Ultimate in sporting drama
This is the best US team since 1986 – my head says they will win
driving sponsorship, gaining new events and kind of thing.
I have no doubt Keith Pelley has told Thomas Bjorn the same, especially with so many of our top guys now basing themselves in the States. Thomas will be feeling pressure because we really do not want to go to Whistling Straits in 2020 having lost two in a row. A hat-trick of US triumphs would then loom large and all the talk would be about American dominance again.
But if you peer down the names in Jim Furyk’s team room it is difficult not to fancy them for their first win on Europe soil in 25 years, a remarkable statistic. Tomorrow and Saturday 7.10am Morning fourballs 12.50pm Afternoon foursomes
Sunday
11.05am Singles (last pair 1.17pm)
Fourballs Each member of a two-man team plays a ball. The player with the lowest score wins the hole.
Foursomes Each two-man team plays one ball with players taking turns until each hole is over. The team with the lowest score wins the hole.
Singles Each match features one player from each team. The player with the lowest score wins.
TV Live on Sky Sports Golf and Main Event, highlights on BBC2. All times UK.
With six members of the world’s top 10, this is the strongest US team since the rankings were introduced in 1986. And, of course, they include a resurgent Tiger Woods, the biggest figure golf has had.
It is being played on a great golf course, one of the best layouts on which the Ryder Cup has been contested. All the ingredients are there.
Europe are strong as well and Thomas will be praying that home advantage sways the final verdict. He has ensured the fairways are tight and the rough is up, and the game plan will be to frustrate the Americans.
It could just work but my head rules over my heart and tells me to expect a close US win. But I do believe we have an absolute cracker in store.
Colin Montgomerie is an ambassador of Aberdeen Standard Investments – proud Worldwide Partner of the Ryder Cup.