The 37th edition of the Ryder Cup gets under way at Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, this weekend. The European team have arrived as worthy favourites, aiming to retain the trophy for the fourth consecutive time. Europe’s recent dominance in the competition means that Paddy Power is the only firm offering odds-against at 21/20.
Nevertheless, Team USA will be led by two golfing veterans, Jim Furyk and Phil Mickelson and will be buoyed on by the home advantage. The Americans may have six rookies in their team, but they shouldn’t be underestimated, especially with exciting young talents such as Anthony Kim. They are currently available to back at 13/10 with Sky Bet, with the tie at 12/1 with the same firm.
Europe has scored thirteen or more in each of the last 12 Ryder Cups, and look a safe bet to triumph again this year. Sergio Garcia has a cracking 14-4-2 overall record in his 4 Ryder Cups and looks set for a huge performance. Very much a team player, Garcia is decent enough value at 15/2 with Coral to be top points scorer. He is certainly the player in form, finishing in the top 20 in his last 4 PGA tournaments and has never lost in eight alternate-shot matches. He “just loves the Ryder Cup” and let’s hope that he comes up with the goods. He is difficult to oppose, but some punters may prefer the chances of Padraig Harrington, who was chosen by Faldo over both Colin Montgomerie and Darren Clarke.
Phil Mickelson’s Ryder Cup record of 9-12-4 is offputting from a betting point of view, whilst Furyk reads 6-12-2. With 6 players making their Ryder Cup debuts for Team USA in Valhalla, the duo will have to perform better if America is to have any chance of snatching the trophy. Kenny Perry has had a brilliant PGA season, but it may be worth siding with Anthony Kim to finish as the top American. Kim has drawn comparisons with Woods, but is likely to be a better team player.
Recommendation:
3pts at 21/20 Europe to win Ryder Cup 2008
1pt at 15/2 Sergio Garcia to be Top Points Scorer
1pt at 13/2 Anthony Kim to be Top American
Check out all the Ryder Cup betting at bookies.com:
Top American player betting
Top European player betting
Top Points Scorer betting
