The cream of the sporting press tip Europe for Ryder Cup glory
Published:A poll of golf writers at this week’s Ryder Cup overwhelmingly points to Europe winning back the trophy on Sunday.
Writers from across the United Kingdom and the United States, including journalists from the New York Times, Sports Illustrated, The Times and The Independent, were polled in the Media Centre at Celtic Manor with Europe proving the popular choice.
Out of 31 writers, 28 went for Colin Montgomerie’s side to triumph at Celtic Manor and they are available at 8/13 to win the Ryder Cup.
But if Tiger Woods does face Rory McIlroy in Sunday’s singles, 19 go for Woods to win, nine tip the 21-year-old Ulsterman and three predict a halved match.
Woods has not been left out of a session in his cup career, but 19 of the 31 journalists – not the same 19 – think Corey Pavin will bench him at some stage and that could be in Friday’s foursomes where USA are 7/4 to win the session.
As for the top scorers, Woods at 4/1 to be top USA point scorer, and Martin Kaymer at 5/1 to be top European point scorer, are the most popular picks, although 19 of the 24 players received at least one vote.
For Europe it is Miguel Angel Jimenez and Ross Fisher who didn’t feature on the list and for the Americans it was Matt Kuchar, Jeff Overton and Bubba Watson who would struggle to score points this weekend.
Corey Pavin’s side are big underdogs heading into the tournament and 13/8 is the longest price the USA team has ever been entering a Ryder Cup.
Europe are 10/1 to win 14.5 to 13.5. See the full 2010 Ryder Cup betting odds market here.
