Future of American Ryder Cup side looks safe in rookies’ hands
Published:A 16½-11½ European Ryder Cup victory hints at the usual procession for the men in blue, but when the future of the competition is analysed, it’s the beaten US side that should feel more comfortable.
Here are our five stars of future cups, based on their performances at Gleneagles:
Tom Watson had so much faith in the 21-year-old rookie that he sent him out in the top slot for Sunday’s singles matches.
Having gone three-up on opponent Graeme McDowell through the first nine-holes, it looked as though Spieth would be the catalyst for an American comeback.
Allowing the Northern Irishman back into the match was perhaps Spieth’s only mistake in a week when he finished with a 2-1-1 record.
After missing a tiddler in his Saturday afternoon match with Justin Rose and Martin Kaymer, the fiesty 24-year-old was heckled as he waited to tee-off on the first on Sunday.
That perhaps was the fuel for this celebration later in the day, as he beat Henrik Stenson on the 18th to end 3-0-1:
Playing with Graeme McDowell in both foursomes sessions, the French youngster impressed his partner so much it caused the 35-year-old to make wild predictions about the trajectory of Dubuisson’s career.
Proving that it wasn’t just the American’s who enjoyed their Ryder Cup bow, the rookie ended the week unbeaten, with two-and-a-half points from his three matches.
If this is the 38-year-old rookie’s only Ryder Cup outing, he should be fairly satisfied with his contribution.
Nailing the winning wedge-shot to gimme-length will forever be associated with the Welshman, who now must be eyeing more major tournament exposure after this week.
At 35, Walker has peaked late in his golfing life, claiming his first PGA Tour victory last October before picking up two more on his way to three halves and a win in his five matches.
A consistent swing and an even temperament should see him improve on his 4th place in the FedEx Cup standings soon enough.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
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