowell will make the ones that matter. Snedeker will make his putts, but he needs Furyk to rediscover the ball-striking he displayed in May and June this year. I don't see this one ending early.
Halved Match
Match 2: Keegan Bradley & Phil Mickelson v. Luke Donald & Sergio Garcia
Keegan Bradley may be a Ryder Cup rookie, but with the 2011 PGA and the 2012 Bridgestone Invitational on his mantlepiece, he's not short of big-game experience. Another solid putter, he was expected to team up with fan favourite Phil Mickelson. Mickelson's had a quiet year since the Masters, but played some decent golf in the Playoffs to prove he's close to being back in form. There isn't enough thick greenside rough for us to see Mickelson perform his usual magic tricks, but you can be sure he'll still provide some sensational wedgeplay.
Once again, Olazábal picked a ready-made superstar pairing. With 4/4 points in foursomes together, Sergio and Donald are a formidable partnership. Sergio will be delighted to have a short game like Donald's at his disposal, while the Spaniard played his way on to the team with a victory at the Wyndham Championship. An often awful putter, Garcia always seems to find his stroke in time for the Ryder Cup - he'll need it to back up Donald around the greens.
Verdict: I'm not going to go against the form book here: I haven't seen enough good play from the American pairing to believe they can take down the European duo - Donald may have been quiet for the last few months but he found a top-5 at East Lake just to remind us why he held the Number 1 spot for a year. Sergio has that Spanish something in the Ryder Cup, and I see the Europeans extending their stellar record.
Europe to win 4&3
Match 3: Jason Dufner & Zach Johnson v. Francesco Molinari & Lee Westwood
An interesting pairing from Love - we all know who's coming in the final match, so announcing these boys to play third means there are some big names left out. That said, he's picked two great putters here (the U.S. team is full of them), in particular Johnson, who doesn't know how to miss from inside 6 feet. Dufner was the player to watch earlier in the season, but didn't catch fire in the summer. Don't be put off by those sleepy eyes though - he's up for this.
You know who does know how to miss from inside 6 feet? Lee Westwood. Also Francesco Molinari. These guys will be amazing from tee to green - Ollie Wilson just tweeted that he expects 18 greens in regulation - but they simply will not match the Americans' short games.
Verdict: Easy call for me here I'm afraid. You can't win matches without sinking putts.
U.S.A. to win 3&2
Match 4: Steve Stricker & Tiger Woods v. Ian Poulter & Justin Rose
Here we go. Once the Americans found a partner for Tiger, they have not let go of him. Stricker and Woods have a great record in team events, and I'd expect them to continue it at Medinah. Woods is playing great golf - he's faded a few times in final rounds, but you won't convince me that he's lost his nerve. Steve Stricker is Mr. September - these dates must suit him perfectly so. Tough to find a player who rolls the ball better than Stricker - this is just a great pairing.
Speaking of great pairings....anything with Ian Poulter always looks good. The man just lives for the Ryder Cup. Justin Rose has proven himself in the last two years - the uncertain youth is gone, and the polished professional is here. He did not enjoy missing out on the Celtic Manor win, and made sure he made the team early this time. Rose is another player who returned to form at East Lake - he's comfortable in America and he'll be comfortable with Poulter.
Verdict: This is a toughie. If Poulter gets into his Ryder Cup stride early he'll be difficult to stop. That said, I'm pretty confident Tiger's going to lead this American team this year, and that he and Stricker will start right here. Should be a cracking match.
U.S.A. to win 3&2
So that's it. America to be leading 2 1/2 to 1 1/2 after the first morning's play. In reality though, who knows? Check back in after the morning's play for a preview of the afternoon's fourballs.
Match 1: Jim Furyk & Brandt Snedeker v. Rory McIlroy & Graeme McDowell
No surprises from José María Olazábal with the first match out - World Number 1 Rory McIlroy partners Northern Irish compatriot Graeme McDowell to resume their partnership from Celtic Manor. McIlroy is playing fantastic golf right now, albeit with a return to his poor putting in the Tour Championship. McDowell didn't make it to East Lake, but a good showing in the BMW Championship was enough to show that his best golf is not far off, and only Ian Poulter can rival G-Mac for fire in the belly.
I was a little disappointed that Davis Love III didn't lead off with Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker, but I reckon they'll get the chance to take on the Macs later on in the weekend. Meanwhile, Jim Furyk and Brandt Snedeker won't be a pushover. Furyk had a return to form this year, although faltered slightly in the autumn, requiring a captain's pick. One man who instantly repaid his captain's faith in him was Snedeker, who picked up the FedEx Cup and some money last week in East Lake. Snedeker is a phenomenal putter, and with Furyk's phlegmatic calm alongside him, should be able to stay cool on his Ryder Cup debut.
Verdict: This is a tough match to call - if McIlroy holes some putts, that should be enough to take Europe over the line - you can be sure McDowell will make the ones that matter. Snedeker will make his putts, but he needs Furyk to rediscover the ball-striking he displayed in May and June this year. I don't see this one ending early.
Halved Match
Match 2: Keegan Bradley & Phil Mickelson v. Luke Donald & Sergio Garcia
Keegan Bradley may be a Ryder Cup rookie, but with the 2011 PGA and the 2012 Bridgestone Invitational on his mantlepiece, he's not short of big-game experience. Another solid putter, he was expected to team up with fan favourite Phil Mickelson. Mickelson's had a quiet year since the Masters, but played some decent golf in the Playoffs to prove he's close to being back in form. There isn't enough thick greenside rough for us to see Mickelson perform his usual magic tricks, but you can be sure he'll still provide some sensational wedgeplay.
Once again, Olazábal picked a ready-made superstar pairing. With 4/4 points in foursomes together, Sergio and Donald are a formidable partnership. Sergio will be delighted to have a short game like Donald's at his disposal, while the Spaniard played his way on to the team with a victory at the Wyndham Championship. An often awful putter, Garcia always seems to find his stroke in time for the Ryder Cup - he'll need it to back up Donald around the greens.
Verdict: I'm not going to go against the form book here: I haven't seen enough good play from the American pairing to believe they can take down the European duo - Donald may have been quiet for the last few months but he found a top-5 at East Lake just to remind us why he held the Number 1 spot for a year. Sergio has that Spanish something in the Ryder Cup, and I see the Europeans extending their stellar record.
Europe to win 4&3
Match 3: Jason Dufner & Zach Johnson v. Francesco Molinari & Lee Westwood
An interesting pairing from Love - we all know who's coming in the final match, so announcing these boys to play third means there are some big names left out. That said, he's picked two great putters here (the U.S. team is full of them), in particular Johnson, who doesn't know how to miss from inside 6 feet. Dufner was the player to watch earlier in the season, but didn't catch fire in the summer. Don't be put off by those sleepy eyes though - he's up for this.
You know who does know how to miss from inside 6 feet? Lee Westwood. Also Francesco Molinari. These guys will be amazing from tee to green - Ollie Wilson just tweeted that he expects 18 greens in regulation - but they simply will not match the Americans' short games.
Verdict: Easy call for me here I'm afraid. You can't win matches without sinking putts.
U.S.A. to win 3&2
Match 4: Steve Stricker & Tiger Woods v. Ian Poulter & Justin Rose
Here we go. Once the Americans found a partner for Tiger, they have not let go of him. Stricker and Woods have a great record in team events, and I'd expect them to continue it at Medinah. Woods is playing great golf - he's faded a few times in final rounds, but you won't convince me that he's lost his nerve. Steve Stricker is Mr. September - these dates must suit him perfectly so. Tough to find a player who rolls the ball better than Stricker - this is just a great pairing.
Speaking of great pairings....anything with Ian Poulter always looks good. The man just lives for the Ryder Cup. Justin Rose has proven himself in the last two years - the uncertain youth is gone, and the polished professional is here. He did not enjoy missing out on the Celtic Manor win, and made sure he made the team early this time. Rose is another player who returned to form at East Lake - he's comfortable in America and he'll be comfortable with Poulter.
Verdict: This is a toughie. If Poulter gets into his Ryder Cup stride early he'll be difficult to stop. That said, I'm pretty confident Tiger's going to lead this American team this year, and that he and Stricker will start right here. Should be a cracking match.
U.S.A. to win 3&2
So that's it. America to be leading 2 1/2 to 1 1/2 after the first morning's play. In reality though, who knows? Check back in after the morning's play for a preview of the afternoon's fourballs.
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