Ryder Cup: Why are the US such big underdogs?

[bruinsPATSirish]

Why are the US such overwhelming underdogs?

 

As it stands the US has 11 wins as a team, Europe has 6. Ten US team members are in the Top 20 of the Fedex Cup, the Europeans have just 2 players in the Top 20. The past couple weeks hasn't seen too many players except Rory from Europe playing well.

 

Does winning the last one from behind give them that much of an edge? Looking at the squads I just don't see how Europe is so overwhelmingly favored. Anyone else feel that way?

[9thGreenAt9]

OWGR
Played in Scotland
Chemistry
Bubba is the leading American
Etc.....

[Arpeggi]

Nope. The team is dogs""t.

[bruinsPATSirish]

I don't see it... I wouldn't be surprised to see an American "upset"

[Vindog]

On paper it doesn't look all that good, but these are professionals and anything can happen. Besides there are some players on the Euro side that aren't exactly to form themselves right now.

[bruinsPATSirish]

[quote name='Vindog' timestamp='1409707965' post='10053509']On paper it doesn't look all that good, but these are professionals and anything can happen. Besides there are some players on the Euro side that aren't exactly to form themselves right now.[/quote]

That's what I'm saying. Yeah world golf rankings they look good, but that's because of some major wins by Rory and Kaymer. Atleast the Fedex is a good reflection of who's playing good right before the Ryder Cup despite all it's other shortcomings. Europe definitely has more than a few guys who are pretty cold on the course

[eagle1997]

It is inevitable. The good guys are going to get <redacted> so bad that they <redacted> for a <redacted> week.

<redacted> me.

[Scotty1140]

Because Europe has Ian Poulter's Ryder Cup face

[attachment=2403921:image.jpg]

That face alone was almost a captain's pic

[Sean2]

The Europeans really get fired up for this event...statistics don't mean jack.

[bruinsPATSirish]

[quote name='Sean2' timestamp='1409709065' post='10053639']The Europeans really get fired up for this event...statistics don't mean jack.[/quote]

I guess crazy yells and timely putts give you the Ole W'

[bunkered]

When you consider Europe has won 7 out of the last 9 Ryder cups you can see why team Europe are favorites coming into this event...

You can add to the fact that it is being played on a course that suits many of the European players it becomes very hard to see past anything other than a win for Europe..

Upsets do happen and I would not begrudge a win for team USA..

[bruinsPATSirish]

Last time we had the losing record going in, but our team was touted as favorites.

[Sean2]

In any case, let's hope Tom Watson does a better job selecting the rain gear.

[bunkered]

yes but you still lost when really you should have sewn it up on the final day...Some of the US players may have a point to prove and want exorcise the demons from that amazing day.. It will take a monumental effort in my humble opinion ..I guess we will just need to wait and see how it plays out....

[BenHoganSlam1953]

[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1409706700' post='10053339']
Why are the US such overwhelming underdogs?

As it stands the US has 11 wins as a team, Europe has 6. Ten US team members are in the Top 20 of the Fedex Cup, the Europeans have just 2 players in the Top 20. The past couple weeks hasn't seen too many players except Rory from Europe playing well.

Does winning the last one from behind give them that much of an edge? Looking at the squads I just don't see how Europe is so overwhelmingly favored. Anyone else feel that way?
[/quote]

Although only 8 of the 12 members of the european team are in the Fedex cup race, I think a lot of people still remember the last time and when combined with the current location they just don't see it. That being said, if anyone can inspire the american's like Seve did last time for the european's, it is Watson. If Tom can get the american team spirit inspired they will be a force to reckon with, feeding on each other ... never quitting, always believing they will win. Underdogs often win because they have nothing to lose and their spirit inside never quits. So let the media pump them up as UNDERDOGS, incapable of winning on a course tailored for the europeans. Let them say they should already give the trophy back to the european's and not even make the trip, as the american's will lose by default. They need this kind of fuel to ignite Ryder Cup passion ... focused, deliberate and unyielding.

Well, I would do this if I was in Tom's shoes.

[King_Slender]

[quote name='MP4orged' timestamp='1409707679' post='10053465']
OWGR
Played in Scotland
Chemistry
Bubba is the leading American
Etc.....
[/quote]

Actually, the average OWGR for the Americans is 16 and for the Euros it's 18.5, so that's bunk. Sure, you could say that you can't translate their OWGR to their Ryder Cup play for Westwood and Poulter, but if we're just looking at facts, it's not true (I love Poults at the RC, BTW).

I also think the Euros are a bit top heavy and their unprovens are being given a pass. If I was a Euro fan, they have several guys who need to prove themselves on this stage - Dubuisson, Donaldson, Gallacher and I'm but trusting Bjorn. I don't trust Reed and Walker on the US side, but other than that I don't see any potential weaknesses.

[Bellyhungry]

The biggest reason is Europe playing on home turf, in my opinion.

[9thGreenAt9]

[quote name='King_Slender' timestamp='1409713733' post='10054183']
[quote name='MP4orged' timestamp='1409707679' post='10053465']
OWGR
Played in Scotland
Chemistry
Bubba is the leading American
Etc.....
[/quote]

Actually, the average OWGR for the Americans is 16 and for the Euros it's 18.5, so that's bunk. Sure, you could say that you can't translate their OWGR to their Ryder Cup play for Westwood and Poulter, but if we're just looking at facts, it's not true (I love Poults at the RC, BTW).

I also think the Euros are a bit top heavy and their unprovens are being given a pass. If I was a Euro fan, they have several guys who need to prove themselves on this stage - Dubuisson, Donaldson, Gallacher and I'm but trusting Bjorn. I don't trust Reed and Walker on the US side, but other than that I don't see any potential weaknesses.
[/quote]

There's no relevance adding and dividing when it comes to team play. You show me one team where 4 out of the top 5 players are on and I'd say they're the favorites. First 2 days in ryder cup foremat weak links might not even play. I wouldn't trust furyk, simpson, spieth either btw.

Either way it's golf and anything can happen...will be rooting for the US but I can clearly see why they're the underdogs, just like in 2008.

[thecraw]

We have selected Westwood. You guys are guaranteed at least a singles victory.

Old boys network must have came into play on that selection as he's done nothing to warrant his selection.

I like the look of the USA side. Underdogs are always dangerous and they have nothing to lose. The PGA Course at Gleneagles is nothing special either and IMO is not even as good a track as Celtic Manor which is also a poor course. Sadly money talks now and that dictates where the Cup gets played. I for one am looking forward to a great match played in thecorrect spirit minus the "GET IN THE HOLE" and "MASHED POTATOES" nonsense which is heard on a weekly basis on the US Tour. Get those idiots away from golf please.

I have huge admiration and respect for Mr Watson as does the majority of Scotland. I think that will go in Team USA's favour.

[erik81]

I think (as I said in another thread) that it can go either way. the US have a team of good players. With that being said. I think the Euro team are more eager to win tbh.

[jay65]

[quote name='bruinsPATSirish' timestamp='1409706700' post='10053339']
Why are the US such overwhelming underdogs?

As it stands the US has 11 wins as a team, Europe has 6. Ten US team members are in the Top 20 of the Fedex Cup, the Europeans have just 2 players in the Top 20. The past couple weeks hasn't seen too many players except Rory from Europe playing well.

Does winning the last one from behind give them that much of an edge? Looking at the squads I just don't see how Europe is so overwhelmingly favored. Anyone else feel that way?
[/quote]

I agree with you 100%, the tag of underdogs is one that is banded around as a carefully managed issue, to take the pressure off the team extolling the tag.

Only the naive would believe the 'underdog' tag. in this particular case. The issue of 'home soil' advantage is a non issue, as a good proportion of the Euros play most of their golf in the US anyhow. So on this one, I'm with you!

[Gem]

I think this is a very close looking match and I wouldn't be surprised if the US just edged it this time especially with the course being more like a standard PGA tour style one.
For me Bjorn, McDowell and Westwood are potential weak links whereas I don't see too many of these on the US team.

[Triple-Double]

[quote name='Scotty1140' timestamp='1409708933' post='10053623']
Because Europe has Ian Poulter's Ryder Cup face

[attachment=2403921:image.jpg]

That face alone was almost a captain's pic
[/quote]

Do they have "random" drug testing at the Ryder Cup? I really wouldn't be surprised if Poulter got popped for amphetamines or some other banned stimulant. He's not the same person for 1 event every 2 years.

[4thand11]

Just took a look at the betting odds and Ladbroke's has the USA at 15/8 underdogs.

I don't live in Europe but if I did, I'd be betting as much as I could comfortably afford on the USA. Almost 2-1 underdogs? Crazy. This is the +EV wager of the century. Almost any match play event between the world's top players will be pretty much a tossup.

[VNutz]

Because Europe has a lot of great players who have been sharp and on top of their game this year. US can't say the same. The US team has some great players, but many are having off years. Fowler and Jimmy Walker are the only US players who've had great years, and Jimmy Walker has cooled a lot since the spring. Bubba was playing better earlier in the year, now he's just a headcase. Spieth hasn't repeated on his success of last season, Kuchar and ZJ have been decent but not spectacular, Furyk still can't close, Phil has been up and down (mainly down) and Patrick Reed hasn't been the same since proclaiming himself to be a top 5 player.

The US team has the potential talent to play with, and beat, the Euro team when they're on their games. But they also have the potential to be far, far worse. The Euros are so much more consistent than the individuals on the US team.

[Arpeggi]

[quote name='Gem' timestamp='1409736900' post='10054965']
I think this is a very close looking match and I wouldn't be surprised if the US just edged it this time especially with the course being more like a standard PGA tour style one.
For me Bjorn, McDowell and Westwood are potential weak links whereas I don't see too many of these on the US team.
[/quote]

You don't see too many weak links on the US team? Are you blind?
Bubba
Furyk
Keegan
mahan
Simpson
Walker

Are all weaker than the worst Euro player.

[joey2aces]

[quote name='Arpeggi' timestamp='1409756520' post='10056321']
[quote name='Gem' timestamp='1409736900' post='10054965']
I think this is a very close looking match and I wouldn't be surprised if the US just edged it this time especially with the course being more like a standard PGA tour style one.
For me Bjorn, McDowell and Westwood are potential weak links whereas I don't see too many of these on the US team.
[/quote]

You don't see too many weak links on the US team? Are you blind?
Bubba
Furyk
Keegan
mahan
Simpson
Walker

Are all weaker than the worst Euro player, [color=#ff0000]in my opinion[/color].
[/quote]

there, fixed it for you.

[Gem]

[quote name='joey2aces' timestamp='1409756935' post='10056363']
[quote name='Arpeggi' timestamp='1409756520' post='10056321']
[quote name='Gem' timestamp='1409736900' post='10054965']
I think this is a very close looking match and I wouldn't be surprised if the US just edged it this time especially with the course being more like a standard PGA tour style one.
For me Bjorn, McDowell and Westwood are potential weak links whereas I don't see too many of these on the US team.
[/quote]

You don't see too many weak links on the US team? Are you blind?
Bubba
Furyk
Keegan
mahan
Simpson
Walker

Are all weaker than the worst Euro player, [color=#ff0000]in my opinion[/color].
[/quote]

there, fixed it for you.
[/quote]

Thanks.

Having played the course a few times I can see Bubba, Keegan and Walker doing very well around it and the way Furyk is playing he could play on any course and contribute.

[bruinsPATSirish]

[quote name='Arpeggi' timestamp='1409756520' post='10056321']
[quote name='Gem' timestamp='1409736900' post='10054965']
I think this is a very close looking match and I wouldn't be surprised if the US just edged it this time especially with the course being more like a standard PGA tour style one.
For me Bjorn, McDowell and Westwood are potential weak links whereas I don't see too many of these on the US team.
[/quote]

You don't see too many weak links on the US team? Are you blind?
Bubba
Furyk
Keegan
mahan
Simpson
Walker

Are all weaker than the worst Euro player.
[/quote]

You cannot be serious...

You honestly believe that each one of these players you listed are WEAKER players than any of the European players? You need to lay off the sauce my friend.

[Oldboy]

Well the US has pretty much always been the stronger team on paper and we know how that's gone..