Can U.S. Break the Ryder Cup Spell?

The United States once dominated Europe in the biennial head-to-head golf matches we know as the Ryder Cup. Over the past 20 years, the story has been different. Now, the U.S. side has come under increasing pressure, and with a slightly different strategy, they'll try to take advantage of a home course and break the spell. The Americans once again have the edge in the Ryder Cup betting market. With a number of options available in Ryder Cup betting, we'll see if they can cash in.

Recent History

Despite having superior talent most years, the United States has earned the label of chokers by losing six of the past seven matches, and eight of the past 10. In 2012, the U.S. carried a huge lead into the second day, only to see it flitter away. Then, after the U.S. team's 16½-11½ loss at Gleneagles in Scotland in 2014, there was some sniping among the American contingent. Phil Michelson was critical of team captain Tom Watson's managerial style and called for a change in strategy. Enter new captain Davis Love III and the "task force" strategy for picking players.

The Teams

Love used the new strategy for the late pick of Ryan Moore, who played well in the last leg of the FedExCup. He made Bubba Watson a vice captain to complete the brain trust. Now it's just a matter of playing.

This year the United States again brings in more firepower than the Europeans. The top tiers of players seem pretty even. The U.S. comes with four of the top 10 players in the world: Dustin Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Patrick Reed and Rickie Fowler. Europe counters with four of the top 11: Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson, Danny Willett and Justin Rose. After that, though, the Americans appear to have more clear of an advantage. Michelson, Books Koepka, J.B. Holmes and Matt Kuchar bring better resumes than their counterparts, Sergio Garcia, Russell Knox, Lee Westwood and Rafa Cabrera Bello.

Ryder Cup Betting

The Europeans figure to get points from McIlroy; he's coming off of a FedExCup-winning performance and has a 6-4-4 record in Cup play. Beyond that is more up in the air. Johnson, Spieth, Reed and Holmes have all managed winning records in losing years for the U.S. and will carry hopes of the home team. Keep in mind that the Europeans won't give up in the face of a deficit; they learned that in 2012. Also consider the U.S. home course advantage of playing at Hazeltine in Minnesota. The midwest crowd should be revved up for this one.

Since four of the last five Ryder Cups have been decided by two matches, that type of spread would be logical. You can find that among the Ryder Cup golf props available. Also look for daily betting options and matchups.