No easy Ryder as two fine teams limber up

SPORTS BETTING:
Few sporting contests inspire as much passion as golf’s Ryder Cup.

Twelve players from the US and Europe will put their reputations on the line at Medinah in Chicago this weekend as the hosts try to wrest back the cup Europe won in Wales two years ago.

Both have powerful teams — indeed, 24 of the world’s top 35 golfers will be in action.

It is desperately hard to split the two sides, but home skipper David Love has played to his side’s strengths by encouraging long drives with generous rough.

That was America’s main tactic the last time they won at home in 2008, and it worked a treat as their big hitters relished the challenge.

Once again, the US have some powerhouses in their side. That said, Europe have an exceptionally-strong team headed by world number one Rory McIlroy.

I just favour the Yanks, who are a best priced 8-11 to win the trophy with Europe 7-4 and the tie 10s.

A 15-13 scoreline for the hosts could be the way to go at 10-1, while the course could hardly be better suited to Bubba Watson, who hits it miles and is a generous 11-1 to be top US points scorer.

As for Europe’s leading player, the impressive McIlroy will have his supporters at 11-2, but this competition always brings out the best in Lee Westwood.



RECOMMENDATIONSUS to win 15-13, 10-1 (general); Lee Westwood to be top European points scorer, 8-1 (Sporting Bet, Bet Victor); Bubba Watson to be top US points scorer, 11-1 (general).