Don’t bet against the Europeans

Afew weeks ago I was pretty certain that America would be winning a Ryder Cup in Europe for the first time in a quarter of a century – and possibly by a wide margin.

Now, I’m not so sure.

A lot of people seem to think that Tiger Woods winning the Tour Championship is a big boost for Jim Furyk’s team.

It could just as easily work against them. There will be an expectation that he can lead the American charge but don’t underestimate how much last week will have taken out of him.

It’s very hard in sport to replicate such a high two weeks in a row.

Don’t forget, Tiger is 42 now. And, as impressive as it was to win with all his injury issues, they haven’t gone away. It isn’t just the physical factor. Mentally, Tiger will be drained. His Ryder Cup statistics aren’t good at all and I can see him finding it tough in France. And if the Europeans can beat him on day one, that will give them a huge psychological boost because he’s become the biggest scalp again.

I can also see Phil Mickelson being an issue. His form hasn’t been good for a while and the word is that he’s been spending a lot of time on the practice ground in Paris. That isn’t a good sign. A Ryder Cup isn’t the place to be when you are sorting your swing out.

There have been a few things coming out of the American team room that have raised eyebrows as well – largely from Bubba Watson.

Top level sport is all about positive thinking and speaking about tiredness and illness would worry me if I was an American supporter.

From Europe’s point of view their group bond seems to be as strong as ever and there hasn’t been a hint of anyone putting a foot wrong in the PR battle.

And it’s funny how people don’t seem to factor in the course until the week itself. It’s as if there’s a surprise that it’s set up to suit the home team – tight fairways, high rough and slower greens.

Maybe I’m trying to convince myself a bit too hard that Europe can win. I still probably have America down as favourites. But I’m pretty confident that it’s going to be tight.

No debate over funding

The announcement that the Scottish women’s football team will receive funding to be full-time athletes in the build-up to next summer’s World Cup is great news.

It was a fantastic achievement to get to France in the first place and now the team will get the best chance to succeed.

There will always be opposite opinions when it comes to government cash awards but I don’t think there will be as much debate about this one.

I know from speaking to people involved in Scottish hockey what a big difference they felt in the build-up to the Commonwealth games to be able to focus on their sport for a few months.

It’s not just the obvious things, like spending more time training and working on your fitness. It’s stuff like getting rest at the right times and eating well.

There are so many small factors that contribute to being the best you can be. Breaking the Ice Eve Muirhead

Tiger Woods’ return to form could work against the Americans.