Saturday, September 29, 2012

Ryder Cup: Final Day Preview

Wow. What a wild and crazy wild cup this has been. Anything from Ian Poulter and Keegan Bradley looking miles better than anyone else, to Tiger Woods being 0-3 despite playing 2 matches superbly. This Ryder Cup has had it all, and so far, the Americans hold a 10-6 lead. But, as many saw in '99, it ain't over until it's over. Tomorrow's Sunday Singles will ensure who comes home with the trophy. Read below to get our predictions of who takes the Cup!

Matches begin at 12:03 PM on NBC

Match 1: Bubba Watson vs. Luke Donald

- Here we go. Starting off the Ryder Cup finale with a perfect match up. The guy who revs up the crowd before his round and swings with their pure energy, versus the hometown man that lives less than 30 miles away. This is a critical point for both sides, as it could help wrap up the competition for the USA, or spark a European comeback. With that said, I think Donald takes the match here. He's too motivated to prove himself after a mediocre showing so far this week.

Match 2: Webb Simpson vs. Ian Poulter

- Another big match. You have the hottest player on Europe right now (Poulter) looking to grab some early momentum. On the other side, you have Webb who has been playing very nicely and always loves a tough challenge (see 2012 U.S. Open). In this battle, I think Ian Poulter wins 3&2. He's just way too hot for anyone to beat him right now. It's just one of those weeks.

Match 3: Keegan Bradley vs. Rory McIlroy

- Ahhh, the match of the day. Keegan has been dubbed the "American Sergio" while Rory is now hailed as the successor to Tiger Woods. So it's basically sorta kinda Tiger vs. Sergio in a way. That makes it awesome. The way both have been battling this week will make it more awesome. Get ready to see a ton of this match tomorrow, because NBC will definitely show this as much as they can. And with the way Keegan is playing, I really think he wins it in a nail biter.

Match 4: Phil Mickelson vs. Justin Rose

- Another juicy matchup. Two great players that have had top quality weeks. Their point contributions have been vital to their respective teams. Their possible point contribution here might be of utmost vitality. To me, this matchup is so even, I think they are going to halve the match.

Match 5: Brandt Snedeker vs. Paul Lawrie

- This pairing should definitely favor the rookie Brandt Snedeker. He's had a partner in Jim Furyk that has definitely helped him cope with the magnitude of a Ryder Cup. He's also going up against a player that has been relatively quiet all week. I see Brandt winning 4&3, and not looking back.

Match 6: Dustin Johnson vs. Nicolas Colsaerts

- Oh boy. Get your binoculars for this match, because it's going to feature some HUGE hitting. I think these guys should just have a driving contest and determine the winner from there, because that's what many of us will be interested in seeing. It honestly is going to come down to who can get and keep their putter hot, and right now, I see Dustin doing that.

Match 7: Zach Johnson vs. Graeme McDowell

- ZJ has been a quiet force with Jason Dufner this week, and it has really helped him play solid golf. Graeme, on the other hand, has had his up and downs. He does know how to play his best under pressure, however, and that is why I see G-Mac winning this clash of 1-time major champions.

Match 8: Jim Furyk vs. Sergio Garcia

- Jim has had an OK Ryder Cup, winning one match and losing the other with Brandt Snedeker by his side. He's going to have to bring up his game to another level Sunday though, because he'll be facing Sergio Garcia, who just came off of a big win in the fourballs session on Saturday. With what's at stake, I don't see Sergio losing this match up. It just means too much to him to not give it his all on Sunday.

Match 9: Jason Dufner vs. Peter Hanson

- This is going to be a pairing of the emotionless. Dufner and Hanson look so calm on the course it's scary. They both strike the ball nicely and obviously can keep their emotions in check. I think this one will be tight throughout, but I see Dufner squeaking out a point by making a few more putts than Peter.

Match 10: Matt Kuchar vs. Lee Westwood

- I don't have a ton to really say for this match. Matt has been solid and steady while Lee has been all over the map this week. I'll take Kuchar in a landslide, 5&3.

Match 11: Steve Stricker vs. Martin Kaymer

- I also don't have a lot to say for this match either. Two golfers that haven't been playing great as of late and haven't gotten a point. Kaymer has only played one match so far, the fewest on either side. I guess I just gotta go with Steve here.

Match 12: Tiger Woods vs. Francesco Molinari

- Theeee anchor match. This could mean everything; this could mean nothing. Both players are pointless so far, so that means they'll still want to fight and earn a point. However, I think Tiger wants to way more than Francesco. Tiger's played great golf this week and hasn't been rewarded. He's basically due for a point this week, and this is where it should come. I see him winning 3&2.


Well, there you have it folks. I have the USA winning the session, 7.5-4.5. This means I have them winning the Ryder Cup by a score of 17.5-10.5. How do you think they'll fare? Let us know in the comments, and enjoy Singles Sunday!

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