The Road to the Ryder Cup 2014

Rikand

Thought I'd make a separate thread for this rather than filling up the PGA tour thread

Link to the points list :: http://www.rydercup.com/europe/2014/team/european-ryder-cup-points-list

With Victor Dubuisson finishing runner up in the Matchplay, it has moved him right into prime position to make the Ryder Cup Team and I think we're all very glad of that given his performance this week. But what about the rest of the team ?

If the Ryder Cup was starting tomorrow, the 9 players who would be in place are ::

Henrik STENSON
Sergio GARCIA
Victor DUBUISSON
Thomas BJÖRN
Ian POULTER
Rory MCILROY
Jamie DONALDSON
Justin ROSE
Joost LUITEN

Which wouldn't be terrible.


What do people think of that team ? Who would you rather see in there instead of some of those players ? Who would be your Captains Picks if that was the team ?

Would Harri be one of them ?????

love to hear peoples thoughts, lets get a good auld discussion going on

dar_cool

Gmac not in the top 9?

Rikand

dar_cool wrote: »

Gmac not in the top 9?

Not right now

17th on the European Order of Merit
14th on the World Points List


but he only started playing golf again 2 weeks ago after being off for about 3 months

dar_cool

Say he will defo get a spot after his heroics last week

FixdePitchmark

Very hard to see Westwood - Donald - McDowell not in team,

Looks like the full downfall of Kaymer could be completed , if he does not get the finger out.

I'd say Molinari will make the team on his own form.

Keano

Westwood will be touch and go! He would want to really pull his socks up

BubbaM

McDowell is ranked 15th in the world and at this moment won't make the team outright which seems a bit odd. He'd be one of my first picks if it was based on picks alone!

PARlance

Rikand wrote: »

If the Ryder Cup was starting tomorrow, the 9 players who would be in place are ::

Henrik STENSON
Sergio GARCIA
Victor DUBUISSON
Thomas BJÖRN
Ian POULTER
Rory MCILROY
Jamie DONALDSON
Justin ROSE
Joost LUITEN

Which wouldn't be terrible.


What do people think of that team ? Who would you rather see in there instead of some of those players ? Who would be your Captains Picks if that was the team ?

Wouldn't be too unhappy with that team at all, if I was to pick 3 they would be:

Gmac GMAC
Francesco MOLINARI
Paul LAWRIE

Lawrie might raise a few eyebrows, but I think a Scot in the team is almost a must have, and of all the Scots, I would have most faith in him. He doesn't strike me as the William Wallace type but I think it would be a big plus on the motivational side of things. It would seem a bit "flat" without a home home player.
He delivered last time around in the singles too and my team would be missing a lot of experienced Ryder Cuppers so he would play a part there too.

If I had the chance to mess around with the 9 above, I think I would be looking to drop LUITEN and DONALDSON in favour of 2 from below:

Mannassro - for young blood and a potenital RCup leader in the making, also could pair well with fellow Italian Molinari
Fleetwood or Ilonen - Both playing well, Fleetwood may appease the English crowd, Ilonen is a player I like and has proven well able to handle match play, he's also hitting some form this year.
Fleetwood would get the nod by some bit at present.

There are plenty more out there that I would consider, a few Spaniards could make an entire reserve list alone.

For the likes of Westwood, Donald and Jiminez... sorry lads, you've been great, but it's time to move on and I wouldn't even consider them if they failed to make the top 9 spots.

Kaymer would need a great year and he may rally.

Colsaerts... I forget what he looks like.

charlieIRL

Forgive me on this one, but I don't think Dubuisson deserves an automatic place on the team just because he has had one good run in an matchplay event.
Its the first time I've ever seen him play one and I'd like to think that the players in an event, like the Ryder Cup, are in top form but experienced matchplay players. How do we know he could handle the pressure after one matchplay?

mike12

Think Jamie DONALDSON and Joost LUITEN are 2 that could loose out as the summer goes on. Gmac will make it on form as will Mannesaro i think. Lots of cash to be won before the team is picked though.

Poker Face

charlieIRL wrote: »

Forgive me on this one, but I don't think Dubuisson deserves an automatic place on the team just because he has had one good run in an matchplay event.
Its the first time I've ever seen him play one and I'd like to think that the players in an event, like the Ryder Cup, are in top form but experienced matchplay players. How do we know he could handle the pressure after one matchplay?

He is not getting in team just on last week. He has been doing very well since November .. 4 top 5 finishes in his last 5 starts.

http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/players/playerid=34151/index.html

Skylined.94

mike12 wrote: »

Think Jamie DONALDSON and Joost LUITEN are 2 that could loose out as the summer goes on. Gmac will make it on form as will Mannesaro i think. Lots of cash to be won before the team is picked though.

Agreed Gmac and Mannesaro will be there but also think Luiten will surprise us as the season goes on.

Rikand

charlieIRL wrote: »

Forgive me on this one, but I don't think Dubuisson deserves an automatic place on the team just because he has had one good run in an matchplay event.
Its the first time I've ever seen him play one and I'd like to think that the players in an event, like the Ryder Cup, are in top form but experienced matchplay players. How do we know he could handle the pressure after one matchplay?

he said in an interview after beating gmac and when questioned about how much matchplay he has played....

in France as an amateur there are a lot of matchplay competitions and that he has played in matchplay competitions all around the world....


sure you might say Rory mcilroy is young and hasn't played much matchplay.... But he won the west of Ireland 3 times aswell as all the other championships! No doubt about but Victor would have huge matchplay experience in high pressure situations against top quality golfers

Slicemeister

If McGinley could keep away from the Sky Studios he'd be doing himself a big favour.
Too many bullets being dodged with mundane diplomatic replies to all questions.

Not his fault, just the nature of the beast he's sat down with.

FixdePitchmark

Slicemeister wrote: »

If McGinley could keep away from the Sky Studios he'd be doing himself a big favour.
Too many bullets being dodged with mundane diplomatic replies to all questions.

Not his fault, just the nature of the beast he's sat down with.

That is a good point. Should he be there at all.

charlieIRL

Poker Face wrote: »

He is not getting in team just on last week. He has been doing very well since November .. 4 top 5 finishes in his last 5 starts.

http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/players/playerid=34151/index.html

That's great form, but great form won't win a matchplay event all the time. How many players were over par but still won their match last weekend?

I'm not doubting that he's a great player and hopefully will be for the future (its refreshing to have a different name at the top of the leaderboard) I'm just concerned that all the hype after this event is a bit premature. Sure time will tell.

Slicemeister

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

That is a good point. Should he be there at all.

I honestly think its a ticking time bomb, he's going to incriminate himself at some stage.
Especially with Livingston in the seat.

FixdePitchmark

Slicemeister wrote: »

I honestly think its a ticking time bomb, he's going to incriminate himself at some stage.
Especially with Livingston in the seat.

I agree he is good, Livingston - you can see what he is at, but he tries to back them into a corner.

There will be a stage where Paul is too close to making his picks to be on it. We are nearly only 6 months out.

"Paul wasn't that an awful shot choice by Westwood - his form has really fallen off since his major problems ? "

"Paul - that putting has slipped a bit for Ian - since that Miracle at Medinah "

Paul is well able for that stuff - but the show is live, that is a big part of the problem - he has no editorial control.

RikkFlair

Westwood needs a big summer, I think throwing away the Open last year has knocked the stuffing out of him (as seen on his Twitter rant). I feel he'll get a pick though if he's on the fringe of the team. I'd say Donald will get there in the end as will Gmac. Poulter is high up on both lists so any bit of consistency from now until August and McGinley won't need to pick him.

Mad to think Bjorn has only made 2 RC teams, most of his wins have come in the non-Ryder Cup years of qualification.

I'll go for 3 rookies, Dubuisson, Luiten and Steven Gallacher

PARlance

charlieIRL wrote: »

That's great form, but great form won't win a matchplay event all the time. How many players were over par but still won their match last weekend?

I'm not doubting that he's a great player and hopefully will be for the future (its refreshing to have a different name at the top of the leaderboard) I'm just concerned that all the hype after this event is a bit premature. Sure time will tell.

But what else is to go on, he has been in form (he held off a very strong field that included Tiger challenging him at the Turkish Airlines in Nov) and dealt with the pressure well.
He has played the only match play event he could and has done fantastic.

What more can he do?

He may not win, he may not deal with the pressure, he may be a flash in the pan but at present he's at the top of my list as he is doing all that he can do and doing it very very well.

It's a shame he wasn't playing in the Royal Trophy, anyone know why he wasn't in the mix for that, in hindsight, it would have been a great experience and would have been a good chance for McGingly to have a up close look at him...

Did his form come to late for that?

paulos53

PARlance wrote: »

It's a shame he wasn't playing in the Royal Trophy, anyone know why he wasn't in the mix for that, in hindsight, it would have been a great experience and would have been a good chance for McGingly to have a up close look at him...

Did his form come to late for that?

He is playing in the new EurAsia cup next month. Most of that team are on the fringes of the Ryder cup team so no doubt McGinley will be keeping an eye on how the pairings work out.

Rikand

Has the world points list been updated after the Honda Classic ? It says updated 3/2/14 which is the 2nd of March, but I dont know if that includes the Honda as that finished in the early hours of the morning.

The US points system has updated on the 3/3/14, after completion of the Honda.

Trying to figure out if the points Luke Donald would have gained are included or not

http://www.rydercup.com/europe/2014/team/european-ryder-cup-points-list

AGC

The team as it stands I think would be well beaten.

A few need to get their skates on to strengthen it up.

Russman

You'd have to think the likes of McDowell will play his way on (possibly Donald too) and Donaldson & Luiten probably won't hang in there. Who knows though.

It should be quite a media circus though in August because there's probably going to be at least 2 or 3 big names will miss out. If I had to call it now, I'd say Westwood won't play his way on, won't get a pick and Sky Sports will be most unhappy ! I'd give Donald a pick for his short game and he's a ready made partner for Sergio.


Can't really see any of that bunch of Fleetwood, Willett, Horsey, Pepperell etc playing their way on though.

Arsenium

Paul Casey. If he could start tournaments the way he's been finishing them he should shoot up the rankings. Experience there too.

Rikand

What would people think of Ross Fisher after his win at the weekend ? He has moved himself well up the list on both the world points and european points list.

Also a former world matchplay winner!

Russman

Rikand wrote: »

What would people think of Ross Fisher after his win at the weekend ? He has moved himself well up the list on both the world points and european points list.

Also a former world matchplay winner!

Probably a decent shout, but he'll need to get into the big events. Can't really see him getting a pick, and there's not a lot of difference between him and 5 or 6 other upper to mid level players (if you know what I mean).

Rikand

http://www.rydercup.com/europe/2014/team/european-ryder-cup-points-list

Donaldson now in prime position to get into the team. Can't see him tanking it from here, so a few more decent tournies should see him home. If he doesnt get in on the European List, He'll surely get in on the World Points list.

Stephen Gallagher has now jumped Justin Rose as well. There's the Scottish player in the side that everyone is looking for!

Dr. Bre

still think Bjorn bottles it. not what ya want in a ryder cup

Rikand

Dr. Bre wrote: »

still think Bjorn bottles it. not what ya want in a ryder cup

i don't think he'll make it tbh. Too much strength gaining ground on him in the rankings

Russman

Rikand wrote: »

i don't think he'll make it tbh. Too much strength gaining ground on him in the rankings

He has a good head start though. It'll be touch and go.

Haven't checked the odds yet, and its early days, but at the moment its hard to see anything other than a pretty comprehensive USA win unfortunately. Unless some of our big names pull the finger out in the next few months.

Rikand

http://www.rydercup.com/europe/2014/team/european-ryder-cup-points-list

Luke Donald now in the top 9

Dr. Bre

with the eurasia cup on this weekend it made think. is it time to expand the ryder cup? welcome other continents to it.
I know i will get hammered here for trying to break tradition and maybe im greedy but i dont want europe just beating USA i want to beat the world!

I know there's already a world cup of golf but it doesnt grab the public attention like the football or rugby world cups.

With 12 players from each contintent we already know Europe USA (north america) will be strong but i think Asia Africa would have competitive teams. i could easily name 12 from both. The Aussies have 12 i could name also. Oh dont forget S America!

The format could be tricky but i thought of 1 group were each continent plays each other once and the top 2 qualify for final. Same Ryder format as in fourballs one day, foursomes another and singles last day.

Another problem would be the calendar. could take at least 3 weeks to finish as oppose to the one weekend of ryder cup. I certainly would be happy watching golf everyday for a few weeks. When the rugby football world cups are on there is matches everyday.

I think its harsh that Scott Schwartz will never play in golf's biggest team event

PARlance

Like the idea in principle but I think the main thing is the calendar issue that you hightlighted.
If they were to play each other once, you're looking at 5 weeks. The final a 6th week.... It's a non runner straight away for me with that.

I also think it'd be a bit like the Champs league... When they extended that it lost a certain appeal to me. Too many teams. It only really gets going at the last 16, 8 stage for me.

Also, while you would have no problem getting a decent team for each continent(region). Asia, Australia, Africa and South American would have by far the weaker teams when you get down past the main players.

I suspect that it'd end up like the Champs League were the group stages are fairly boring (with the odd great game) and you only get down to business after 5 weeks. I would guess that you'd end up with Eur vs USA more often than not.

Part of the appeal for the RC for me is that it's rare and pure quality. Wouldn't like it being diluted.

Rikand

PARlance wrote: »

Part of the appeal for the RC for me is that it's rare and pure quality. Wouldn't like it being diluted.

this is the clincher for me.

if Australia wanted to play Asia and Africa versus South America in separate events not on the same week as the Ryder cup, I'd watch them too

Russman

Dr. Bre wrote: »

I think its harsh that Scott Schwartz will never play in golf's biggest team event

Its not harsh, its just the way it is by virtue of their nationality. A West Indian cricketer can't play in The Ashes (I was going to say an Irish one but.......:)) Would they even want to play in the Ryder Cup or some equivalent ? Its hard enough to get the guys to play for one week for no money, can't imagine a 4 week tournament having a leg to stand on.

The Ryder Cup is IMO a unique rivalry and, even if there was some sort of world team event thingy, the only match people would watch is Europe vs USA. Its like suggesting that THE North London derby isn't Spurs V Arsenal, of course there are other London derbies but that's the big one.

The other team events are barely even worthy of the name, even the Presidents Cup isn't much of an event, its only big because the Americans usually win.

Rikand

http://www.rydercup.com/europe/2014/team/european-ryder-cup-points-list

stenson
garcia
mcilroy
rose
donald
kaymer
dubuisson
donaldson
bjorn


with poulter, Westwood and molinari on the outskirts of the team it looks really solid

Rikand

After the weekend, the team itself hasn't changed but some people have moved into contention



Which wildcards would you pick ?

For me ::

Poulter
Jiminez
Gallagher ( for the scottish connection )

Dr. Bre

after last sunday wouldn't trust Bjorn. his head goes on the big occasion. blixt for me as a wildcard

Felexicon

Dr. Bre wrote: »

after last sunday wouldn't trust Bjorn. his head goes on the big occasion. blixt for me as a wildcard

Can't really judge it like that though. All things being equal you'd say Poulter might not be worth the risk but as it's Ryder Cup he's a certainty to go. The European lads are a different animal in the team event.

Carpo86

Would be surprised to see either Gallagher or Blixt awarded a wildcard over Westwood...

PARlance

Rikand wrote: »

For me ::

Poulter
Jiminez
Gallagher ( for the scottish connection )

I think I'd have GMac ahead of the latter two.

FixdePitchmark

Dr. Bre wrote: »

after last sunday wouldn't trust Bjorn. his head goes on the big occasion. blixt for me as a wildcard

Great golfer Bjorn - but would agree - he seems to have days he just falls apart.

You can sort of see him fade.

Deeper Blue

I'm hoping Bjorn doesn't make it - if he does it means I'll have to cheer for him

Rikand

Requin wrote: »

I'm hoping Bjorn doesn't make it - if he does it means I'll have to cheer for him

well its getting closer to you getting your wish!

Bjorn is now outside the top 4earners on the european points list and is gradually edging down the list on the world points list. I predict he'll be dropped out the back before too long!

Deeper Blue

Sky Sports 4 will become Sky Sports Ryder Cup for 2 weeks apparently:
http://www1.skysports.com/golf/news/26732/9387614/sky-sports-ryder-cup-the-only-place-to-see-exclusive-live-coverage-of-golfs-biggest-event

Rikand wrote: »

well its getting closer to you getting your wish!

Bjorn is now outside the top 4earners on the european points list and is gradually edging down the list on the world points list. I predict he'll be dropped out the back before too long!

Excellent news, hopefully McDowell or Gallacher make it ahead of him.

Mushy

Requin wrote: »

Sky Sports 4 will become Sky Sports Ryder Cup for 2 weeks apparently:
http://www1.skysports.com/golf/news/26732/9387614/sky-sports-ryder-cup-the-only-place-to-see-exclusive-live-coverage-of-golfs-biggest-event



Excellent news, hopefully McDowell or Gallacher make it ahead of him.

I came to post that about sky sports 4. Itll be perfect, wont miss a shot now!

GenuineFan

We are fortunate enough to be going to the Ryder Cup and have tickets for the Thursday and Friday. Having difficulty in finding out what colours the European Team will be wearing on the Friday. I wanted to buy polo shirts, etc. to wear on the day. Anybody know???

blackwhite

Things getting tight in the race for the European places

Donaldson, Bjorn, Rose and Kaymer are the 5-8 on the Race to Dubai list, so even if one of them was dislodge a player above them it wouldn't change anything, and Poulter is too far off to climb above these four, plus one of the other. That means its the OWGR points list that is where any changes are likely to happen.

To me it seems to be between Donald and McDowell for the final automatic place, with Poulter and Gallacher just a bit too far back to overtake both of them.

Neither are down to play in the Windham this coming weekend, so it looks like it'll all come down to the Barclays, unless either decides to skip the Deutsche Bank in order to play in the Italian Open.

abff

I'm surprised to see that Donaldson is not playing in Denmark this week. He's just over €28k behind Garcia in the European Points list and I presume Garcia won't be playing again in Europe this month. Donaldson's position on the World Points list is quite precarious and there's a good chance he will be passed by both McDowell and Donald.

I think Bjorn probably has enough of a margin in the World Points list to be safe at this stage, although a good performance in Denmark this week would probably eliminate any remaining doubt. It could also make it more difficult for Donaldson to qualify via the European points list, which brings me back to my original point.

I can't see Donaldson getting a pick ahead of Lee Westwood if he falls out of the automatic qualification places.

Russman

abff wrote: »

I can't see Donaldson getting a pick ahead of Lee Westwood if he falls out of the automatic qualification places.

Probably not, but it'll be interesting to see how some media outlets react IF Westwood doesn't get a pick. Personally I wouldn't pick him this time as he's done nothing much to deserve it this season IMO. Nor for that matter has Poulter, but he seems to be regarded as a certainty for one of the slots.

I think Donaldson is fairly safe from Donald passing him, Luke just isn't playing well enough. He's a ready made partner for Sergio though, wonder if he's in McGinley's thoughts for a pick.