Rose and Bradley the value to be their teams’ top player
UNDERSTANDABLY both Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler head the Top European and Top American markets respectively, after both men enjoyed their finest seasons to date.
World No1 McIlory’s confidence is sky-high after landing two Majors this season, while Fowler’s consistency at the top-level has been breath-taking.
But it’s Justin Rose, rather than McIlroy, who offers the better value to be the top European. He’s also had a sparkling year and it’s likely he’ll again pair up with Ian Poulter. The twosome have won four of five previous Ryder Cup matches together and will be expected to deliver again. Rose has also been triumphant in both of his singles matches. Take the 7/1 with Star Sports.
Although Fowler has hit the crossbar numerous times in big tournaments of late, the 25-year-old made a top-five finish at all four Majors this year, including runner-up finishes at The Masters and The Open.
Don’t read too much into Fowler’s only previous Ryder Cup experience in 2010 when he went 0-1-2. The American had a sparkling record in the Walker Cup where in two appearances he scored 7-1-0 against the Great Britain and Ireland amateurs.
But it’s been suggested he’ll team up with 35-year-old rookie Jimmy Walker and my fear is they could struggle against experienced partnerships. At 11/2 in a wide-open Star Sports market I can give him a swerve.
Keegan Bradley has been tipped to line up alongside Phil Mickelson and that would surely be the USA’s strongest pairing. An ever present fixture in the team since 1995, Mickelson has a solid 14-18-6 Ryder Cup record.
His possible partner Bradley went 3-1-0 in Medinah and his gameplay looks well-suited to this course. I can see the Vermont native picking up points with Mickelson and he’ll be a match for anyone in the singles.
Star Sports’ 8/1 is worth snapping up.
Pointers…
Justin Rose to be Top European at 7/1 with Star Sports
Keegan Bradley to be Top American at 8/1 with Star Sports