Steve Stricker’s United States are the huge favourites for the Ryder Cup and it is difficult to argue against the home team’s chances.
The American line-up boasts the best average world ranking in the competition’s history. Nine of the world’s top 11 are in the USA side and their average ranking is 8.9. Scottie Scheffler – the world number 21 – has the worst ranking in Stricker’s squad.
Much has been made of the States having six Ryder Cup rookies, compared to Europe’s three, but that extra experience in the away camp may not count for much.
Collin Morikawa – the world number three and a two-time Major champion – is one of the American rookies. Three other rookies – Daniel Berger, Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele – have been on winning Presidents Cup teams and none of them can be considered weak links.
The average world ranking of the Europeans is 30.8 and skipper Padraig Harrington is struggling for obvious pairings.
Six of the last seven editions of this event have been won by the home side – and with the hosts 10/19, this week’s contest at Whistling Straits will probably bolster that statistic.
Justin Thomas Can Lead the American Challenge
A pairing that Stricker can hang his hat on this week is Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. They are great mates who have been successful together in previous team events for their country, meaning it would be a shock should the dynamic duo not be unleashed in tandem in Friday’s opening foursomes.
Thomas at 11/2 to end the event as the top American is extremely attractive. There must be every chance that he and Spieth get four sessions under their belt before the singles – the opportunity to accrue five points – and Thomas can be fancied to get the job done on the strength of his form in the FedEx Cup playoffs.
The man known as JT by his peers may be peaking for the Ryder Cup, improving his mood and his golf over the last couple of months.
Given Spieth has never won a singles match in either the Ryder Cup or the Presidents Cup, Thomas seems the best bet for top scorer.
Viktor Hovland Should Be a Dangerous Newcomer
Norwegian youngster Viktor Hovland has played without fear for the vast majority of his professional career – and he can be expected to take a Ryder Cup debut in his stride this week.
Hovland looks set for top-class playing partners this week – Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia have been suggested as possible sidekicks – so the newcomer could get some points on the board early on.
The 6/1 about Hovland ending the competition as the top European scorer certainly looks worth a second glance.
The last two Ryder Cups have seen a European rookie excel – Thomas Pieters in 2016 and Tommy Fleetwood in 2018 – and this week may be the turn of Hovland to shine. Like Rahm and McIlroy, Hovland has the potential to play five sessions.
*All odds correct at time of writing.