UK, DORSET -- The 2008 Ryder Cup gets underway this week with Europe looking to secure their fourth consecutive Ryder Cup victory against their American counterparts. The US Ryder Cup team will come to Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, hell bent on winning back the trophy that has for so long now been in European hands. But can they realistically do it with six 'rookies' in their team? The Ryder Cup Betting suggests that they will not and the real truth is that American Golf is no longer the dominant factor in International golf anymore. The days of Nicklaus, Watson, Weiskopf, Miller, Palmer and Trevino are long gone. Even the last generation of top ten ranked golfers have disappeared, Ray Floyd, Freddie Couples, Davis Love, Ben Crenshaw, Tom Kite, Curtis Strange, the late Payne Stewart, all these great golfers have gone past their sell by date and their successors just do not cut the same ice. Who now apart from Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk do they have in the world's elite list of golfers?
Obviously they do not have Tiger Woods this year, but in world ranking order, who else do they have in their ranks that could trouble Nick Faldo and his merry men?
Steve Stricker - A quality golfer, but a Ryder Cup rookie. He is the old man of the team too and may be one of those players who automatically assume extra responsibility which could help his game enormously. He is currently ranked 8th in the world, but with only a handful of top ten finishes this year and no wins since the Barclays in 2007 it is hard to see how he is ranked so high.
Stewart Cink - Ranked number 10 in the world, Cink has had a great season up until winning the Travellers Championship 6 weeks ago. Since then his form has been average at best and will need to be back to his best to win points in this.
Anthony Kim - One of the very bright spots on the American golfing landscape, Kim although a rookie, has won twice on tour this and has had a host of top ten finishes that ha seen him rise to number 11 ranking in the world... He is a confident young man and in theory will relish the challenge of the Ryder Cup.
Kenny Perry - After a painful run of mediocrity, Perry's prayers must have been answered by some one because over the late spring and summer, he found the form that had once made him a top ten player. Perry won three tournaments in a five week spell which launched him straight into the team and to number 17 in the world. However, like Cink, his form has dipped worryingly over the last 4/5 weeks and he will need to get back into touch quickly.
Justin Leonard - One of only four players in the US team to have won a golfing major, Justin comes to the Ryder Cup as the number 23 ranked player in the world. A winner on tour this year he has also been in fine touch in recent tournaments. He could be one of the Danger men for the US Team.
Ben Curtis - Another 'major' winner, Curtis, now ranked 32 in the world, has had a good season but definitely not a great one. His 3rd in the USPGA behind Padraig Harrington and Sergio Garcia was his best performance, but it is doubtful whether this rookie would want to be drawn against either of those two in the final day singles.
Boo Weekly - Another rookie, Weekly is difficult to evaluate. He has won once on the PGA tour this year and has been reasonably consistent throughout the season. Little is known about his matchplay and he could be one of those who absolutely shine or one who slips into ignominy. Ranked 35 in the world.
Hunter Mahan - Ranked 36th and one of Azingers wildcard picks. He has been in reasonable form all year without winning a tournament. He will be out to impress the US Captain and the US public following some naïve comments he made about not liking the idea of playing for free.
JB Holmes - Ranked 55th in the world and only in average form if his recent tournament positions are anything to go by. He is a major wildcard selection surprise, but has probably been included as he is a local Kentuckian and will have the crowd on his side. This will be very important on the final day singles.
Chad Campbell - Chosen as a wild card, Campbell is ranked 57th in the world and has been selected to add some maturity to the team. He has been in mediocre form at best and will need to improve out of all proportion if he to justify his selection.
The UK online bookmakers will be offering Golf Free Bets for this great event and you can catch up on all the latest Ryder Cup News on this top golfing site.
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