Ryder Cup: Previews, predictions for each of the Friday four-ball matches
After those first two matches, it looks like Team USA needs a win in a big way. Enter the duo of Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.
I understand those who don’t expect much out of Spieth this week, but I think his recent struggles have been overblown, especially when it comes to the Ryder Cup.
Missing the TOUR Championship for the first time in his career was a tough break, to be sure. The same can be said for going winless for the first time since 2014. But the 25-year-old has a fantastic record in team play through his past two Ryder Cup appearances, and this week should get him back on track.
The only real question out there is why captain Jim Furyk decided to break up the team of Spieth and Patrick Reed, which had become one of the most legendary teams in Ryder Cup history in just two contests. More on Reed in a minute, but let’s jump into this one.
One of the biggest things that has dogged Justin Thomas throughout his rise to the top of the golf world is being known as “Jordan Spieth’s buddy”. However, that will actually serve to help both of them this week. Combining Spieth’s record of excellence (3-1-0 four-ball, 4-3-2 overall) with the comfort of playing with a long-time friend (and recent World No. 1) in Justin Thomas will give the Americans the needed edge.
Casey and Hatton are not to be underestimated, but they appear to be simply outmatched here. Casey makes his return to the Ryder Cup for the first time since 2008, but he carries just a 1-0-3 record in four-ball in three previous appearances. Hatton has had an outstanding stretch in individual play, but this is a different beast altogether. He did finish T-16 at this year’s Open de France, but if that was the deciding factor, I’d expect Alex Noren to be in action early.
Mark this one down as a win for the American side, as they look to draw even by the end of the morning session.