Europe may have won 10 of the last 15 Ryder Cup with the USA seeking a first win since 2008 at Hazeltine this week. But the Americans are rightly favourite on home soil this year with Darren Clarke fielding six rookies in his squad, though nobody is going to get rich backing Davis Love III’s men at a best 8/13.
There are plenty of alternative markets based around this year’s Ryder Cup (I have counted 74), including handicap betting which sees Europe at a general Evens getting a two-point start. The USA to win 15-13 is a general 9/1 and the most popular correct score with the tie, which would see Europe retain the famous trophy, available at 12/1.
Today, we’ll concentrate on the betting for Top European points scorer and Top US points scorer over the three days of competition.
It’s not been the case in the recent past but the American team this year has the greater individual talent. There is a case for claiming the US team is actually one of their best for a number of years while Europe are desperately short of experience and a winning mentality.
I’m really keen on PATRICK REED to be Top American. There’s a good chance that the Texan will be partnering Jordan Spieth in the foursome and fourballs as the pair were unbeaten at Gleneagles two years ago. Reed also beat Henrik Stenson on his Ryder Cup debut in the singles and is likely to be lone of Davis Love’s key men at Hazeltine. With Spieth only a best 5/1 to be Top American, the 15/2 with Betfred against Reed looks terrific value.
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Darren Clarke was desperate to include Lee Westwood and MARTIN KAYMER in his team to face the USA given their experience. But it says a lot that both had to be wildcard picks. Neither is in the full flush of youth but the German has at least won a Major, unlike the Englishman.
Kaymer’s best performance this year came when tying for seventh in the US PGA Championship. That pales into significance alongside Rory McIlroy’s victory in the Tour Championship but the world number three is very much his own man. He’s not played well with partners previously in Ryder Cup and being nominated as the team’s talisman by his captain has added further unwanted pressure so the general 7/2 to be Top European appears of little value.
He’ll be involved at every stage but so, probably will Kaymer, who holed the putt which gave Europe the Ryder Cup in 2014. The 31-year-old from Dusseldorf is a general 12/1 to be Top European and can also be guaranteed to hold his nerve when others are trying to hide.
