Ryder Cup: US wins
My commentary and predictions follow the matches about which I have something to say. The pairings are very tight, some could finish “all square.” But assuming all the matches had winners, my predictions on paper would end up giving the Ryder Cup to the Europeans. In a tie: 14-14, after winning 7 of the 12 singles matches. My “swing” match is actually Phil Mickelson v. Justin Rose. If Phil wins, the US wins the Cup.
12:03 p.m. Anthony Kim vs. Sergio Garcia
This is the most anticipated match. Garcia played really well Saturday but wasn’t his usual dominating Ryder Cup self, while Kim sat out the afternoon after a decent Friday with Phil Mickelson. Slight edge to Sergio, given his experience and surging play on Saturday.
[Incorrect: AK dusts Sergio.]
Sergio Garcia yells “Come on.”
12:14 p.m. Hunter Mahan vs. Paul Casey
Hunter Mahan was amazing with Justin Leonard, but then got paired with Phil Mickelson on Saturday and seemed to play like Phil — inconsistently. Casey couldn’t buy a putt, so Mahan should win.
[Halved.]
12:25 p.m. Justin Leonard vs. Robert Karlsson
Justin Leonard was the clear MVP of the US team, making both chip-ins and crucial putts. Karlsson made 7 birdies by himself yesterday against Mickelson-Mahan. Great match! Leonard had rest and it’s going to be hard for Karlsson to repeat 7 birdies the day after, so I give the edge to Justin.
[Incorrect: Karlsson wins.]
12:36 p.m. Phil Mickelson vs Justin Rose
Phil Mickelson is playing well and making some crucial putts, but sprinkling in some terrible shots and missing a few putts. So what will Phil do next? Rose is very consistent, so Lefty could be in the fight of his life. The “safe” bet is on Justin Rose. But if you like to gamble, gotta go with Lefty.
[Correct. Justin wins.]
12:47 p.m. Kenny Perry vs. Henrik Stenson
How can you not pick Kenny Penny in Kentucky?
[Correct. Kenny wins.]
12:58 p.m. Boo Weekley vs. Oliver Wilson
Rookie Oliver Wilson sunk a crucial putt on the final hole to beat Mickelson-Kim. Boo Weekley has been carrying the very heavy JB Holmes the past 2 days and has been trying to pump up the fans on seemingly every shot with his arms. Wilson is in better shape than Weekley, but I’m going with Weekley.
[Correct. Boo wins.]
1:09 p.m. J.B. Holmes vs. Soren Hansen
JB Holmes can drive the ball a mile, but the rest of his game is shaky. Hansen should win.
[Incorrect: JB pulls through.]
1:20 p.m. Jim Furyk vs. Miguel Angel Jimenez
Great match. Jim Furyk.
[Correct. Furyk clinches Cup.]
1:31 p.m. Stewart Cink vs. Graeme McDowell
Graeme McDowell played awesome yesterday, holing every crucial putt. Edge to McDowell.
1:42 p.m. Steve Stricker vs. Ian Poulter
Great match. Stricker saved the day with his final putt yesterday and match Sergio Garcia shot for shot. Ian Poulter, however, has been almost demonic this Ryder Cup, going 3-0-1. Poulter.
1:53 p.m. Ben Curtis vs. Lee Westwood
Ben Curtis was stuck in quicksand and could not make any shot or putt (only 1 birdie, I think, in 2 days). Lee Westwood should win.
2:04 Chad Campbell vs. Padraig Harrington
Tough call. Neither is playing particularly well. But you gotta go with the double major winner, Paddy Harringon.
