As the golf season winds down, fans will look to Men’s Golf for one more main event. The Ryder Cup is a weekend tournament featuring best-ball, alternate shot, and those dozen Sunday singles matches that often decide everything.
The odds are listed below in our Ryder Cup Futures.
The number of players that could impact this tournament is more than usual. That is where the problem comes in as far as handicapping this tournament. Again, the options are a bit more than the typical Ryder Cup. This is because the expectations are higher than most for a tournament that carries so much pressure and prestige.
Now, the pandemic definitely shifted things but so does the course venue. The intriguing idea is this. Europe has so much history on its side. Part of why they won in 2018 was how much practice time they managed to get in at the Paris golf course. Could Team USA do the very same thing as the golf world sees most of the Europeans playing in the European Tour’s BMW Championship which will be held from the 9th-12th at Wentworth Club?
Again, some contend this is more of a non-issue but one of the main issues that the Americans have faced in two of the three past Ryder Cups was that lack of practice time and preparation. Most forget that Europe absolutely dusted the Americans on that Sunday. The final 17 1/2 to 10 1/2 score was not even close.
It is safe to say that Steve Stricker will have the American squad more prepared this time around. Between this coming week and the next, do not be surprised if at least ten or more of the golfers from Team USA get in some practice time. The argument is that this extra “training” could pay dividends on Sunday.
The last two meetings between the sides have produced memorable Sunday flourishes as a result — 2016 for Team USA and then 2018 for Team Europe.
Keep in mind, all it takes is a few raindrops and birdies to change things. Here is where some of the early money is going.
This is where the debate for Ryder Cup Futures begins. Naturally, few seem to completely know what may happen during this tournament. The expectation is for a raucous atmosphere. That much is the only certainty.
Yes, there are considerable reasons why Team USA still is considered a favorite. Some will debate that Europe has won six of the last eight Ryder Cup outings. Furthermore, others will argue that the golf course selected caters more towards Team Europe.
That is right. Whistling Straits is a Ryder Cup darling of links golf. It is not an accident why this course was picked.
The Americans expect to be ready for this leg of the Ryder Cup. There are risks to see some of the picks as they unfold. However, this par-72 course plays out to be 7,790 yards. This course features three Par-5’s that are 597+ yards and four Par-4’s that are 490+ yards. An American squad that features more longer-hitting players versus the cunning and guile of European golfers.
Hence, our Ryder Cup Futures pick below is one where the odds may just change right before Thursday morning’s tee time. That’s right. The tournament goes from September 24th – September 26th.
The questions about some of the American golfers have themselves somewhat evaporated. If Team USA can putt well on Sunday, this would tilt The Ryder Cup Futures at least a little more. As it is, Team USA was as much as a -225 to -250 favorite just a few weeks ago. This may again be because of previous history and Team Europe winning the Solheim Cup (the women’s version of the Ryder Cup).
Putting and long ball striking are two absolute strengths a golfer must have on the Whistling Straits golf course. This along with some championship mettle makes the Americans an even better pick. Collin Morikawa has won two Majors in his first eight appearances. Bryson DeChambeau is one of the longest hitters on tour along with his ability to make birdies. Xander Schaufelle won the gold medal in Tokyo. Jordan Spieth’s game is back.
According to PGA Tour Stats, there is one counter. That is Jon Rahm. His ability to play on any course is well documented. He likely will win Golfer Of The Year and is a monster in match-play. That being said, this American squad will feature several more long-striking players who have a bit of a putting mastery too. Again, ability and atmosphere favor the United States.
For Ryder Cup Futures, our best bet is to take a shot on the Americans.
2021 has taught us to just keep looking at the men’s field a little more different than previous years because of the pandemic. The one wildcard err future that always carries some intrigue is the draw. Why? Simply, all Europe needs to do is gain 14 points. A tie is like a win for the team that is the defending winner.
Some will look at these odds and go wow! Most betting sites have a draw at around +1100 to +1200. Is it worth placing a small bet here? Absolutely. While this is not our best wager, 2010 and 2012 were narrow one-point Europe victories that nearly ended up in draws. It is far from impossible.
Take Team USA to win the Ryder Cup at -175 while the odds still have a little volatility.
See below the top sportsbooks, like Bovada, where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
