Aussie Golfer’s 2012 Ryder Cup preview

Arguably the best weekend of golf to watch on TV is with us this weekend, the Ryder Cup.


We’re now just over a day away from one of the greatest golf events on the golf calender, arguably the sports calendar, Ryder Cup. The 2012 Ryder Cup is taking place at Medinah Country Club, just out of Chicago, USA.
Previous Ryder Cup’s have been full of drama such as the War by the Shore in 1991, the emotion filled 2006 Ryder Cup in Ireland to last year’s incredible battle at Celtic Manor.
It brings with it stunning golf such as Faldo’s hole-in-one in 1993, Justin Leonard’s incredible putt in 1999 and Seve’s incredible 3-wood from a bunker in 1983 – a shot Jack Nicklaus described as the greatest she he ever saw.

We’ve previously covered the make-up of the USA and European Teams and most people are now awaiting the match-up’s for the Friday play which consists of foursomes in the morning and the fourballs in the afternoon. It is somewhat surprising the Ryder Cup has not embraced the four-day format of the Presidents Cup which pits all players against each other. The Ryder Cup on the other hand, features several players on each team sit out the golf on Friday and Saturday.
Ryder Cup TV times in Australia

One of the great aspects of the event is that none of the golfers are getting any appearance money for their participation. There are no sponsors logos to be seen and it is one of the few occasions we get to see any form of golf other than stroke play.
Most of the talk in the lead up to the event has focused on the form and chumminess of Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. The prospect of a singles match between these two is keenly anticipated for Sunday.
What else you should know
  • The Europeans have won five of the last seven Ryder Cups including the incredible 1 point victory at Celtic Manor in 2010.
  • The most experienced player this week is Phil Mickelson who has played in 8 previous Ryder Cups.
  • Jim Furyk and Lee Westwood aren’t far behind, each have played in 7 Ryder Cup’s.
  • The Europeans have just the one debutant to Ryder Cup golf, Belgian Nicolas Coasaerts. The Americans have four.
  • Format: Friday and Saturday – 4 fourball matches and 4 foursomes. Sunday – 12 singles matches.
  • Team USA is the favourite to win according to the bookies at around $1.72. Europe are currently around $2.50 to defend the trophy.
The Teams
Europe (previous RCs) USA
Nicolas Colsaerts (-) Keegan Bradley (-)
Luke Donald (3) Jason Dufner (-)
Sergio Garcia (5) Jim Furyk (7)
Peter Hanson (1) Dustin Johnson (1)
Martin Kaymer (1) Zach Johnson (2)
Paul Lawrie (1) Matt Kuchar (1)
Graeme McDowell (2) Phil Mickelson (8)
Rory McIlroy (1) Webb Simpson (-)
Francesco Molinari (1) Brandt Snedeker (-)
Ian Poulter (3) Steve Stricker (2)
Justin Rose (1) Bubba Watson (1)
Lee Westwood (7) Tiger Woods (6)
Captains Captains
Colin Montgomerie Davis Love III
Thomas Bjorn (asst) Fred Couples (asst)
Darren Clarke (asst) Mike Hubert (asst)
Sergio Garcia (asst) Jeff Sluman(asst)
Paul McGinley (asst) Scott Verplank (asst)
Check out the digital version official Ryder Cup Program for more information.

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