Garcia can make it an easy Ryder for Europe

Sport Betting special: THE 40th Ryder Cup gets under way at Gleneagles on Friday and it’s hard to see beyond another European victory.

Bookmakers see it that way, too, with the hosts 4-6 to prevail and USA up to 15-8.

There is little value in betting on the match result, but there is an edge in the individual markets.

Here is a rundown of the players and their prices to be the top scorer for their teams –



EUROPE

Rory McIlroy (best odds 4-1): Will play in all five sets of matches, unless he has a nightmare. Two-time major winner this season and the best player on either side, as reflected in his price.

Sergio Garcia (13-2): Had a terrific season and boasts a fine record in the Ryder Cup.

Justin Rose (7-1): Has won the US Open since playing a big part in Europe’s Miracle Of Medinah in 2012. Very solid from tee to green.

Ian Poulter (8-1): Captain’s pick and no surprise in that. Has been inspirational in the last two of these, but it’s asking plenty of him to do it again.

Henrik Stenson (9-1): Best in the world last year and a calm golfer who will take the event in his stride.

Graeme McDowell (10-1): The hero at Celtic Manor in 2010 and a big-time performer. Likely to be given the role of minder to some of the rookies.

Martin Kaymer (11-1): Sank the winning putt in 2012 and won this year’s US Open title in style. Rarely flustered.

Lee Westwood (14-1): Awesome Ryder Cup record, but not getting any younger; may not play in every set.

Victor Dubussion (20-1): Unlikely to play enough to be top points scorer - which also applies to fellow rookies Jamie Donaldson (22-1) and Stephen Gallacher (25-1), plus veteran Thomas Bjorn (28-1).



USA

Rickie Fowler (11-2): Yet to win a major, but has been knocking on the door in big tournaments all season. .

Phil Mickelson (13-2): A mixed record in this event, but can demolish anyone on his day.

Matt Kuchar (8-1): Solid enough, but has no great form in Britain so others are preferred.

Jim Furyk (8-1): Mr Consistency of the US team. Has suffered much heartache in the Ryder and needs to shake off any negative thoughts.

Keegan Bradley (9-1): Set to partner Mickelson, which makes him interesting.

Bubba Watson (10-1): Huge hitter, fine shot-maker and twice winner of the Masters in the last three years. Looks overpriced.

Jordan Spieth (10-1): Rookie who has impressed all year without crossing the winning line in the big ones.

Hunter Mahan (12-1): Seasoned campaigner. Not to be underestimated.

Webb Simpson (12-1): Another solid player, but seems a touch short in the betting.

The experienced Zach Johnson (16-1), and rookies Jimmy Walker (18-1) and Patrick Reed (25-1) are unlikely to play all five matches so are passed over.



RECOMMENDATIONS: Sergio Garcia to be top European points scorer (13-2, general) and top scorer on either side (11-1, general); Bubba Watson to be top US points scorer (10-1, general).