2010 Ryder Cup betting preview
Golf betting and free bets
We’re fast approaching the action on Celtic Manor between 1st and 3rd October, with Colin Montgomerie having recently selected the three wildcard picks that he feels can help Europe regain the Ryder Cup.
The US were comfortable winners in Valhalla two years ago, although Corey Pavin’s team are the outsiders at 7/4 (Coral) this time around, with the American captain still mulling over the four wildcard picks that will join the likes of Phil Mickelson and Steve Stricker in the team.
Montgomerie complained that he had too many excellent European players from which to choose, something which saw Paul Casey and Justin Rose left out of the equation. The strength in depth has seen the bookies cut the odds on Europe so that they are now a best price 8/11 with Sky Bet, although bet365 go 8/13 that the majority of spectators at Celtic Manor are toasting a success.
The tie is available at 11/1 (Paddy Power) and it would be no surprise to see this going to the wire, especially if Tiger Woods is selected as a wildcard and then starts to demonstrate why he is still number one in the world. You can currently back Woods at 14/1 with Paddy Power to hole the winning putt and complete a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for a player whose private life has been laid bare over the past twelve months.
Right now, we don’t know the US team that will be lining up, although the bookmakers have been busy pricing up which European might score the most points when the action gets under way. Rory McIlroy is pretty much the favourite with most firms to lead the way at odds of 6/1 (Sky Bet), although we should remember that the 21-year-old is a rookie who is experiencing it all for the first time.
Ian Poulter strikes us as a much more sensible wager at odds of 10/1 (Paddy Power), especially as the Englishman managed four points from a possible five during the 2008 Ryder Cup. He’s a combative style of player and should relish the passionate support that the European team will receive on every fairway and green.
The other two interesting European candidates are brothers and it would be hard for Colin Montgomerie not to select Edoardo Molinari or Francesco Molinari all the way through if they got off to a bright start in the foursomes.
The former is an eye-catching 12/1 (Paddy Power) and appears to be in the form of his life at the moment, having won the Johnnie Walker at Gleneagles to book his place in the team. Francesco is 16/1 with Stan James and it might come down to which sibling wins their singles match.
