Ryder Cup Day 1 Foursomes Match Analysis

by Ryan Ballengee on Sep 18, 2008 8:37 PM EDT

With the first round of Friday pairings released, it's time to take a look at each of the matches and see what to expect.

These are foursomes matches, which means alternate shot.

We begin with what is arguably the marquee match of the morning:

Match One - Phil Mickelson/Anthony Kim (USA) v. Padraig Harrington/Robert Karlsson (EUR)

Mickelson requested to play with AK the second that he made the team, according to Captain Azinger. In my opinion, Mickelson performs best in an environment in which he feels laid back and does not need to overthink. With someone as confident as Anthony Kim on the team, Lefty should be at ease. Still, there is cause for concern with the winner of the last two majors on the opposition, along with a player who has had a great 2008. This will be a close match, undoubtedly, with no real clear advantage.

Most Likely Result: Halve

Match Two - Justin Leonard/Hunter Mahan (USA) v. Henrik Stenson/Paul Casey (EUR)

Though not a high profile match for the players involved, this match has a lot of intrigue. Hunter Mahan will be on centerstage and will have to demonstrate that the not-so-polite British media didn't get to him. Justin Leonard will have to rekindle Brookline in order to be effective - that means putting his butt off. Henrik Stenson has been mediocre this year but great lately, and Paul Casey has fallen off of the map recently but been good overall. It will be tough to tell if the Europeans can be consistent. What tells the tale for me is Mahan's 62 in Boston to lock up a spot on this team. He is on a mission.

Most Likely Result: USA win

Match Three - Stewart Cink/Chad Campbell (USA) v. Justin Rose/Ian Poulter (EUR)

Every European journalist will be watching this match closely. Ian Poulter - under arguably the greatest pressure to perform of any Captain's Pick ever - will finally get to prove his meddle to people not named Faldo. All four players in this match, though, have not had consistent years. Campbell has played well lately. Poulter finished 2nd at the Open to make the team, apparently. Rose has been marginal this year. Cink has cooled off since the spring. When in doubt in a team Ryder Cup match, you pick the Euros.

Most Likely Result: Euro win...barely.

Match Four - Kenny Perry/Jim Furyk (USA) v. Lee Westwood/ Sergio Garcia (EUR)

I would by lying if I didn't think with 100% certainty that the Europeans will win this. Westwood and Garcia are untouchable as a team and Garcia is bulletproof in the team game. Perry will be amped up and I think will perform very well. The big question mark for the Americans' chances at an upset is Jim Furyk. He has been atrocious at putting this season, which is uncharacteristic. If he resumes his characteristic stroke and drains putts, the Americans MAY have a chance to win.

Most Likely Result: Euro win.

Through Friday Foursomes: 1.5 USA - EUR 2.5

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Comments

hmmmm

interesting analysis – might have missed a few things…

Robert Karlsson is coming off a win and is flying high, and Padraig Harrington has come up big in big situations over the last few years. I don’t know how comfy Mickelson is going to feel if his putter…or driver…decides to go haywire…again.

I’m looking forward to seeing how Mahan plays. Justin Leonard is a good partner for him – he has the experience to keep Mahan loose…who knows, he might have a pass so he doesn’t have to wear the slave shackles on the course. :-)

Jim Furyk’s wife is in the hospital with a bulging disk. He left the practice round on Thursday to go see her. If she’s not better quick, Azinger might have to pull the ol’ switcheroo and we could end up seeing J.B. Holmes with Kenny Perry just for a thrill and to get the crowd into it.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Sep 18, 2008 9:09 PM EDT reply actions

For Mick/Kim

I just have a feeling on that one. Karlsson is having a killer year. Paddy is Paddy. I just got a feeling :)

I’m curious if Furyk is still in for tomorrow. If not, I think he will go with Stricker because he putts so well. No offense to homeboy Holmes, but he don’t putt so good.

by Ryan Ballengee on Sep 18, 2008 9:22 PM EDT reply actions

true

but it’s just day one – what better day to get a cheap pop ?

no doubt that Stricker is a better putter – probably the best putter on the team – but Holmes faced down Mickelson in Scottsdale, and pulled off some VERY clutch shots down the stretch.

funny – I’m having a hard time putting personalities together. Seems like Stricker and Holmes would be a better pair all around – but Holmes can sure have a short fuse. I can’t get a feel for how he’ll handle the team situation.

AHA !! Boo Weekley and Kenny Perry !!!! That would be fun…just let Perry keep the scorecard.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Sep 18, 2008 9:50 PM EDT up reply actions

not the players, but...

…what the heck is Jimmy Roberts doing calling shots ? why would ESPN/NBC put an arrogant little troll like him out on the course ? They already put Dottie Pepper out there with her misread putts and bad yardages and “ever so slightly” comments. Come on Dottie – you’re a bulldog – don’t turn girlie on us.

the media can be as shocking in their choice of a “team” as the captains picks themselves.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Sep 19, 2008 9:30 AM EDT reply actions

good start

Ryan’s 1 for 1

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Sep 19, 2008 11:58 AM EDT reply actions

Checking in

Like Court said, I’m 1 for 1. Maybe 2 for 2. BUT, I could be devastatingly wrong (for the Euros) about Garcia/Westwood. If they go down, that could be a game-changer.

by Ryan Ballengee on Sep 19, 2008 12:16 PM EDT reply actions