By Nic Rees –
It’s been 3 long years but it’s finally back, Golfs version of the state of origin, the Ryder Cup, gets underway tonight kicking off at 10pm Aussie time.
The all-mighty team USA vs the underdogs from team Europe go at it in one of the longest standing team events in golf. For those unsure of the format there will be 3 different types of matches played throughout. Foursomes, Four-ball and singles.
We start with the foursomes, In foursomes, each two-man team plays one ball per hole with the players taking turns until each hole is complete. Players alternate hitting tee shots, with one leading off on odd-numbered holes, and the other hitting first on even-numbered holes. The team with the low score on each hole wins that hole. If their scores are tied, the hole is halved.
We then move onto four-ball, In four-ball, each member of a two-man team plays his own ball, so four balls are in play on every hole. Each team counts the lowest of its two scores on each hole, and the team whose player has the lowest score wins the hole. If the low scores are tied, the hole is halved.
And finally singles, In singles, each match features one player from each team. The player with the lower score on each hole wins that hole. If their scores are tied, the hole is halved.
There will be a total of 28 matches played so first to 14 and half points will win the Ryder Cup.
Let’s get into the nitty gritty. If you’re a golf tragic like myself, you would have been frothing when both teams announced the pairings for the Foursomes, the first matchup is MOUTHWATERING.
Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth Vs John Rahm and Sergio Garcia. WOW. This match is going to set the tone for both teams and the two teams couldn’t be more evenly matched. The bookies seem to agree, they’ve got JT and Spieth at $2.00 and Rahm and Garcia at $2.25. If you can’t split the teams the tie option is at $6.50.
Next up is Dustin Johnson and Colin Morikawa up against Paul Casey and Viktor Hovland. If Morikawa’s iron and wedge play is on I can’t see team USA losing this one, at $1.91 the Bookies seem to agree. Casey and Hovland currently sit at $2.40. Morikawa was up and down during the playoffs and alot will hinge on him performing.
The final 2 matches are going to be very tight and team Europe are going to have to really stand up here. The third match seeing Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger taking on Lee Westwood and Matt Fitzpatrick. All eyes will be on Brooks and team USA here after his controversial comments through the week about playing in a team. Will he gel with Berger? We think there’s a bit of value around Westwood and Fitz here – They are currently at $2.60.
The Fourth match sees Patrick Cantlay and Zander Schauffele Vs Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter. Another ripper match that we can’t wait for. Poulter and Rory have delivered in the past for team Europe but the boys from the US are in red hot form. This matchup is tough to pick. USA paying $1.83 and Team Europe at $2.63.
Best Bets: We predict team USA to start strong with JT and Spieth taking the first match – $2.00
Value Bet: We are tipping that they’re will be a hole in one during the event – $4.00
Muti Madness: We predict results are likely in all four matches, We’ve thrown JT/Spieth, Johnson/Morikawa, Westwood/Fitzpatrick and McIilroy and Poulter into a 4 leg multi – $26.12
Good Luck and Happy Punting!!!
Yeah The Punt 