Team Europe Preview
Bjorn Opts For Experience
Led by Captain Thomas Bjorn he will be assisted by a whole host of vice captains this time round. Luke Donald, Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell and Robert Karlsson will all be on hand to give Team Europe the best chance in Paris.
With Rookies, Hatton, Rahm, Fleetwood, Olesen all qualifying on merit, Bjorn has opted for experience with his Wild Card picks. Aside from Garcia, who will admit his form has been patchy, no one would argue with his selections. In addition, the Ryder Cup normally brings out the best of the Spanish and Garcia’s presence alone will help the rest of the team.
The big players will definitely have to bring their ‘A’ games however to win back the trophy from the impressive looking American side. But with new World No.1 Justin Rose, a fired up McIlroy, some ballsy nerve from the likes of Poulter, Hatton and Casey who knows, they may just prevail.
The one thing that Europe have in their favour is home advantage and the way Bjorn opts to have the course set up will be key. I am sure their will be a lot of input from the players. If he can get the course right and the pairings gel nicely, they stand a chance.
Justin Rose ( England )
Ryder Cup Record:
Won 11 Halved 2 Lost 6
Major Wins:
1
World Ranking:
2
Rory McIlroy (Northern Ireland)
Ryder Cup Record:
Won 9 Halved 4 Lost 6
Major Wins:
4
World Ranking:
6
Francesco Molinari ( Italy )
Ryder Cup Record:
Won 0 Halved 2 Lost 3
Major Wins:
1
World Ranking:
5
Tyrrell Hatton ( England )
Ryder Cup Record:
Debut
Major Wins:
0
World Ranking:
26
Tommy Fleetwood ( England )
Ryder Cup Record:
Debut
Major Wins:
0
World Ranking:
12
Alex Noren ( Sweden )
Ryder Cup Record:
Debut
Major Wins:
0
World Ranking:
18
John Rahm ( Spain )
Ryder Cup Record:
Debut
Major Wins:
0
World Ranking:
8
Paul Casey ( England )
Ryder Cup Record:
Won 3 Halved 4 Lost 2
Major Wins:
0
World Ranking:
21
Ian Poulter ( England )
Ryder Cup Record:
Won 12 Halved 2 Lost 4
Major Wins:
0
World Ranking:
34
Henrik Stensen ( Sweden )
Ryder Cup Record:
Won 7 Halved 2 Lost 7
Major Wins:
1
World Ranking:
24
Sergio Garcia ( Spain )
Ryder Cup Record:
Won 19 Halved 11 Lost 7
Major Wins:
1
World Ranking:
28
Thorbjorn Olesen ( Denmark )
Ryder Cup Record:
Debut
Major Wins:
0
World Ranking:
45
Possible Pairings
I heard on good authority that Captain Bjorn will be setting up the course to favour the European’s mid iron game. The last thing Europe need is for Team USA to be left with wedges going into these greens. Looking at how the fourballs and foursomes will come together will be crucial for Team Europe.
The Spanish Connection
Spain has enjoyed a magical history with the Ryder Cup. The likes of Olazabal, Ballesteros, Garcia have all enjoyed great moments over the years. Play it on and the next generation has arrived in the form of Rahm.
It would be absolutely no surprise at all to see Bjorn continue the trend and put Garcia and Rahm together. With Sergio’s experience and Rahm’s enigmatic approach this has the potential to be a fantastic partnership.
Chariots on Fire
As there is a large contingent from England (5) representing Europe this year the different partnership possibilities are interesting. As mentioned by Tony Jacklin, Ian Poulter has one of the best records in the Ryder Cup and his experience will be crucial. I would be surprised to see him matched up with Fleetwood as a very strong partnership for Europe. Rose I would anticipate being paired with Stenson for the fourballs but he will probably be with Poulter in the Foursomes.
The most exciting possibility is potentially seeing Casey paired with Hatton at some stage. Both fiery and undoubtedly talented individuals who will relish the challenge. Casey’s experience will count and Hatton’s ability to play under pressure will be tested.
Major Winners
Italy has had previous Ryder Cup moments, Rocca secured a memorable hole in one and Molinari following his first Major win will surely create more memories. His record isn’t fantastic but he is a different player these days compared with previous events and it would be a formidable partnership to see him with someone like McIlroy at some stage.
Whatever Bjorn decides the pairings will have to be at their best to overcome their USA equivalents.
