After a long wait, we finally have some matches to analyze before the start of the 44th Ryder Cup. The two main issues at first glance are the absence of Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas from the US squad and the show of strength of the European team. While you would expect it was still a little different than it looked on paper. Europe captain Luke Donald said the switch to four-man play in the morning was an attempt to gain an early advantage. And this group of players is designed to do just that. If America can capitalize on being the underdog, they can increase their advantage in the afternoon.
Here’s a look at the duos that will face off in front of a crazy crowd to kick off the Ryder Cup.
1. Schaeffler/Burns v. Rahm/Hutton
Welcome Sam Burns to the Ryder Cup! The last player on the team is about to go out for the first tee shot. It was a big gamble for America’s captain, Zach Johnson, who knew Europe would take the lead thanks to Rahm’s strength in Friday’s opener for his third straight Ryder Cup.
2. Homa/Harman meets Hovland/Aberg
I have confidence in Harman this week, and while I expect him to pair with Brooks Koepka and Homa with Morikawa, I also think the American pairing can be effective. But they will compete against Scandinavia, where Oberg will make his debut alongside European cornerstone Hovland, who will make no mistakes. Ever in the last six weeks I think this match will be one of the toughest for the Americans to overcome. But if the two rookies cause chaos, it can instantly create terrible momentum.
3. Fowler/Morikawa v. Lowry/Straka
This was the only morning match in which the Americans had a significant advantage and had to win the match, and Fowler is one of only four players on the American team to participate in the tournament. A former Ryder Cup champion in Europe and he will be paired with Morikawa who has been very solid in Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup play over the past two years. Straka is a player with all the qualities needed to surprise with strong play which will appeal to him alongside someone with Lowry’s experience.
4. Chauvell/Cantlay v. McElroy/Fleetwood
We’ll end this morning with a strong matchup, with Schauffele and Cantlay perhaps one of the most predictable duos in the United States. They have succeeded in both matches and in the Zurich Classic, where they will face the emotional leader of the European team McIlroy, who will face those who were virtually untouchable five years ago in Paris. This will likely be the toughest match yet. The deciding point may be who will take the lead until the afternoon. If the Americans can unseat McElroy, it will build a lot of momentum towards the end of the match as Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are expected to make their debuts in place of Marco Simone. If the European side scores better than the American team this place is very lively in the afternoon.
“Typical food guru. Problem solver. Devoted beer practitioner. Professional reader. Baconaholic.”