There was great disappointment around the golfing world earlier this year when it was revealed that the Ryder Cup would not be taking place this year. The biggest event on the golf calendar was due to take place this past weekend, but due to the current global pandemic, the decision was made that the event would be cancelled for 12 months.
This year’s Ryder Cup would have been a watered-down version of the event, and organisers were keen to do everything that they could to ensure that this wasn’t the case. However, with a 12-month delay, there could be some changes in the players that will be involved for both Team Europe and Team USA.
Team Europe
Team Europe will be going to the United States as the defending champions, but there could be some noteworthy omissions from the squad. Among the players that could be missing from the team for next year’s competition are Paul Casey, Sergio Garcia and Ian Poulter. As well as those stars, Francesco Molinari, who was excellent in the event two years ago, could also be missing from the team. However, that doesn’t mean that there won’t be a host of quality players involved for Team Europe.
Lee Westwood and Tommy Fleetwood could be among those that will be in contention. Meanwhile, Shane Lowry has voiced that the Ryder Cup in his aim for the coming year. The Irishman shocked the world by winning The Open in 2019, and he will need to rediscover his very best form to put himself back in contention for team selection. Lowry hasn’t won a professional event since his success at The Open back in July last year. However, an extra 12 months will certainly see his chances of making Team Europe increase.
Team USA
Team USA will not only go into the event as the heavy favourites in terms of odds with ussportsbonus.com, but they will also have one of the most exciting sides that they have had in recent history. There is expected to be 12 players from the current top 18 in the world rankings in the team, which includes current world number one Dustin Johnson and world number three Justin Thomas. That isn’t even taking into account the veterans that could be included for Team USA such as Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson. The size of the challenge ahead of Team Europe is massive, but there is still confidence that Paul McGinley could be the man to make the improbable happen.
Matthew Wolff and Scottie Scheffler could be two of the stars that will benefit by having an extra 12 months before the Ryder Cup. Wolff has been on the radar of selection all season, and his chances would have improved after finishing as the runner-up at the recent US Open. It would highlight a huge two years for Wolff, as he only turned professional back in 2019. Regardless of who makes the team, the USA team will be confident that they will be able to win their second Ryder Cup in over ten years.
