2014 Ryder Cup
- Thread starter mascho
- Start date
Wait, Billy Horschel SHOULD HAVE gotten the spot? I get that people like his temperament, but you can't be serious here. The guy has ONE professional win in his career, and 4 top tens in his last 43 events. He's made the cut in majors just four times. And he colossally choked last week. He was 35th on the points list. He SHOULD get picked over all the guys ahead of him because he gets fired up?Papelbon's Poutine said:
Horschel isn't even in the discussion if he doesn't finished T2 last week. The 4 events leading into the playoffs Horschel missed 2 cuts and finished T58 and 47. He hasn't been playing well until these last 2 weeks. He's had a decidedly mediocre season. 25 events, 18 cuts, 3 top 10's. Is Watson really supposed to pick him based on one T2 at the Deutsche Bank? Is one week sufficient enough to deem him to be playing well? Not to mention when the pressure was on last week he had pee dripping down his leg as he chunked one into the hazard to lose it. It's easy to look back now, see Simpson and half the American team struggling while Horschel tops the leaderboard. but Horschel had 2 years to make a case for himself and he didn't. The point system is what it is, it's based on money earned on tour with an emphasis on majors. Reed has 3 wins, and Furyk plays well in majors so we're stuck with them. Over the last 2 years, Billy Horschel has done neither.
Way to go all ad hom and strawman bro, but the choker thing kind of matters when your only semi-legitimate basis is "hot hand," based on one tournament, and the guy that actually WON that tournament is around 20 spots higher on the points list.Papelbon's Poutine said:
Well now it seems you've changed your position from "Horschel should have been picked" to "Simpson shouldn't have been picked," the latter of which is entirely reasonable, while the former fairly ridiculous. As to whether "choker" is relevant, I'd say when you're bending over backwards to justify the choice of a player ranked #35 on the points list despite being outplayed by many of those above him over careers, the two-year qualifying period, this year, and recent tournaments, on the basis of a few good rounds, the failure to complete those three good rounds is highly relevant.Papelbon's Poutine said:
I'm betting that Watson wishes he had his captain's picks back. It's an absolute shame that Horschel is not going to be on this team - he's the exact kind of player that the U.S. team needs. His quotes about his loss last week are perfect and they exemplify the kind of attitude you want your players to have in team competitions.
I don't really put much stock into how the other guys played this week as I don't really think it's indicative to how they'll play in a few weeks. We've seen the Euros come into the Ryder Cup looking like shit against a hot U.S. team and dominate. The problem I have is that Watson picked a guy in Simpson that hasn't really done shit this year.
I'm rooting for an injury to Patrick Reed or Webb Simpson. Maybe that will get Horschel in.
I don't really put much stock into how the other guys played this week as I don't really think it's indicative to how they'll play in a few weeks. We've seen the Euros come into the Ryder Cup looking like shit against a hot U.S. team and dominate. The problem I have is that Watson picked a guy in Simpson that hasn't really done shit this year.
I'm rooting for an injury to Patrick Reed or Webb Simpson. Maybe that will get Horschel in.
Horschel belongs on this team. Do the right thing Webb.
I want to watch and root for Horschel.
Patrick "Top Five" Reed can eat a bag of dicks.
I want to watch and root for Horschel.
Patrick "Top Five" Reed can eat a bag of dicks.
After a beautiful few weeks of weather over here, the forecast for the weekend is, somewhat predictably, wet and windy for Central Scotland.
Westerly winds of 16mph, with gusts of over 30 expected on Friday and getting worse as the weekend progresses - Gleneagles is tough enough on a good day, this is going to be fun.
Westerly winds of 16mph, with gusts of over 30 expected on Friday and getting worse as the weekend progresses - Gleneagles is tough enough on a good day, this is going to be fun.
Watson sent his practice groups out in fours - wonder if this is a return to the pod system? The groups are not surprising. I like Reed with Furyk and Speith with Kuchar, if it turns out that way. Seems to put the younger, maybe less-level headed rookies with the soft spoken, cool headed veterans. Walker, though a rookie, is 32 and carries himself in a calm manner.
Bubba, Simpson, Spieth, Kuchar
Furyk, Reed, Zac, Mahan
Fowler, Walker, Phil, Bradley
What do you guys think?
Bubba, Simpson, Spieth, Kuchar
Furyk, Reed, Zac, Mahan
Fowler, Walker, Phil, Bradley
What do you guys think?
It was mentioned upthread but I figured it's worth reposting, here is the TV schedule:
Friday:
Session 1 (Fourball) - 2:35 a.m. (Golf Channel)
Session 2 (Foursomes) - 8:15 a.m. (Golf Channel)
Saturday:
Session 1 (Fourball) - 3 a.m. (NBC)
Session 2 (Foursomes) - 8:15 a.m. (NBC)
Sunday:
Singles - 6:36 a.m. (NBC)
Friday:
Session 1 (Fourball) - 2:35 a.m. (Golf Channel)
Session 2 (Foursomes) - 8:15 a.m. (Golf Channel)
Saturday:
Session 1 (Fourball) - 3 a.m. (NBC)
Session 2 (Foursomes) - 8:15 a.m. (NBC)
Sunday:
Singles - 6:36 a.m. (NBC)
inJacobyWeTrust said:
I'm going to be waking up early on Saturday, no question. But probably not on Friday, and I will miss the entirety of the fourball rounds.
Zomp said:
Yes, in all regards. Desktop, tablet, phone.(the latter two via an app)
Some info from the web
Seems to me it's better to pair them up with people they enjoy playing with. If a silent guy enjoys playing with a chatterbox, so long as the silence doesn't get the chatterbox out of sorts, put them together. I don't know how friendships break out on the tour, but I'd make the case for a friend being able to calm or energize his buddy before I'd try to mix and match observed styles.luckysox said:
Freddy Linn said:
"Thuggish jingoism"? Get over yourselves, Europe. Reading that just got me all sorts of fired up for this weekend.
FL4WL3SS said:
Not good when the sharpest American player isn't even going to be there.
inJacobyWeTrust said:
Fowler had to do something to stand out this week since everyone on the team will be wearing the same ugly clothing.
Sam Torrence, one of the better Euro Ryder Cup players, has said in the past that playing with your friend is actually much more difficult because you're so concerned about not letting them down and you don't end up playing your game.twothousandone said:
Kind of amazing the lawsuit featuring Rory on one side and McDowell on the other is kind of a non issue, with the 2 likely to actually play together this week
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/ryder-cup-2014-rory-mcilroy-and-graeme-mcdowell-court-row-wont-affect-ryder-cup-performance-9739254.html
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/golf/ryder-cup-2014-rory-mcilroy-and-graeme-mcdowell-court-row-wont-affect-ryder-cup-performance-9739254.html
My team USA pairings would be:
Mickelson/Bradley- They were too good together in 2012 to not put together again. Mickelson's putter scares me big time. I know he's the "leader" but Watson can't be afraid to pull the plug if he continues to be up and down.
Watson/Simpson- Worked at Medinah as well. I'm not big on Webb Simpson but he gets a spot since he seems to be able to tolerate playing with Bubba. The plug can be pulled quickly on Webb.
Fowler/Spieth- Put the young guns together. Both have had recent match play success. I'd probably have them lead off on Friday and try to set the tone. Try to put an American flag up on the board right off the bat and give the rest of the team some energy. Both guys were in contention for majors this year, so they shouldn't be deer-in-the-headlights when they step up to the first tee and potentially see a Rory/Gmac power pairing on the tee with them.
Johnson/Kuchar- Boring, but steady
Walker/Furyk- See above.
Reed/Mahan- I have a hard time putting either of these guys on the course right now. Mahan's had a poor season and is only here because he caught lightning in a bottle at the Barclay's. Reed's season post Doral could politely be described as a train wreck.
At this point, I'm not sure i'd play Reed at all on Friday or Saturday. Mahan can rotate in for Simpson/Furyk/Mickelson.
Mickelson/Bradley- They were too good together in 2012 to not put together again. Mickelson's putter scares me big time. I know he's the "leader" but Watson can't be afraid to pull the plug if he continues to be up and down.
Watson/Simpson- Worked at Medinah as well. I'm not big on Webb Simpson but he gets a spot since he seems to be able to tolerate playing with Bubba. The plug can be pulled quickly on Webb.
Fowler/Spieth- Put the young guns together. Both have had recent match play success. I'd probably have them lead off on Friday and try to set the tone. Try to put an American flag up on the board right off the bat and give the rest of the team some energy. Both guys were in contention for majors this year, so they shouldn't be deer-in-the-headlights when they step up to the first tee and potentially see a Rory/Gmac power pairing on the tee with them.
Johnson/Kuchar- Boring, but steady
Walker/Furyk- See above.
Reed/Mahan- I have a hard time putting either of these guys on the course right now. Mahan's had a poor season and is only here because he caught lightning in a bottle at the Barclay's. Reed's season post Doral could politely be described as a train wreck.
At this point, I'm not sure i'd play Reed at all on Friday or Saturday. Mahan can rotate in for Simpson/Furyk/Mickelson.
I'm actually really starting to change my tune on this team. I think Watson is the perfect Captain for this group of guys (with the lack of experience on the team). I also think McGinley is the perfect Captain for Euro, to be fair. It'll be a pretty close match.
I'm rooting against Patrick Reed all week.
I'm rooting against Patrick Reed all week.
BigMike said:
It's just a contractual dispute and they're both are rich, is there any indication they really care about this dispute? Stuff gets litigated all the time, it doesn't mean the parties have a problem with each other.
i just caught McDowell being interviewed about this on the Golf Channel, and he seems pretty laid back about it. As he pointed out it isn't like he and Rory sued each other directly. It's a business thing.
I like cshea's team pairings. Friday morning I'd roll out with these 4 teams.
Phil/Keegan
Simpson/Watson
Fowler/Spieth
Johnson/Kuchar
Sub in Furyk and pull out whoever struggles. I wouldn't want to play Reed, Mahan, or Walker at all the first day if I could avoid it.
Phil/Keegan
Simpson/Watson
Fowler/Spieth
Johnson/Kuchar
Sub in Furyk and pull out whoever struggles. I wouldn't want to play Reed, Mahan, or Walker at all the first day if I could avoid it.
I'm watching Watson's presser post-opening ceremony: I love this guy. He puts it all out there, is blunt, and is unabashed in his love of and his support for his players. If the team plays like he is leading, the US will win.
Friday Four-Ball
Match 1: Team USA's Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson vs. Team Europe's Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, 2:35 a.m. ET
Match 2: Team USA's Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker vs. Team Europe's Martin Kaymer and Thomas Bjorn, 2:50 a.m. ET
Match 3: Team USA's Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed vs. Team Europe's Stephen Gallacher and Ian Poulter, 3:05 a.m. ET
Match 4: Team USA's Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson vs. Team Europe's Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy, 3:20 a.m. ET
Sitting out: Team USA: Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar and Hunter Mahan
Team Europe: Jamie Donaldson, Victor Dubuisson, Graeme McDowell and Lee Westwood
http://espn.go.com/golf/rydercup14/story/_/id/11583040/ryder-cup-day-1-four-ball-schedule-golf
Match 1: Team USA's Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson vs. Team Europe's Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, 2:35 a.m. ET
Match 2: Team USA's Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker vs. Team Europe's Martin Kaymer and Thomas Bjorn, 2:50 a.m. ET
Match 3: Team USA's Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed vs. Team Europe's Stephen Gallacher and Ian Poulter, 3:05 a.m. ET
Match 4: Team USA's Keegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson vs. Team Europe's Sergio Garcia and Rory McIlroy, 3:20 a.m. ET
Sitting out: Team USA: Jim Furyk, Zach Johnson, Matt Kuchar and Hunter Mahan
Team Europe: Jamie Donaldson, Victor Dubuisson, Graeme McDowell and Lee Westwood
http://espn.go.com/golf/rydercup14/story/_/id/11583040/ryder-cup-day-1-four-ball-schedule-golf
Captain Watson has some balls sitting Furyk and Kuchar out of the morning group. From looking at the groups, I think he's trying to send out some guys with a little attitude to maybe spark something. I like it.
Not surprised / glad Furyk is sitting out this session. With his trouble finishing tournaments, having as fresh as possible for singles on sunday is important
If Spieth/Reed win, I'll give $10 to the Jimmy Fund. I absolutely do not see that happening.
As for the Phil/Keegan vs. Sergio/Rory match, getcha popcorn ready.
As for the Phil/Keegan vs. Sergio/Rory match, getcha popcorn ready.
If they get 1.5 out of Friday morning I'll be happy. I am shocked that Patrick Reed is seeing the course on Friday at all nevermind the morning fourball.
I like the chances of getting something out of Bubba/Webb because I'm not confident in Stenson's Ryder Cup chops. If Bubba can keep his drives in play, the long course gives him the distinct advantage. I'll give the full point to the US.
I think Fowler can carry Walker enough to eek out a win against Bjorn and Kaymer. Full point to the US.
I don't think the US gets anything out of the Speith/Reed pairing. That one could be over early too. I'm thinking 5&4. They are wasting Speith pairing him with Reed.
I think Mickelson/Bradley and Rory/Garcia match will go down to the wire and the distinct possibility of a halve is there.
My hope is 2.5-1.5 USA. The key match to me is Fowler/Walker. They have to get points out of their match because Speith/Reed has no shot of getting anything and the last match of the day could go either way.
I like the chances of getting something out of Bubba/Webb because I'm not confident in Stenson's Ryder Cup chops. If Bubba can keep his drives in play, the long course gives him the distinct advantage. I'll give the full point to the US.
I think Fowler can carry Walker enough to eek out a win against Bjorn and Kaymer. Full point to the US.
I don't think the US gets anything out of the Speith/Reed pairing. That one could be over early too. I'm thinking 5&4. They are wasting Speith pairing him with Reed.
I think Mickelson/Bradley and Rory/Garcia match will go down to the wire and the distinct possibility of a halve is there.
My hope is 2.5-1.5 USA. The key match to me is Fowler/Walker. They have to get points out of their match because Speith/Reed has no shot of getting anything and the last match of the day could go either way.
If plays 64 on his ball, he's gonna give Poulter a run for his money in the over the top reactions all day. I think he's got some crazy in him, and crazy + cocky + good play = awesome viewing experience.
the debate we were having today was whether NBC and the TV rights would force the last 7 or 8 singles matches on sunday to continue even though the EU team will have already clinched. the EU team can simply offer a draw so they can start partying early. I voted no simply because I wanted the EU players to start drinking while still playing just to see the reactions from Jonny Miller