The Road to the Ryder Cup 2014

Rikand · 18-03-2014 10:54PM

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

Luke Donald now in the top 9

Dr. Bre · 25-03-2014 08:55AM

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 · 25-03-2014 09:43AM

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 · 25-03-2014 11:23AM

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 · 25-03-2014 11:34AM

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 · 16-05-2014 01:03AM

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 · 28-05-2014 09:07PM

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 · 28-05-2014 09:56PM

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

Felexicon · 28-05-2014 10:37PM

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 · 29-05-2014 12:19AM

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

PARlance · 29-05-2014 12:29AM

Rikand wrote: »

For me ::

Poulter
Jiminez
Gallagher ( for the scottish connection )

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

FixdePitchmark · 29-05-2014 12:33AM

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 · 29-05-2014 05:18AM

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

Rikand · 21-07-2014 10:25PM

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 · 22-07-2014 05:16AM

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 · 22-07-2014 09:24AM

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 · 22-07-2014 09:37AM

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 · 11-08-2014 04:26PM

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 · 12-08-2014 10:28AM

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 · 12-08-2014 10:37AM

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.

mike12 · 12-08-2014 10:41AM

Can't see him going any where bar Donald, Westwood and Poulter for the 3 picks. If Donald gets in he will bring Gallagher.
Not as many obvious pairings but my guess if it is 4ball to start.
Rory & Serigo.
Gmac & Victor.
Poulter & Rose( if he can get the putter going)
Stenson & Bjorn

PARlance · 12-08-2014 11:23AM

abff wrote: »

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.

It'd be very unlikely that Donaldson would take that risk if McGinley hasn't assured him of his place?
I think he has been told he's on the team.

abff · 12-08-2014 11:50AM

PARlance wrote: »

It'd be very unlikely that Donaldson would take that risk if McGinley hasn't assured him of his place?
I think he has been told he's on the team.

I can't see McGinley making any promises to anyone at this stage. If Donaldson misses out on automatic qualification, it will probably mean that both McDowell and Donald will have made the team (unless either Poulter or Gallacher does something exceptional over the next couple of weeks).

If that is the case, I think the 3 wild cards will come from the following four players - Donaldson, Gallacher, Poulter and Westwood. In that situation, I think both Poulter and Westwood would be picked and the third wild card may depend on which of the other two is in better form over the next couple of weeks.

If Gallacher makes the top 9, then I would expect McGinley to pick either McDowell or Donald ahead of Donaldson.

Dolph Starbeam · 12-08-2014 12:16PM

Watson still considering Tiger, even in his current state it is hard to ignore him.

Does anyone know who is the lowest placed player to get a wild card pick?

abff · 12-08-2014 08:32PM

YayaBanana wrote: »

Watson still considering Tiger, even in his current state it is hard to ignore him.

Does anyone know who is the lowest placed player to get a wild card pick?

If I had to guess, I'd say Montgomerie, but I'm sure someone will Google it and prove me wrong.

Rikand · 14-08-2014 12:22AM

Here's half the work for someone ::

All the picks made by ryder cup captains since picking began

http://golf.about.com/od/rydercup/a/ryder-cup-captains-picks.htm

Rikand · 14-08-2014 12:36AM

Some good stats on that page and more importantly why Poulter HAS to be picked.....

http://golf.about.com/od/rydercup/a/ryder-cup-captains-picks_2.htm

Win-Loss Records of All Golfers Who've Been Multiple Captain's Picks

Players are listed in order from best winning percentage (in parentheses) to worst.

Ian Poulter, 8-1-0 (.889)
Scott Verplank, 4-1-0 (.800)
Luke Donald, 5-2-1 (.688)
Raymond Floyd, 5-3-0 (.625)
Jose Maria Olazabal, 8-6-1 (.567)
Fred Couples, 4-3-1 (.563)
Lanny Wadkins, 4-3-1 (.563)
Jesper Parnevik, 4-3-4 (.545)
Stewart Cink, 3-3-7 (.500)
Mark James, 4-6-0 (.400)
Nick Faldo, 5-10-0 (.333)
Peter Oosterhuis, 2-5-0 (.285)
Ken Brown, 1-4-0 (.200)
Steve Stricker, 0-6-1 (.071)

Most Matches Won By a Captain's Pick, Overall

8 - Jose Maria Olazabal (1987, 1991, 1993)
8 - Ian Poulter (2008, 2012)

Most Matches Won By a Captain's Pick In a Single Ryder Cup

4 - Ian Poulter (4-1-0), 2008
4 - Ian Poulter (4-0-0), 2012

Rikand · 14-08-2014 12:57AM

Records of All Players With Minimum 15 Matches Played

Just highlighted some people who are tight for qualification and possible to be picked on either side AND have played more than 15 matches....

Westwood shouldnt really be getting a sniff with poulter and donald ahead of him. poulter+donald+a rookie. There's enough experience in the team as it is. get gallagher in there

Donald + Gallagher + Poulter = Boom!

Tiger shouldn't be getting a sniff either!

Ian Poulter, Europe, 12-3-0, .800
Arnold Palmer, USA, 22-8-2, .719
Luke Donald, Europe, 10-4-1, .700
Hale Irwin, USA, 13-5-2, .700
Tom Watson, USA, 10-4-1, .700
Julius Boros, USA, 9-3-4, .688
Lee Trevino, USA, 17-7-6, .667
Gene Littler, USA, 14-5-8, .667
Jack Nicklaus, USA, 17-8-3, .661
Jose Maria Olazabal, Europe, 18-8-5, .661
Colin Montgomerie, Europe, 20-9-7, .653
Sergio Garcia, Europe, 16-8-4 .643
Billy Casper, USA, 20-10-7, .635
Lanny Wadkins, USA, 20-11-3, .632
Seve Ballesteros, Europe, 20-12-5, .608
Tom Kite, USA, 15-9-4, .607
Darren Clarke, Europe, 10-7-3, .575
Bernhard Langer, Europe 21-15-6, .571
Lee Westwood, Europe, 18-13-6, .567
Hal Sutton, USA, 7-5-4, .563
Peter Oosterhuis, Europe, 14-11-3, .554
Nick Faldo, Europe, 23-19-4, .543
Ian Woosnam, Europe, 14-12-5, .532
Howard Clark, Europe, 7-7-1, .500
Bernard Gallacher, Europe, 13-13-5, .500
Tony Jacklin, Europe, 13-14-8, .485
Payne Stewart, USA, 8-9-2, .474
Brian Huggett, Europe, 8-10-6, .458
Fred Couples, USA, 7-9-4, .450
Phil Mickelson, USA, 14-18-6, .447
Sandy Lyle, Europe, 7-9-2, .444
Davis Love III, USA, 9-12-5, .442
Maurice Bembridge, Europe, 6-8-3, .441
Dai Rees, Europe, 7-9-1, .441
Tiger Woods, USA, 13-17-3, .439
Raymond Floyd, USA, 12-16-3, .435
Paul Azinger, USA, 5-7-3, .433
Brian Barnes, Europe, 10-14-1, .420
Padraig Harrington, Europe, 9-13-3, .420
Peter Alliss, Europe, 10-15-5, .417
Stewart Cink, USA, 4-8-7, .395
Neil Coles, Europe, 12-21-7, .388
Jim Furyk, USA, 9-17-4, .367
Miguel Angel Jimenez, Europe, 4-8-3, .367
Christy O'Connor Sr., Europe, 11-21-4, .361
Sam Torrance, Europe, 7-15-6, .357
Mark James, Europe, 8-15-1, .354
Curtis Strange, USA, 6-12-2, .350
Bernard Hunt, Europe, 6-16-6, .321
Dave Thomas, Europe, 3-10-5, .306
Harry Weetman, Europe, 2-11-2, .200
George Will, Europe, 2-11-2, .200

Rikand · 14-08-2014 01:02AM

Tiger Woods withdraws his name from being a Captains Pick

Tiger Woods has informed the PGA of America and United States Captain Tom Watson that due to his current health situation, he has taken himself out of consideration to serve as a Captain’s Pick for the 2014 U.S. Ryder Cup Team.

“While I greatly appreciate Tom thinking about me for a possible Captain’s Pick, I must take myself out of consideration,” Woods said. “I’ve been told by my doctors and trainer that my back muscles need to be rehabilitated and healed. They’ve advised me not to play or practice now. I’m extremely disappointed that I won’t be ready for the competition. The U.S. Team and the Ryder Cup mean too much to me not to be able to give it my best. I’ll be cheering for the U.S. Team. I think we have an outstanding squad going into the matches.”

http://www.rydercup.com/usa/news/tiger-woods-withdraws-consideration-2014-us-ryder-cup-team

abff · 14-08-2014 01:08AM

abff wrote: »

If I had to guess, I'd say Montgomerie, but I'm sure someone will Google it and prove me wrong.

I don't have the energy to check all the rankings for previous Ryder Cups, but I think I might be right in guessing Montgomerie. He was 19th in the World Points list and 16th in the European Points list when he was given a wild card in 2004. I think he went on to sink the winning putt that year.

The Road to the Ryder Cup 2014

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