[Steve Bamford]

Tom Watson is one of the most respected individuals in world golf. 8 Major Championships, 39 PGA Tour titles, 3 time Ryder Cup team winning member (USA retained the cup in his 4th appearance) and victorious Ryder Cup captain. Remember this guy should have won the 2009 Open Championship at Turnberry at 60 years of age!

He brings to Gleneagles a team that is a 7/4 outsider. A team that on the face of it contains plenty of out-of-form players in the shape of Webb Simpson, Patrick Reed, Zach Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Keegan Bradley and one Phil Mickelson. A team where only Mickelson, Furyk and Mahan have been on winning American sides. Compare that with 9 members of Team Europe and you see the task that faces Team USA.

But it’s worth noting that Team Europe also has plenty of potential issues. The relationship between Rory and G-Mac. Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter’s terrible form. How will Paul McGinley fare in the tactical battle with Tom Watson; with many claiming that his decision to select 5 vice-captains is a “sign of weakness.”

Tom Watson as soon as he stepped off the British Airways jet that had brought Team USA to Edinburgh airport declared that Team USA were on a voyage of redemption. The key to victory was to target Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter and ‘bring them down’ on Friday. Stirring words and there are no-doubts that the canny Watson will have his strategies established; will give justifiable guidance to his team members and more importantly all of them will respect him and take heed. So what will the outcome be?

7 of the last 11 Ryder Cups have been won by the outsiders. However I’m thinking that Team Europe will win this; potentially in a tight Sunday affair. Friday weather conditions with winds of +25 mph will suit the Europeans and I’m not 100% confident that a majority of Team USA members will relish playing in cold/windswept conditions across the opening 2 days. Bubba Watson anybody?

Steve Bamford
Golf Betting System
http://www.golfbettingsystem.co.uk

• This topic was modified 11 years ago by Steve Bamford.
• This topic was modified 11 years ago by Steve Bamford.