Ryder Cup Betting Preview

“There is one thing in this world that is dumber than playing golf. That is watching someone else playing golf. What do you actually get to see? Thirty-seven guys in polyester slacks squinting at the sun. Doesn’t that set your blood racing?” – Peter Andrews

Well actually Mr Andrews, yes it does! And I can’t wait for the 37th Ryder Cup to tee off tomorrow at Valhalla in Kentucky. For three days we’ll all be glued to the telly hoping that Nick Faldo’s European team can retain the famous old trophy.

But Faldo could be the very reason that it might be the Americans who claim victory come Sunday evening. Almost every statistic, trend and piece of form suggest that Europe should walk this one but there’s a growing feeling that the Americans aren’t going to be lambs to the slaughter and Faldo’s ’single-minded’ attitude is causing a tidal shift in support away from the Europeans, especially amongst the media.

I have to admit to knowing little about Faldo, other than his phenomenal six-major wins of course, but I’ve heard very few commentators say anything positive about him or his leadership. His latest exchange with the press corps didn’t help much either as he tried to hide his error of letting his opening pairings be found on the end of some photographer’s lens. It appears that if the Europeans win the tourney it will be in spite of their captain and not because of him. I feel his leadership is and will continue to be undermined which will heap further pressure on his charges if they do not get off to a winning start. Friday morning’s play could go long way to setting the tone.

Kentucky boys Perry and Holmes could lead the American’s charge and be the first pairing out in their home state. As if the partisan needed any encouragement to get behind their men, there’s nothing like the American fans supporting a couple of local lads. A win for these two and America might not look back.

Of course they’ll need to contend with the loss of Tiger Woods but many think his absence might play into Paul Azinger’s team’s hands. There is no focal point, no natural leader and almost no pressure – so they’ll need to respond as a team. They’re not really expected to win over the weekend and that to me is when they’re at their most dangerous.

On the betting front the Europeans are still favourites. Betfred and Paddy Power offer the best odds at 1/1 on a win for Faldo’s side. The Americans can be backed at 11/8 (Skybet, VCBet) and have attracted a fair bit of money lately on both sides of the pond.

I was listening to Big Bob Bubka on Talksport earlier and he couldn’t explain why he was convinced that the US side would win. Everything was pointing to a European victory but deep down he senses that Paul Azinger’s team will be victorious. I have to admit to a similar instinct. At 11/8 I think they look good value and that price will tumble if the foursomes go the Americans’ way.

I also think a wee saver bet on the draw looks worth considering. It’s widely available at 11/1 (Bet365, Blue Sq, Skybet, Boylesports, Stan James)

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