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The Ryder Cup is layered upon layers of dynamics, relationships and varied directions of individual careers, but it starts with Captains, and this edition delivers in building the Unbelievable.
Steve Stricker of Wisconsin leads the United States because of course he does. He was predestinated then. No one likes Steve, but worship alone doesn’t win competitions.
In the other corner is Irishman Padraig Harrington, him from a trio of majors wins and some of the best thinkers / quotes in the sport. Like all the European captains who came before him, he won’t reject any idea that the visitors are the underdogs, despite being the targets as the defending champion, not to mention the winners of nine of the last 12. met. Go back to 1985 and Europe is 11-5-1 in the Ryder Cup. Yeah, an outsider.
The tide of the 2021 edition is that half of Americans are newbies in the event, while only three of Europeans are participating for the first time. It may be overanalyzed, but there is no underestimation of the chemistry of Europe, which does not age. It is as much a by-product of the group’s positive reaction to unfavorable results as it is the team’s success under stressful conditions. With the road game in rural Wisconsin this week, the attention is as sharp as it is simplified by the minimization of distractions.
Of course, the only measure that matters is the scoreboard on which 28 points will be distributed. In keeping with their tradition, the United States chose to open Friday and Saturday with Foursomes. Afternoon sessions on both days will be four-ball. After four matches in each of these four sessions, the 12 from each team will face off in singles on Sunday. If the Ryder Cup is tied at 14-14, then Europe will retain the title.
The Straits Course at Whistling Straits is one of Pete Dye’s masterpieces, and it is one of the most immediately recognizable tracks as a host of the PGA Championship in 2004, 2010 and 2015. Not surprisingly , Europe also had more experience on the course where only Matt Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm did not compete. Five of Americans tie it here for the first time.
The Straits played as a par 72 stock for the 2015 PGA and at 7,501 yards. This week it’s a par 71 with three par 5s and spikes at 7,390 yards. In addition to the conversion of the 11th hole to a par 4 – which reflects a reduction of 44 yards and its test to a par 5 six years ago – other major changes include a shortening of the first hole par 4 (also by 44 yards) to 364 yards, and a drop of 17 yards to 552 yards, par-5 16th.
Regardless of the format, but especially in Foursomes and Singles, keeping the ball visible / attainable / findable is the premium throughout the property. Hazards abound and every area of sand – inside and outside the ropes – is treated as such. The ball strike will prevail and set the stage for an unpredictable and hot putting. The bentgrass greens are tough in places, but at 7,000 square feet there’s plenty of room to land on the approach.
After windy and bad weather outings, Mother Nature is expected to cooperate over the three-day competition weekend. There’s no hiding from the breezes, but they will whistle, ahem, at a constant rate north of 10mph but from the dominant west direction, so the course will be tested as it was created. Rain cannot be ruled out on Friday, but it should not stop the game. Sunshine and seasonal highs in the 60s are forecast for Saturday and Sunday.
ROB BOLTON’S SCHEDULE
PGATOUR.COM Fantasy Insider Rob Bolton recaps and presents each tournament from many angles. Look for his following contributions as expected.
MONDAY: Power ratings
TUESDAY: Fantasy Insider
SUNDAY: Qualifications, Reshuffle, Medical extensions, Recruit ranking
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