Can Anything Stop The US from Winning Ryder Cup on Sunday?

Twelve singles matches on Sunday will determine the winner of the Ryder Cup. In reality, the outcome may depend, literally, on the luck of the draw of the matchups. It may be a blowout for the U.S., the way it was for the Europeans in 2004. But if the Euros can get some mismatches, maybe they can pull out another miracle on grass, the way they did in 2012.

“Six points is a tough one to make up tomorrow, but I think we were a half-point short of that in the Miracle at Medinah on Sunday, so we’re just going to have to push for that tomorrow,” Padraig Harrington said.

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“Very big, 11-5 versus 10-6, that’s a big difference in my book,” US Ryder Cup Captain Steve Stricker noted. ” I just feel so good about all 12 of my guys, really. They are just all playing very nicely, and you know, just doing all the right things.”

The 11 to 5 advantage that the US has over Europe after day two in the Ryder Cup is exactly the same as the score in Europe’s favor in 2004. That’s when Hal Sutton’s US team was defeated by Bernhard Langer’s European squad at Oakland Hills CC.

That year is often remembered for the time when Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were partners. But it didn’t define the score or the matches. The final numbers were Europe 18 ½ and the US 9 ½. The record book says no one has come back from an 11 to 5 deficit.

On the other hand, the biggest comeback in Ryder Cup history was fairly recently, in 2012. The U.S. team, lead by Davis Love III, led 10 to 6 when singles began. Not to be denied, the Europeans won the first five matches, finishing out of their tee time order. Regardless, Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, Rory McIlroy, Justin Rose and Paul Lawrie came through with victories. Then Dustin Johnson, Zach Johnson and Jason Dufner won their matches for the US while Sergio Garcia won his to make it 13 to 13.

Three matches remained. The U.S. needed 14 ½ points to win while the Euros needed just 14 to retain the cup.

In 2012, Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer pulled out victories, Kaymer with a five-footer that he wasn’t sure he could make until, according to Kaymer, Bernard Langer gave him a pep talk. The matches ended with Tiger Woods and Francesco Molinari playing to a tie putting the score at Europe 14 ½ , US, 13 1/2. They retained the cup because they had won it in 2010. It was a heart breaker for the U.S.

Through a series of miraculous chips, putts and great play, enthusiasm by Ian Poulter, Europe clawed its way to victory. So, while chances are this Ryder Cup goes to the U.S., everybody has been in this neighborhood before and knows how it could end for the US and for Europe.

It’s doubtful the US will be caught up short again.

Twelve singles matches will determine the winner, and in reality, the outcome may depend, literally, on the luck of the draw of the matchups. If the Europeans can get some mismatches, maybe they can pull out another miracle on grass.

The order of the matches and contestants have been announced as:

Xander Schauffele vs. Rory McIlroy

Schauffele has been a big winner this week; his win streak should continue.

Patrick Cantlay vs Shane Lowry

Cantlay has been a stud. He should defeat Lowry.

Scottie Scheffler vs Jon Rahm

Hate to say it, but Rahm will win this one.

Bryson DeChambeau vs Sergio Garcia

Two emotional players. It’s a toss up.

Collin Morikawa vs. Viktor Hovland

This will be exciting, but go for Morikawa over Hovland

Dustin Johnson vs. Paul Casey

DJ has this one covered.

Brooks Koepka versus Bernd Wiesberger.

Koepka didn’t win all those majors for nothing.

Tony Finau versus Ian Poulter.

This is a toss up, no matter how well Finau played. He’s just not Ryder Cup tested in singles.

Justin Thomas versus Tyrrell Hatton.

JT takes him down.

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Harris English versus Lee Westwood.

Another toss up.

Jordan Spieth versus Tommy Fleetwood.

The heart says Spieth, the head isn’t sure.

Daniel Berger versus Matt Fitzpatrick.

The Berger will top Fitzpatrick with lettuce, mayo, cheese, tomato and maybe a dill pickle.

US Landslide.

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