Golf news

Westwood closes in on Ryder Cup spot

Matchplay star: Lee Westwood is bidding to play in a tenth straight Ryder Cup (photo by Getty Images)

Matchplay star: Lee Westwood is bidding to play in a tenth straight Ryder Cup (photo by Getty Images)

Despite his disappointing final round at the Oakmont Country Club, recent performances now mean that Lee Westwood is almost certain of a spot in Europe’s Ryder Cup team. Having looked unlikely to take part in Septembers event due to a lack of consistency just a matter of months ago, Captain Darren Clarke will certainly be happy with Westwood’s return to form, as he prepares to defend Europe’s title in Pennsylvania. Westwood has nine Ryder Cup appearances to date, and whether he claims an automatic sport this year or is one of Clarke’s captains picks, it seems likely that the Englishman will once again be one of twelve men representing Europe at Hazeltine.

Elsewhere for the European team, the announcement of Ian Poulter as a vice-captain to Darren Clarke will no doubt have increased the excitement amongst the players. Poulter, who holds an incredible Ryder Cup record with 14 points from 18 matches, joins Thomas Bjorn, Paul Lawrie and Padraig Harrington as fellow vice-captains for the competition. Despite going into the competition having been victorious on the last three occasions, the US team are favourites this time around, with odds of 8/11 from bookmakers Betway.

The European team could well have a brand new feel to it as a result of the form of young players this year. Ireland’s Shane Lowry was in contention throughout at the US Open, and along with the likes of Chris Wood, Russell Knox, Matthew Fitzpatrick and Rafa Cabrera-Bello will be hoping to secure automatic places in the team over the coming months. Masters winner Danny Willett is another player likely to be taking part later this year, with the Englishman currently leading the standings in the race to Dubai.

US Captain Davis Love III has an assortment of riches to select from this year, with US Open winner Dustin Johnson adding to the likes of Jordan Spieth, Rickie Fowler and Brooks Koepka in the race for places. Phil Mickelson is searching for an 11th consecutive appearance in the Ryder Cup, and despite a poor US Open showing, is likely to claim a spot due to his experience. Willett is 9/1 with Betway to win the upcoming BMW Championship, with Sergio Garcia the favourite at 15/2. A quick bet online could well prove fruitful with the duo in good form leading up to the tournament.

As the Hazeltine National Golf Club prepares for hundreds of thousands of spectators to arrive at the end of September, the US Open, Open Championships and Olympic Games certainly provide a hectic schedule for players over the summer months. With golf being added to the Olympics for the first time in Rio, players will certainly be going all out to write themselves into the record books, despite some high profile withdrawals.

Interbet

sim direct

Have your say!

FFC Blog Network
Seo wordpress plugin by www.seowizard.org.