In the final part of our Ryder Cup betting angles with Betolimp, WADE PRETORIUS takes a look at the heavy hitters and makes his bet.
Top USA rookie: Thomas over DeChambeau
Top European rookie: Fleetwood or Rahm?
Top wildcard: Poulter to top Tiger this time
Picking the player to top the points scoring for either side is a tricky task but the theory remains the same. Opt for a player who will play at least four sessions and one that is likely to win their singles also helps, swerving most of the rookies helps as well as overlooking a number of the wildcards.
Also key to trying to get a clearer picture is eliminating players who aren’t compatible with a number of their teammates and then finally those who are short of form.
Let’s reduce the candidates…
Rookies expected to feature least often
Thorbjorn Olesen, Tyrrell Hatton and Tony Finau (Team USA)
Out of form or incompatible
Paul Casey, Sergio Garcia, Bubba Watson, Webb Simpson and Rickie Fowler (Team USA)
Wildcard selections that look unfavourable
Henrik Stenson and Phil Mickelson (Team USA)
Not expected to play at least four sessions or singles loser
Alex Noren, Francesco Molinari, Bryson DeChambeau and Jordan Spieth (Team USA)
Remaining candidates:
For Team Europe: Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose, Ian Poulter and rookies Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood.
For Team USA: Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Justin Thomas and Tiger Woods.
Europe’s top scorer appears to come down to McIlroy, Rose and Poulter. The three will be looked at to lead the team and will no doubt be sent out at least four times. All three love the team format and thrive under the pressure. Their opposition in individual sessions could determine who tops the list with McIlroy sneaking it for me.
Team USA have seemingly limitless options but digging down you might find Dustin Johnson, market leader at 6/1, and Tiger Woods only playing three sessions. DJ hasn’t always shown his appetite for this event with Tiger battling a busy schedule, age and his own cup demons.
Reed isn’t the market favourite – he’s sixth at 9.25/1 which seems generous considering he won a Major this year and is ready to play another leading role for his side. Brooks Koepka, with two Majors to his name and a chip on his shoulder, is another one to ponder and he’s backed in at second with odds of 6.75/1 and just ahead of Justin Thomas (7/1).
Thomas has some wrist issues so he might be held back in a match or two.
That brings me back to Reed. Always Patrick Reed.
Bet on Reed to be Team USA’s leading scorer at 9.25/1 or go slightly lower for Justin Thomas at 7/1.
