Staff picks: Friday four-ball matches
Jeff Overton (left) and Bubba Watson during a practice round prior to the 2010 Ryder Cup.
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Europe, 3 U.S. 1
Ryder Cup format
• Friday morning: Four-ball (better ball)
• Friday afternoon: Foursomes (alternate shot)
• Saturday morning: Four-ball (better ball)
• Saturday afternoon: Foursomes (alternate shot)
• Sunday: 12 singles matches
Match 1: Phil Mickelson-Dustin Johnson vs. Lee Westwood-Martin Kaymer.
Prediction: Europe, 3 and 2. The long ball is nice, but a steady focus times two prevails.
Match 2: Stewart Cink-Matt Kuchar vs. Rory McIlroy-Graeme McDowell.
Prediction: Europe, 2 and 1. McDowell was explosive at Valhalla in 2008 and his fellow Northern Irishman adds even more firepower.
Match 3: Tiger Woods-Steve Stricker vs. Ian Poulter-Ross Fisher.
Prediction: U.S., 3 and 2. He’s got something to prove, and that’s usually when Woods is at his best.
Match 4: Bubba Watson-Jeff Overton vs. Luke Donald-Padraig Harrington.
Prediction: Europe, 4 and 2. Huge gamble by Pavin doesn’t pay off.
• • •
U.S. 2, Europe 2
Match 1: Phil Mickelson-Dustin Johnson vs. Lee Westwood-Martin Kaymer.
Prediction: U.S., 2 and 1. Westwood might show a little competitive rust, and Johnson might show once again he may be the class of the under-30 set.
Match 2: Stewart Cink-Matt Kuchar vs. Rory McIlroy-Graeme McDowell.
Prediction: Europe, 3 and 2. These Northern Irishmen have been champing at the bit. Kuchar might need a rest after such a draining FedEx Cup run, and Cink hasn’t been in great form all year.
Match 3: Tiger Woods-Steve Stricker vs. Ian Poulter-Ross Fisher.
Prediction: U.S., 2 up. Note to Poulter: You might not want to Twitter too much about this one. We’re sure he’ll be jacked up and ready, he’s an emotional guy; but Woods and Stricker simply the stronger team here.
Match 4: Bubba Watson-Jeff Overton vs. Luke Donald-Padraig Harrington.
Prediction: Europe, 4 and 3. The American duo will learn there is a little more to this competition – and road atmosphere – than one can experience while playing Wii. Harrington is a guy with something to prove.
• • •
U.S. 2, Europe 2
Match 1: Phil Mickelson-Dustin Johnson vs. Lee Westwood-Martin Kaymer.
Prediction: U.S., 2 and 1. Westwood hasn't played since British Open. Hard not to like Mickelson-DJ.
Match 2: Stewart Cink- Matt Kuchar vs. Rory McIlroy-Graeme McDowell.
Prediction: Europe, 3 and 2. It’s Georgia Tech vs. Northern Ireland. National pride will win out.
Match 3: Tiger Woods-Steve Stricker vs. Ian Poulter-Ross Fisher.
Prediction: U.S., 2 and 1. Fisher is a rookie, and Poulter is off form. Good way for Woods to start first Ryder Cup in four years.
Match 4: Bubba Watson-Jeff Overton vs. Luke Donald-Padraig Harrington.
Prediction: Europe, 3 and 2. Celtic Manor’s extremely thick rough will be the downfall of this American team.
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