2014 Ryder Cup: Singles Matches Preview & Predictions

By Danny Norris | Sep 27, 2014

Europe is in the driver’s seat heading into Sunday’s singles matches leading the Americans 10-6. It’s going to take a herculean effort for the Americans to at least make the singles matches interesting late Sunday afternoon.

Jordan Spieth vs Graeme McDowell

This is a great first match up that could really set the tone for the day. If Jordan Spieth wins it, they the Americans have a chance to make it interesting. If not, well, Europe is going to blow USA out of the water. I’m going to take the easy way out and say they halve the match. Two strong willed golfers that will be locking horns all day long.

Prediction: Halve

More from Golf News

Patrick Reed vs Henrik Stenson

Patrick Reed started feeling the pace and pressure late Saturday afternoon. Reed was with his shots and his putter let him down badly. Reed will have to play a perfect game against the terminator, but I don’t think he does. I believe his struggles will carry over and Stenson will take advantage and win handily.

Prediction: Henrik Stenson def. Patrick Reed, 4 & 3

Rickie Fowler vs Rory McIlroy

Somehow Rickie Fowler is still searching for his first Ryder Cup win. It’s just been that kind of year for Fowler where he’s been close, but no cigar. However, he plays well against Rory McIlroy and McIlroy has been struggling. I say Fowler puts a point on the board for the Americans.

Prediction: Rickie Fowler def. Rory McIlroy, 1 up

Hunter Mahan vs Justin Rose

Justin Rose is on fire right now. Rose is just a big game player and has never lost a singles match in the Ryder Cup. I say that continues versus Hunter Mahan.

Prediction: Justin Rose def. Hunter Mahan, 3 & 2

Phil Mickelson vs Stephen Gallacher

Phil Mickelson sat out Saturday and will be fired up and ready to rock on Sunday. Mickelson is out to prove a point and earn a point.

Prediction: Phil Mickelson def. Stephen Gallacher, 4 & 3

Bubba Watson vs Martin Kaymer

Martin Kaymer has been solid for the Europeans and if he’s solid again Sunday he’ll defeat Bubba Watson. Bubba has been having fun, but he hasn’t been playing very well. Bubba hasn’t hit many fairways leading to him getting stuck in that rough and when he has hit greens, he hasn’t converted them into birdies. All that has led to a poor performance and that shouldn’t change Sunday.

Prediction: Martin Kaymer def. Bubba Watson, 3 & 2

Matt Kuchar vs Thomas Bjorn

Matt Kuchar has played well, but that hasn’t translated into points on board. With it being a singles match I’m expecting Kuchar to earn a point here.

Prediction: Matt Kuchar def. Thomas Bjorn, 2 & 1

Jim Furyk vs Sergio Garcia

Jim Furyk had a look and determination early Saturday morning that he was not going to be denied. I think that’s going to carry over to Sunday’s match against Sergio Garcia who has played some okay golf, but golf that I don’t think will be good enough to beat Furyk.

Prediction: Jim Furyk def. Sergio Garcia, 2 & 1

Sep 27, 2014; Auchterarder, Perthshire, SCT; European golfer Ian Poulter reacts to holing out a 40 yard chip on the 15th hole on day two of the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles Resort – PGA Centenary Course. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Webb Simpson vs Ian Poulter

If all this happens the way I’m predicting it to go down; then it will be fitting that Ian Poulter gets the point that propels Europe to retain the Ryder Cup. Webb Simpson has struggled and Ian Poulter hasn’t had his greatest Ryder Cup performance this year, but earning a point – a point that will potentially be the winning point for Europe – will be a nice way to send off the 2014 Ryder Cup.

Prediction: Ian Poulter def. Webb Simpson, 5 & 3

Keegan Bradley vs Jamie Donaldson

Whether or not the Ryder Cup will still be up for grabs, Keegan Bradley will be looking to prove a point. Like Phil Mickelson, Keegan Bradley sat out the entire Saturday sessions and he’ll be fired up to compete.

Prediction: Keegan Bradley def. Jamie Donaldson, 4 & 3

Jimmy Walker vs Lee Westwood

This should be a nice match up between two grinders that have played well this Ryder Cup. I think it’s a back-and-forth match that ends in both players earning a half point.

Prediction: Halve

Zach Johnson vs Victor Dubuisson

Victor Dubuisson has been extremely impressive this Ryder Cup and it’s a perfect cap off to an impressive season.

Prediction: Victor Dubuisson def. Zach Johnson, 3 & 2

So, with all that said -funny enough – I’ve got the day ending 6-6. I didn’t expect that, but even if it does end 6-6, Europe will be happy with that and retain the Ryder Cup by a score of 16-12.