Americans are underdogs vs Europe as Ryder Cup nears
When we last saw the U.S. Ryder Cup team, in 2004, it was slinking off Oakland Hills. Europe had just pummeled America’s best 181/2-91/2. The matches, just northwest of Detroit, were so one-sided they resembled a Michigan-Central Michigan football game.
It was a stunning rout that caused the United States to reassess its selection process and toughen its resolve. Captain Tom Lehman promises things will be different when the 2006 Ryder Cup begins Friday at the K Club outside Dublin.
Lehman takes a team to Ireland that includes four rookies who would need introductions to most Americans. Of the four, only Zach Johnson, at No. 40, is ranked among the top 40 players in the world. What are the chances the Europeans are going to be frightened to face Vaughn Taylor (59), J.J. Henry (62) and Brett Wetterich (65)?
Lehman also had little to choose from with his captain’s picks. With Davis Love III having a down year and Ryder Cup veteran Fred Couples fading, Lehman went with Stewart Cink and Scott Verplank. Cink hasn’t won a tournament since 2004, and Verplank’s last victory was in 2001.
Then there are the big three: Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk. They are great when playing for themselves, but their records indicate they haven’t grasped the Ryder Cup concept.
Woods, Mickelson and Furyk are a combined 20-28-7 in the matches. Woods’ 7-11-2 mark still is among the most baffling statistics in the sport.
Little wonder why the Europeans are favored for perhaps the first time.
With Europe winning four of the last five Ryder Cups — and it would have been five of five if not for Justin Leonard’s miracle putt at Brookline in 1999 — U.S. dominance has become a shattered myth.
Again, look at the world rankings. While the United States has the top three players in Woods, Furyk and Mickelson, the Europeans have greater depth. Eight of their players are in the top 21, compared to six Americans.
Also, Europe’s big guns get it. Colin Montgomerie, Sergio Garcia and Jose Maria Olazabal are a combined 44-19-12 in Ryder Cup matches.
And if the United States didn’t have enough going against it, the Europeans will have the home-course advantage. The Ryder Cup will be the biggest sporting event ever in Ireland, and the Irish fans will be in full throat cheering for their lads.
Current Odds to win the 2006 Ryder Cup
Europe 5/6
USA 10/11
Tie 37/4
The Europeans have won four of the last five Ryder Cups.
Ryder Cup Golf Betting, PGA Golf and Championship Golf Lines
Ryder Cup is just around the corner. The top players from the USA battle it out against Europe’s best for ultimate bragging rights. The Bodog Sportsbook is your home for all your Ryder Cup odds.
Ryder Cup Odds: BET on Team USA to beat Team Europe.
