Europe face uphill struggle to claw back US in Ryder Cup singles

The last time a team came back from a 10-6 deficit on the last day of a Ryder Cup was the US side in 1999.

That day the Americans dominated the singles matches to triumph, although a similar performance from Europe does represent a long shot at 8/1.

There is little value to be found in backing in backing the US to lift the trophy at 1/10, although the last session will be one of fine margins and a 16/1 draw is plausible.

Despite Europe’s strong recent record in the competition since 1999 – winning five of the last six Ryder Cups – the current form of the Americans suggest another triumph will be out of reach.

Accumulators are sure to be popular in the singles session, with these six winners offering returns of 69/1 if they all come in.

Luke Donald to beat Bubba Watson @ 10/11

Former world number one Donald clashes with this year’s Masters champion Watson in what could be an explosive start to the final day of Ryder Cup action.

Whilst Watson has fared well in the fourballs with Webb Simpson, if Donald can find his trademark consistency to add to the form he showed with Sergio Garcia on day two then Europe may be off to the perfect start.

Ian Poulter to beat Webb Simpson @ evens

If there is one man on the visitors team that has encapsulated the spirit and drive of the Ryder Cup, then it is wildcard pick Ian Poulter.

The Englishman has won all of the three matches he has played in at Medinah so far, and his passion should capture another point despite the good form of impressive US Open champion Simpson.

Phil Mickelson to beat Justin Rose @ evens

Much of the credit for Mickelson and partner Keegan Bradley’s inspiring form has been given to the rookie, although ‘Lefty’ has been just as crucial to their success.

Able to draw on his experiences participating in the last eight consecutive Ryder Cups, Mickelson should have too much for plucky Justin Rose in their singles match.

Graeme McDowell to beat Zach Johnson @ 10/11

Zach Johnson has been in good form for America so far, helping to add two points to the US team’s total, but he will find the going tougher when facing Ryder Cup final day specialist McDowell.

The Northern Irishman won both his previous singles encounters in the competition, and showed nerves of steel in 2010 to secure the trophy for Europe at Celtic Manor.

Jason Dufner to beat Peter Hanson @ 10/11

Dufner may not look like a natural athlete, but the Ryder Cup rookie has taken well to his first appearance at the tournament for the US winning both his foursomes rounds.

Hanson has made just one appearance for the away side so far, a 5&4 mauling in the opening fourballs and looks like the weakest link on the European side.

Matt Kuchar to beat Lee Westwood @ 5/4

Kuchar’s wide smile has been hard to avoid in Medinah this weekend, having played some of the best golf of the competition on route to winning both the afternoon fourballs he has played in.

Tremendous putting ability looks to be the Floridian’s greatest asset, and being paired with underwhelming putter Westwood on the final day may offer some sweet irony for the US.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing