By Dennis Miller
The second guessing of Captain selections will start right away here at this years’ Ryder Cup.
Both Davis Love III and Darren Clarke made some interesting choices for the Foursome (alternate shot) matches that kick off the competition.
Love kept all of his rookies on the bench for the first matches, despite the fact that Ryder Cup newcomer Ryan Moore is arguably playing the best of most of the players from either team.
Clarke has kept Danny Willett on the bench in the morning, which was a bit of head-scratcher considering Willett, winner of the Masters this year figured to be one of Europe’s top players. Then again, after Willett’s brother sent out a Twitter message that was not complimentary of the American fans on Wednesday, Clarke maybe trying to quell what figures to be an already emotional American crowd.
Here are my thoughts on the morning matches
Jordan Spieth/Patrick Reed vs. Henrik Stenson/Justin Rose
This should be the match of the morning session. Captain America (Spieth) and the fiery Reed will be a guarantee to get the crowd going early and the could need it as taking on Stenson (British Open winner) and Rose – a major winner in his own right is a Herculean task. It will be tough, but I love this pairing for the United States and we will get off to the good start taking this match. USA 1, Europe 0.
Phil Mickleson/Rickie Fowler vs. Rory McIlroy/Andy Sullivan
Arguably America’s most popular team, the format doesn’t seem to suite these two as partners. Both are capable of spraying the ball and in alternate shot it seems you should have an accurate player on each team. On the flip side, both are blessed with the ability to make something out of nothing and realistically that will be needed. Clarke, who has six rookies on his team has paired one – Sullivan – with the dialed in McIlroy and they will too much handle here. USA 1, Europe 1
Jimmy Walker/Zach Johnson vs. Sergio Garcia/Martin Kaymer
The American’s send of two of the nicest players on Tour to do battle with the emotional Garcia and the steely cool Kaymer. On a long course, the two American’s figure to get overwhelmed by the long hitting Euro’s. Might be the most lopsided match of the morning session. Europe 2, USA 1.
Dustin Johnson/Matt Kuchar vs. Lee Westwood/Thomas Pieters
Great way to close the morning session. Foursomes has never really been a strong point for the United States, so to get a 2-2 split would be huge. This is the team that we could see a lot for the American’s. Johnson the bomber has continued to take his game to the next level as evidenced by his U.S. Open win this year. Kuchar is one of the games’ most complete players and is a perfect pairing. Clarke did a great job as he paired one of rookies – Pieters – with the wily vet Westwood. We get the split, USA 2, Europe 2.