When the United States team won the previous Ryder Cup in 2008 in Valhalla, Ky., it was the first time in nine years they were able to win it. The Ryder Cup had been a story of European domination prior to 2008.
But perhaps something changed for the good under captain Paul Azinger’s leadership in 2008 that allowed the United States to overcome their underdog status by becoming more of a cohesive team like the Europeans have demonstrated for so many years. As a result of their demonstrative joie de vivre and improved team play, the Yanks won the ultimate team bragging rights in golf. And they did this without Tiger Woods, who was nursing a broken leg.
Question is, can they overcome the odds and win for the second time in a row in a foreign land where tradition and the hungry fans are demanding retribution and the return of the Ryder Cup to Europe?
Incredibly, Team USA has not won on foreign soil since 1993. In the last three Ryder Cup events hosted by Europe, the U.S. teams have lost. So the Yanks are hoping to reverse a long losing trend on foreign soil, but the Europeans are doing all they can to make sure it does not happen.
Tiger Woods
Woods is still the No. 1 ranked player in the world followed by countryman Phil Mickelson at No. 2 and Lee Westwood of England at No. 3.
Leading up to this Ryder Cup, Woods and Mickelson have looked anything but like the top two players in the world. Woods has not won a tournament in 2010, and Mickelson has been playing at a less than stellar level in the last few months after his 2010 Masters win and after being diagnosed with an autoimmune condition.
On the European side, Lee Westwood has been recovering from a calf injury for over a month but says he is now 100 percent healthy for the competition. But the rugged terrain of Celtic Manor will surely test the condition of his leg.
With a week of rest by not playing in the Tour Championship, and with a new swing coach in Sean Foley, Tiger gave indications that he may be ready for a rebound from his doldrums, recent divorce, and difficult personal life.
Although he did not make the team by accumulating enough Ryder Cup points based on his performance, captain Corey Pavin decided to give him one of his four captain’s picks due to his overall record of 71 regular tournament wins and 14 majors wins.
When asked how important a Team USA win would be for him personally, Woods said: “It would be great to get a win. I’m looking forward to getting out there and contributing, hopefully get some points and hopefully we can get this thing done.”
Events
Friday and Saturday: 4 four-ball matches (morning), 4 foursomes matches (afternoon)
Sunday: 12 singles matches
