Ryder Cup Golf: Will Azinger Turn The Odds Around?

The Ryder Cup has, in recent years, become a graveyard for American golf and one thing Americans do not stomach comfortably is to lose regularly and heavily. This observation is even more acute when you consider how dominant individual Americans are in stroke play competition.

New post mortems are followed by new appointments of USA Captains, and 2006 is no exception. Paul Azinger, one of America's most successful golfers of the 1990's, has taken on the task of trying to rescue America's tattered reputation for team matchplay golf.

In Azinger's view he has little to lose. Another defeat at the hands of the Europeans in Valhalla, Kentucky, USA in September 2008 would now be considered an expectation such has been the humiliation meted out on the boys from the States in the last three outings. In some ways, a narrow defeat by no more than 2 or 3 points would almost be considered a recovery but that is not good enough.

Azinger has therefore been instrumental in changing the method by which the American team is to be selected with the idea that players who are hungrier and in good contemporary form come September 2008 will get the nod over those who may have had a successful year the season before.

The selection process will allow Azinger the luxury of four "wild cards", players he feels are most likely to contribute to the team effort regardless of their point-scoring in the prior two years. In addition, the bulk of the ranking points will be drawn from 2008 itself, leaving only a small credit to be given to players for successes in the Majors in 2007. The regular golfing season in 2007 will play no part in assisting a player with Ryder Cup points except for performances in the Majors.

Even then, points awarded for the 2008 Majors will count double those of 2007 and points are available from the regular season's golf too. Emphasis is on current form and desire with a wide margin for picking four players who are in hot form approaching September 2008 even if they have had only an average season earlier on.

American PGA President Roger Warren said of Paul Azinger:

"He demonstrated a clear and consistent passion and excitement for the Ryder Cup, and that passion and excitement will excite his players. It will motivate them. He is going to lead this team at Valhalla and begin the resurgence of the American Ryder Cup, and we're going to win it here in Valhalla under Paul Azinger." Determined words indeed.

Azinger is a Ryder Cup veteran of relatively happier times for the USA playing in tightly fought contests in 1989, 1991 and 1993 as well as making a final swansong appearance in 2002.

The 2008 battle pits Azinger against an old foe from his playing days, Nick Faldo, who was always a dogged character himself leading to some "differences" from time to time. However, in recent years, the pair have shared commentating duties for American TV golf coverage. Faldo says:

"I think it's very good for both of us. We've been able to build up a bit of a relationship over the last couple of years. I'm sure we will have our moments as Ryder Cup captains because we are both hotheads and we're going to have to lock horns over some issues to protect our teams. But I'm sure, in the big picture of the Ryder Cup, we will bring to it a bit of fun and a bit of entertainment as well. And why not?

"Clearly it's a very serious event and we all know what our goals are. But it's equally important that everybody has a great experience from being a Ryder Cup player. It won't be easy and playing America at Valhalla, the home of the American PGA, I'm sure they will be gunning for our boys. But I'm confident my team will have very much the backbone of this last team and obviously I want the guys to be as dominant as they were this time."

The question for backers of one team or the other is whether these developments will open up opportunities for the early bird to trade the odds over time. Do the current odds over-value the European team and not give credit for the fact that the next clash is in the American's own heartland with a true competitor at the helm rather than an "old-stager"? Only time will tell but the odds available should you be seeking to open a position are as follows:

For the USA to regain the Ryder Cup, Ladbrokes are the best value fixed odds layer with a quote of 6/4 while most are 6/5 or 5/4.

For Europe to win, Paddy Power are seeking bets at 10/11 while many others like Blue Square and Bet365 are taking no chances at a less daring 8/11.

The speculative bet for the tie is generally available at around 12/1 and this never changes materially even on the eve of the tournament.

Ed note: For excellent long term and daily bets alike, Ladbrokes is your best bet with the promise of a $100 Play Poker bonus.

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