2021 Ryder Cup: Power ranking the top 10 players at Whistling Straits

After three (long) years, the Ryder Cup is back in its full glory.

The European team is looking to retain the cup after a resounding 17 1/2-10 1/2 victory in Paris in 2018. The U.S.A. team won in 2016, but has lost four of the last five.

The Americans will look to use some more midwest magic at Whistling Straits like they found a state to the west at Hazeltine. Like Hazeltine, Whistling Straits is a big ballpark that has hosted PGA Championships. The property features a Straits course and an Irish course. The Straits course is in play this week.

The Pete Dye layout opened in 1998 and measures 7,790 yards. It’s on the shores of Lake Superior and looks like a links course, but it requires more of an aerial attack to succeed here like one would on a parkland style track.

The fairways are fairly wide, which would seem to favor the bombers loaded up on the American side. However, there is a lot of heavy native grass throughout the course, as well as sand everywhere.

Fittingly based on Whistling Straits’ name, it can get windy out there in Haven, Wisconsin.

This week’s weather forecast projects little to no rain, temperatures in the upper 40s to upper 60s with winds consistently above 10 miles per hour.

Unlike most weeks in golf, this week is all about the team and not the individual. With that said, I’m here to predict which 10 players will have the biggest impact on their team. Maybe these picks can help you win some player props or tilt you toward which team to wager on overall.

Let’s get down to it. Here are some names who look to play a big part in the 2021 Ryder Cup: