Before a shot had been struck on the final day, the second-guessing had already begun.
Parts of the British media were questioning Tom Watson’s captaincy and Stewart Cink said that American golf fans were now numb to defeat in the Ryder Cup.
It was put to him that maybe it was time for Europe to take on the rest of the world. Thankfully, he dismissed the suggestion. As did Mark James, a former European player and captain.
“Look, what you have to understand is that this is essentially two tours going head to head,” said James. “And let’s not start talking about changing the format. There is still huge interest around the world in the Ryder Cup. The fans love it, and the players love it. The fact of the matter is that, at the moment, Europe has a stronger team, but that will change.”
James also pointed out that Watson was without four of the best players in the U.S. in Tiger Woods, Dustin Johnson, Jason Dufner and Billy Horschel. You could also add Chris Kirk to the mix.
Sure, Watson has made a couple of mistakes – the selection of Webb Simpson never seemed to make much sense, and putting an out-of-sorts Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson together in the Friday afternoon foursomes was a particularly strange decision, given that he also sidelined Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed, who had shined that morning.
Regardless of the outcome, nobody could possibly take issue with his decision to put his young guns out first in the singles. Spieth, Reed and Fowler led the Americans out. These guys carry no baggage. They are also fearless golfers, and if anybody could get the USA off to the flying start they required Sunday, it was these three.
The match of the day is Fowler against McIlroy. Remember that the 25-year-old American finished in the top five in all four majors this season. Yes, he lost out twice to McIlroy, but he doesn’t fear him. A couple of early birdies from Fowler would put a huge amount of pressure on McIlroy.
Make no mistake: if the Americans can get some red on the board in the early stages, the complexion of this contest will change enormously.
Related Links: Sunday Singles Pairings & Full Ryder Cup Results | Complete Ryder Cup Coverage
More Ryder Cup Links:
– Ryder Cup Notebook: Mickelson’s Last Stand? High Heels On The Course?
– Did We Just Witness Greatest Ryder Cup Match Ever?
– O Captain! Ryder Cup Captains Can Make A Difference
– Best Moments From Day 1 At The Ryder Cup
– 2014 Ryder Cup: Day 1 Studs & Duds
– Butt Slaps & Man Hugs: Ryder Cup Day 1 on Social Media
– Lost In Translation: How To Decipher What The Scottish Are Saying
– Remembering the ‘Draw in the Dunes’ at the 1969 Ryder Cup
– Spectators Paying The Price For Attending Ryder Cup
– Rory McIlroy Playing New Nike Vapor Driver at Ryder Cup
– Ryder Cup Notebook: Gleneagles Filled To The Brim
– Michael Jordan Is Back At The Ryder Cup
– Ryder Cup Atmosphere At Gleneagles Is Deafening
– Ryder Cup Odds: Underdog Americans Worth A Wager
– These Guys Are Good: Just 1 European Has Losing Ryder Cup Record
– Let Me Take A Selfie: Ryder Cup Stars Join In On Craze
– Slice of Bacon: The Ryder Cup Is Upon Us
– Show Me The Money: Ryder Cup Has Become Golf’s Biggest Event
– A Brief But Glorious History Of Rickie Fowler Photobombs
– Ryder Cup Pairings And Results
– Ryder Cup Notebook: Americans Finding Plenty Of Incentive To Win
– Tournament Hole Of The Week: Ryder Cup
– Ryder Cup By The Numbers: More Than 15 Miles of Rope and More
– Ryder Cup Ticket Prices Soaring On Secondary Market
– Phil Snags Wounded Warrior’s Phone, Takes Super Selfie
– U.S. Team Room Is Jaw-Droppingly Awesome
– Who Wore Velvet Best: Team Europe Or Pop Stars?
– Comeback King: Phil Mickelson Retorts ‘Suck On That’
– Sir Alex Ferguson Called On To Inspire Team Europe
– Phil’s on Fire: Confirms Keegan Pairing, Takes Shot At Team Europe
– Inside The Ropes: Ryder Cup Twitter Roundup
– 5 Things You Need To Know: Ryder Cup At Gleneagles
– Ryder Cup Rookies: Spieth, Reed, Walker Debut For U.S.
– The Odds: Ryder Cup Odds & Props Offer Plenty Of Options
– 3 Things You’ll See At The Ryder Cup This Week
– Ryder Cup Rookies: Dubuisson, Donaldson, Gallacher Debut For Europe
– Best Crowd Moments In Ryder Cup History
– Golf Manufacturers Showcase Ryder Cup-Inspired Gear
– 11 Most Memorable Ryder Cup Moments
– 5 Players Team Europe Needs To Play Well At Ryder Cup
– 5 Players The U.S. Needs To Play Well At Ryder Cup
– Fans Now Encouraged To Use Social Media At Ryder Cup
– Team USA Ryder Cup Posters Will Get You Pumped
– Rory McIlroy on Keegan Bradley & Ian Poulter: ‘They’re Both Nuts’
– ‘Screw You’: Ian Poulter Trash Talks Michael Jordan… In His Head
– One American’s Tribute to Ryder Cup Legend/Nightmare Ian Poulter
– TaylorMade Inks European Ryder Cup Player Jamie Donaldson
– Harrington, Jimenez, Olazabal Named Ryder Cup Vice Captains
– Sergio Garcia Disappointed Luke Donald Not on Ryder Cup Team
– Ralph Lauren Unveils U.S. Ryder Cup Team Uniforms
– Bradley, Mahan, Simpson Named U.S. Ryder Cup Captain’s Picks
– Gallacher, Poulter, Westwood Complete European Ryder Cup Team
