via Getty
LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 16: The Ryder Cup is shown on the ninth hole during the European team photo shoot prior to the start of the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club on September 16, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
via Getty
LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 16: The Ryder Cup is shown on the ninth hole during the European team photo shoot prior to the start of the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club on September 16, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
There has been a buzz around the golfing community with just a few days left for the Ryder Cup. The 43rd Ryder Cup will be held at the Whistling Straits Golf Course from September 24-26.
This biennial golf tournament has been highly awaited, more so because of its postponement from last year. Europe will play as the reigning champions, with their 17½–10½ victory over the USA in 2018.
via Getty
LOUISVILLE, KY – SEPTEMBER 16: The Ryder Cup is shown on the ninth hole during the European team photo shoot prior to the start of the 2008 Ryder Cup at Valhalla Golf Club on September 16, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The previous week has been full of excitement, drama, and, for some, disappointment. The two teams were announced and unsurprisingly, people have strong opinions regarding those decisions. While both sides have strong players to their credit, let’s have a look at what the official rankings say.
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Team USA’s line-up for the Ryder Cup
Captain Steve Stricker announced his team a few days ago, with the highest number of captains pick in history. With an impressive line-up, a few fans have gone to the lengths of calling this team the ‘greatest ever.’ Even the rankings speak volumes of the skill and achievements of this team.
Statistically the strongest Ryder Cup team ever.
h/t @VC606 pic.twitter.com/QvmLSbmDpD
— GOLFTV (@GOLFTV) September 8, 2021
An astounding number, eight of the 12 members are ranked in the OWGR Top 10! Moreover, all but Scheffler won a PGA Tour title this season. These are impressive statistics for the team of 12! Acting as vice captains are the legendary Phil Mickelson and Fred Couples.
USA Today via Reuters
May 23, 2021; Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA; Phil Mickelson raises the Wanamaker Trophy after winning the PGA Championship golf tournament. Mandatory Credit: David Yeazell-USA TODAY Sports
Team Europe’s line-up
Captain Padraig Harrington has picked a well-balanced set of players. Team Europe boasts the likes of world number 1, Jon Rahm, along with players like Lee Westwood and Sergio Garcia who bring to the table 10+ years of Ryder Cup experience.
Where the @RyderCupEurope team rank in the OWGR. pic.twitter.com/htHH8CfGpW
— GOLFTV (@GOLFTV) September 13, 2021
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Again, in terms of experience, the U.S. team has a record six rookies in the squad. Dustin Johnson is the most experienced player with 4 appearances on the Ryder Cup. In comparison, Europe has only three rookies and Lee Westwood will make his astounding 11th appearance.
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 13, 2021; Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, USA; Lee Westwood waves the gallery on the 18th green during the third round of The Players Championship golf tournament at TPC Sawgrass – Stadium Course. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
So, in terms of maturity and age, team Europe is slightly the favorite. However, statistically, the U.S. has taken it up a notch.
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At the end of the day, rankings don’t really matter, despite whoever seems to have an edge right now. They are all incredible players. All that matters is who plays better on that particular day. Who do you think will emerge the stronger of the two?
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