In part three of our Ryder Cup betting angles with Betolimp, WADE PRETORIUS takes a look at the wildcards and makes his bet.
Top USA rookie: Thomas over DeChambeau
Top European rookie: Fleetwood or Rahm?
If you’ve read on past the headline, well done because the Tiger hysteria is real but the Ryder Cup is no place for sentiment or good storylines.
- Tiger’s record: 13-17-3 overall record (4-1-2 in singles)
- Woods is 9-16-1 playing with partners (Holds a winning record with only two of 12)
Woods’ record in the cup may be overhyped but when you look at this year’s event in isolation and you factor in his form, then backing him to bring home the most points would not be a wild gamble; he’s the favourite in this market at 3.7/1.
But the 42-year-old will be tired and is unlikely to play in all five sessions. He’s also set for a number of high-profile battles and could find himself up against a tough competitor on Sunday.
That’s where Ian Poulter comes into play. Sure, he does face some of the same problems as Woods in terms of age and fierce matches but he simply lives for this stage and will play in at least four sessions.
Woods may yet force captain Jim Furyk to send him out late on Saturday with things getting close on the scoreboard and that’s a move that could backfire with fatigue – physical and/or mental – coming into the equation.
Poulter will thrive under the same pressure; he’s proven that to be true on a number of occasions and could see the scales tipped in his favour with the home crowd buying into his theatrics. And that’s worth backing at 6.75/1…
Tiger Woods at 3.7/1
Ian Poulter at 6.75/1
Henrik Stenson at 6.75/1
Bryson DeChambeau at 7/1
Paul Casey at 7.25/1
Sergio Garcia at 7.25/1
Tony Finau at 9.75/1
Phil Mickelson at 10.5/1
