If the Ryder Cup was being staged this week, Europe would be the overwhelming favourites.
Just two weeks ago, the contest was too close to call. Today everything appears to be in Paul McGinley’s favour, while Tom Watson has suffered as bad a few days as a captain could have. But that’s the nature of sport.
There are still six weeks before Gleneagles and so much can happen in that time.
Every time I see Paul on TV at the moment, he has a big smile on his face. Regardless of who wins the US PGA, he’s had virtually the ideal year.
Rory McIlroy is The Open Champion and back to World No.1, while Martin Kaymer had those great victories at the US Open and The Players’ Championship.
Players are pushing to make the team from outside. Paul used a great bit of psychology on Lee Westwood to prove he was worthy of a wild card.
Lee responded with a 62 in the final round at Firestone last Sunday and opened with a 65 at Valhalla the perfect riposte.
Westwood has a great past record in the Ryder Cup, but he had to show he remains a man for the present. Others, like my nephew Stephen, and Jamie Donaldson have been given every encouragement to make the team.
Stephen was offered an invite to the Wyndham Championship in North Carolina next week. But Paul wants him to play the final two counting events in Europe.
That’s great because at least the players know exactly what the captain is after. While Europe almost look spoiled for choice, Watson has received one bit of bad news after another.
The problems with Tiger Woods are well documented, but Matt Kuchar and Jason Dufner, two certainties, both withdrew from the PGA with back and neck problems.
But the biggest blow of all was Dustin Johnson’s withdrawal from selection last week.
Tom would have pencilled him in for a big role, especially in the Fourballs, while he’s won both of his previous Singles.
He was a player Tom would have fancied against anyone from Europe. But my experience tells me to beware Tom Watson’s team being huge underdogs. Tom is the best man they could have in this situation.
He’ll inspire his players in the team room and they’ll be proud to represent the Stars and Stripes.
I think back to Kiawah Island in 1991. We had Faldo, Woosnam, Seve and Jose Maria Olazabal and were the favourites, and we all know what happened.
I’m not writing off the USA and I’m sure Paul won’t be complacent either.
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe