Greetings Golfers,
Time does fly. Seems like yesterday the Ryder Cup was being played at Hazeltine. Well, that was two years ago. The 42nd Ryder Cup begins play today at Le Golf National in Paris.
As we did in 2016, Edina CC PGA Professional Extraordinaire Marty Lass and I are having our own battle. We switched teams this year – Marty has the USA and I’m advocating for the Europeans. Marty has the floor:
WHY TEAM USA WILL WIN THE RYDER CUP …
This Ryder Cup will again provide some great golf as both teams are seriously loaded with talent. In the middle of the golf season, I was thinking that maybe the Europeans held a slight edge, but now I believe that has changed. With the PGA TOUR’s FedEx Cup winding down, it appears that most of the Americans are playing some really good golf, and the top players on the European team the same. However, here are the difference makers that will influence the outcome in the favor of the Americans …
1.) CAPTAIN’S PICKS. The four American captain’s picks (DeChambeau, Mickleson, Woods, and Finau) are playing much better than the four European captain’s picks (Stenson, Poulter, Casey & Garcia). I think the top 8 on both sides are playing well, but the captain’s picks will determine who will win this Ryder Cup.
2.) EXPERIENCE. There are only 3 ‘rookies’ on the American squad. Furyk didn’t have to make his captain’s choices because they had Ryder Cup experience. Thomas Bjorn had to.
3.) DAVID DUVAL. Duval was recently named as an Assistant Captain, replacing Tiger Woods. Duval tells it like it, no sugar coating, as an analyst for the Golf Channel, he might see things a little different than other Assistant Captains. He has fire in his belly and will certainly provide some strong verbal messages if the Americans fall behind.
4.) THE VENUE. I don’t think I’d call playing in France much of a ‘home course’ advantage for the Europeans. With no French golfer either playing or as an Assistant Captain on the team, some of the spark might be missing.
5.) THE AMERICAN MARSHALS. This group of Minnesota-based super fans (led by my friend and PGA Professional Jeff Drimel), will go to France, and lead the cheers for the Americans. These are the guys who wear the Viking horns, hockey jerseys, and make it fun for everyone around them.
6.) TIGER WOODS. ‘Nuff said …
Bravo Marty! Well said … here’s my rebuttal:
WHY THE EUROPEANS WILL WIN THE RYDER CUP …
This is not 2016 when Team USA had the better horses. This Euro team is loaded. Justin Rose is the No.1 player in the world. And they have 5 players who have won Major Championships.
Not only are European players more accustomed to match play, but they are also more familiar with this golf course.
I’m going to keep this short and to the point:
* Talent wise – even
* Match play – advantage Europe
* Golf course – advantage Europe
* Home field crowd – advantage Europe
I’m an American. I do not enjoy picking the other side. And, I’m especially frustrated with the current state of Minnesota sports. I would love Team USA to win the Ryder Cup. Team USA is very talented and Tiger Woods is hot. The matches will be exciting and fun to watch.
But – sorry Marty – the Ryder Cup will not be coming home with the Americans.
Cheers,
Tom Abts
GM and Head Golf Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com