With the 2018 Ryder Cup right around the corner, as an American I hope the stars and stripes are able to be celebrated. This will be no easy task as team Europe has held most of the event victories as of late and again holds a strong team this year from top to bottom. Let’s first take a look at the captain’s picks for team Europe. This year’s European squad captained by Thomas Bjorn will surly bring the home crowd many things to cheer about. Just like the American Captain Jim Furyk went with more experience in his picks, so did Bjorn. It almost seems like the mirror counter parts….
Captain Furyk took one of the hottest players on the planet with the “mad scientist” Bryson DeChambeau, who is playing like a half man half machine after winning the first two legs of the FedEx Cup playoff events. When thinking of fellow terminator like figures for Europe, it would be hard to pick someone other than the man behind the large sunglasses Henrik Stenson. Both a major champion and tough competitor every day of the week with his notable laser three wood off the tee, it would be an exciting match if these two robots got in the ring to face off later this month.
Next picks included Phil Mickelson for the United States with counterpart Sergio Garcia. Both players who have statistically not had the best seasons, but will surly bring the needed fire to the locker room as well as first tee in Paris. Sergio hit the all-time high with the green jacket victory in 2017, but has failed to produce much good golf since. Garcia has missed the cut in most of the recent majors this season as well as has fell in world rankings, but has a long history in the Ryder Cup. He is second to only legendary Nick Faldo in points won for team Europe, as well as said to be the “heartbeat” of the team from captain Bjorn.
Just like the American hopeful Tiger Woods, it is hard to imagine a Ryder Cup for team Europe without the eccentric Ian Poulter. When thinking back to most recent Ryder Cup crowd roars and memorable shots, most would include Poulter's iconic spiked blonde hair sticking out of Europe logo visors. Just as anticipated as American viewers are to see the Muhamad Ali like upper cut from Tiger, Poulter will surely have the boxing gloves on to match. Being a home crowd in Paris, Ian will bring a “Tiger like” roar heard around the grounds traveling over to the states.
To round out the captains picks representing the red, white and blue will be Tony Finau and then Paul Casey for team Europe. This will be Finau’s first Ryder Cup while Casey taking part in his fourth team. Some have said Paul has been just short in making recent teams in the past and should have been a part of multiple teams since his last appearance in 2008. After being picked over the younger talents Thomas Pieters and Matthew Fitzpatrick who have both had successful seasons, Casey should be one to look for in proving himself by gaining points for team Europe. September 28th through the 30th will surly bring enough excitement for the whole golf world to enjoy!
