I have two events in the game of golf for which I share an unbridled passion. The Masters and The Ryder Cup. Just like The Masters, it is never to never too early to start talking Ryder Cup. In 1991, I had the distinct pleasure of attending my first Ryder Cup at Kiawah Island. Boasting the World’s Top Players, The Ryder Cup combines skill, teamwork, competition, and patriotism. When you take a player’s passion and combine it with a love for his country, you have a recipe for some of the most storied matches in the history of the game. Simply put, The Ryder Cup is the Olympics of Golf. Europe has dominated the competition in recent history. Although The US traditionally has the more talented team on paper, The European teams have consistently proved the sum is greater than the parts.
Paul Azinger led his resilient and talented American team to victory in 2008. Azinger managed to take a group of unique personalities and create a cohesive unit. Azinger even managed to have Tiger and Phil playing ping pong together in their down time. For some reason, I don’t think they traded Christmas cards after The Cup. Zinger allowed Phil to be creative, AK to be brash, and Boo…..well to be Boo. I think we all remember Boo riding his Driver like a horse rockin’ the white tube socks.
Now the torch has been passed to Cory Pavin. Can the former US Open Champ recreate the magic of 2008? If he is going to retain the cup of European soil, Pavin will have to choose his captain’s picks wisely. Which Ryder Cup rookie will make the biggest impact? Who can offer leadership in the locker room? With only the Top 8 spots being guaranteed, here are a few notables to watch:
Tiger Woods- (Currently 11th) Cory Pavin made the comments this past week that Tiger is not a guarantee. Seriously Corey? I get it. Tiger is pretty much a lock HOWEVER what if he keeps missing cuts and shooting 78 in 3 months? What if Tiger does not remove himself from consideration at that point? Pavin may be forced to come true on his words.
Matt Kuchar- (10th) The personable and well liked GA Tech All American has played his best golf in 2010. The former US amateur Champion should feel comfortable in a match play format. Matt is 11th in the FedEx Cup with 9 top 25s. We may get a chance to see how that translates to Ryder Cup success.
Nick Watney- (15th) Nick is not one the most charismatic or outspoken guys however he touts a very well rounded game. Currently, Nick is an impressive 28th in The OWGR. 20 Top 25s in the last 37 tournament speak volumes about Nick’s consistency.
Zach Johnson- (12th) With his win at Colonial, Johnson may have solidified his place on the team. Zach has not played his best golf in 2010 but appears to be hitting his stride at the right time. I strongly feel his quiet confidence would mesh well into the dynamics of the US team.
Jeff Overton-(13th) Based on his recent play, Jeff may never finish outside the Top 5 again. Overton is a young player who has consistently improved each year on tour. His solid play in 2010 has found him inside the Top 20 in the FedEx Cup. If he keeps hanging around on Sunday’s, Overton will finally get his first win. Like several players on this list, a win may be needed to find his way on to the team.
Ricky Barnes- (14th) The former US Amateur Champion is finally living up to the promise he originally showed at The 2002 Masters. Barnes has posted an impressive six Top 25s this season but will probably need a win along with several solid finishes to be one of Pavin’s picks.
Bo Van Pelt-(19th) Known as a solid ball striker, Van Pelt may be one of the hottest players on tour. As the Ryder Cup approaches, can he maintain his consistency as he ascends up the points standings? A win would go a long way in solidifying his place on the team.
Kenny Perry- (20th) KP would bring experience and leadership to this team. Perry has had a modest season at best mostly due to an ailing putter. KP would certainly be a popular choice among the players and fans however he has some ground to make up over the next 90 days.
Fred Couples- (45th) Freddie is playing some of the best golf of his careers at age 50. Back in the day, Freddie and DL III were the poster children for a Ryder Cup partnership. Freddie’s demeanor and leadership would be an asset to The 2010 team.
I know there are so many to players to talk about for a potential Ryder Cup run. Who would be your picks? Can Pavin make the right picks to retain The Cup? Remember, The American fans were never too fond of Monty. As we make our way to Wales, I would expect the traditionally respectful Europeans to somewhat return the favor. Regardless of names, this year’s American team will be stepping into a pressure cooker. Get ready boys…the American invasion is on!
Chris Hill is the CMO of WereTalkingGolf Productions. He writes weekly several times on WereTalkingGolf.com at Bogie’s Banter. He can also co hosts 3 national golf radio shows weekly on WereTalkingGolf Radio. He can be reached via email at chris@weretalkinggolf.com
Tags: Corey Pavin, The Ryder Cup, tiger woods, Zach Johnson
