The 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits

[PMookie]

So true…

[GolfSpy AFG]

Updated US Ryder Cup standings post-Open Championship:

Spieth has obviously made extraordinary leaps when compared to the beginning of the season, now being on the verge of an automatic pick and a definite lock for one of Captain Stricker's six captain's picks.  Harris English will be a very interesting scenario...with 2 wins on the season he's built a solid case for his selection, but he has no Ryder or President's Cup experience, and Webb Simpson (who was one of few bright spots for the US in France) is sitting there at #13 on this list.

And, Reed has slipped to 8th and will need to play well to move into the automatic pick space.  If he needs a Captain's pick, does he get one?  He certainly brings baggage, and I for one am getting increasingly concerned about the locker room/team dynamic of team USA.  Reed may be on the team, then add in the Koepka - DeChambeau drama, and you've got a potentially divided team...a direct contrast to the strength of the Euro squad, and perhaps why an obviously more talented American roster is vulnerable to another Ryder Cup loss.  I'm really really really hoping that's not the case.

[WaffleHouseTour]

Headed to Kohler myself this week.  I’m anxious to see if they have started the first tee grandstand - always the largest and most rocccous place at the RC.  I’ll post some Picts here of what, if anything, I discover.

[WaffleHouseTour]

Its tough to believe there is a lumber shortage in the country... there is plywood and joists stacked up all over the course.  Played the Irish and could see the grandstands going up on the Straits.  Will play there tomorrow and hav some good picts.  But the stands are going up.  The whole town of Kohler has banners hanging all over.  The pro shops are just full of stuff already.  the caddies hats are all RyderCup, even the range is with the theme. 

 

 

[WaffleHouseTour]

I won't burden anyone with slowly downloading pictures - but if you want to see how construction is going - I've got some shots from July 29th here in iCloud - https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0g5Uzl7VXoNFA

[Golfspy_CG2]

3 hours ago, WaffleHouseTour said:

I won't burden anyone with slowly downloading pictures - but if you want to see how construction is going - I've got some shots from July 29th here in iCloud - https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0g5Uzl7VXoNFA

Man I love that course!!   Have played it about  7 or 8 times.  So I recognized every one of those holes!    Great job with the pictures!  Thanks for sharing. 

[TBS]

Changing from who's in to strategy - 

During the President's Cup in 2019 there was so much talk about how Ernie Els took a data centered approach to match-ups and hole strategy, which payed off over the first day but the US still fought back and won. While I definitely think that the US still used data there is always that "man-analytics" aspect of who the captain thinks is going to play well, which payed off.  

What should we expect when it comes to captain strategy at Whistling Straights?

[GolfSpy AFG]

42 minutes ago, TBS said:

Changing from who's in to strategy - 

During the President's Cup in 2019 there was so much talk about how Ernie Els took a data centered approach to match-ups and hole strategy, which payed off over the first day but the US still fought back and won. While I definitely think that the US still used data there is always that "man-analytics" aspect of who the captain thinks is going to play well, which payed off.  

What should we expect when it comes to captain strategy at Whistling Straights?

So this is always hard to predict, especially this year with half the American squad being Captain's picks.  Years ago Dave Stockton paired guys based on them having similar games, his main reasoning being that players would play their best when they were playing from comfortable distances.  Azinger of course made the pod system famous, which Davis Love III loosely followed at Medinah and again at Hazeltine.  Tom Watson seemed to do this based on gut instinct and the hairs on the back of his neck, and Furyk...I'm not sure what system he used.  It was apparent early in the week that he was sending out practice groups consisting of players that he could mix and match, but it was also apparent at the end of the week that a buddy system of "who wants to play with who" might have taken hold a little too much.  For instance, I understand he's polarizing, but how you break up Reed and Spieth and never put them out together is beyond comprehension.  (Spieth - Thomas turned out to be a good pairing...Reed floundered and only won in singles.)

So, a couple random thoughts:

- Who to put with Bryson?  Basically, I think you need an affable laid back type who isn't easily bothered by his quirkiness, and who also bombs it.  Finau.

- Cantley and Xander seem like a great match; they did well at the President's Club and clearly enjoy playing together as evidenced by the Zurich.  Morikawa seems interchangeable with either as well.  

- DJ and Koepka look like a juggernaut on paper but their team performance has been underwhelming. Two President's Cups ago, DJ and Spieth paired well, and I wouldn't mind seeing if JT could spark a little more fire from Brooks.  I don't know how realistic that is though.

- The big wild card is Reed.  If he's on the team, I think you put him and Spieth in a room and tell them to work it out because they're playing together.  But, if Capt Stricker decides to leave him off, I feel like Spieth is a guy you can pair with just about anyone, including Bryson....they both play and practice together at Dallas National, and who wouldn't want to see Spieth with a wedge in hand after a Bryson bomb?

Like I said, random thoughts.  It's going to be interesting for sure.

[WaffleHouseTour]

As to who to partner w Bryson…. Should Finau even be on the team?  What’s he done this year?  Other than some second place finishes…. (Sorry to the TF fans…)

ok, seriously crazy idea - who is best at playing recovery shots for drives that go astray?  That’s who needs to partner w Bryson.  That’s Phil.

You also need some match play killers - Kizner and Billy Ho. 
 

you need guys to bring the crowd into it - again, Billy Ho and Reed

[revkev]

On 7/31/2021 at 8:52 AM, WaffleHouseTour said:

I won't burden anyone with slowly downloading pictures - but if you want to see how construction is going - I've got some shots from July 29th here in iCloud - https://www.icloud.com/sharedalbum/#B0g5Uzl7VXoNFA

Great shots - brought back lots of fond memories. I lived 7 miles from the courses. My boss did their junior golf there a couple of times. 

[GolfSpy AFG]

On 8/5/2021 at 8:11 AM, WaffleHouseTour said:

As to who to partner w Bryson…. Should Finau even be on the team?  What’s he done this year?  Other than some second place finishes…. (Sorry to the TF fans…)

ok, seriously crazy idea - who is best at playing recovery shots for drives that go astray?  That’s who needs to partner w Bryson.  That’s Phil.

You also need some match play killers - Kizner and Billy Ho. 
 

you need guys to bring the crowd into it - again, Billy Ho and Reed

If we're using a "what's he done this year" argument, then Kisner is questionable.  I do have reservations about Finau though...hasn't been in his top form lately, and there are many who feel the Ryder Cup ultimately comes down to putting, which isn't Finau's strong suit.

Phil.  Sigh.  I hope not...I'd love to see him as a Vice Captain, but I don't think his ball-striking is reliable enough to put him out there.  Add in his poor showing in the last competition, and I don't see it.

[GolfSpy AFG]

The European team as it stands today, with Poulter already lobbying hard for one of those Captain's picks:

This will be a different team for sure.  Sergio is unlikely to make it, and the Euro go-to pairing of Rose & Stenson looks like it won't be an option either.

[GolfSpy AFG]

So who is everyone on for US Captain’s picks?  To me there are some very obvious ones…Xander, Spieth, and Cantlay.  Harris English has done enough to earn it.  Webb Simpson is in the conversation enough and brings a veteran presence.  Then who?  Are Reed’s health concerns, along with his other “baggage”, reason to leave him home?  I know Kisner is a popular pick but his overall body of work for the past two seasons isn’t great, although he does seem to do well in match play.

[benb1989]

On 6/2/2021 at 8:40 PM, Kenny B said:

What are the chances Stricker pairs Brooks and Bryson together?  

Id do it, It could spectacularly back fire. BUT dont you think they will push each other. Neither will want to the other player to be the stand out player in their pairing and I think this would drive them on perform better.

And if it back fires it will be great TV  

[WaffleHouseTour]

Na is hot at the right time. And I think he can get under his opponents skin which is a plus. 

[GolfSpy AFG]

So, the US team is set!

The pairings are going to be interesting.  Xander and Cantlay are probably a lock, and I would bet we'll see Spieth and JT too.  Assuming Koepka is healthy and can go, he's been paired with DJ a lot in the past but they haven't always produced stellar results.  Bryson...pair with Finau, or with Morikawa who you would think could feast on Bryson's drives with his iron play.

Lots of possibilities.  Right now the most immediate question is Brooks, can he play, or who comes in behind him if he can't?

 

[Micah T]

13 hours ago, Getoffmylawn said:

So, the US team is set!

The pairings are going to be interesting.  Xander and Cantlay are probably a lock, and I would bet we'll see Spieth and JT too.  Assuming Koepka is healthy and can go, he's been paired with DJ a lot in the past but they haven't always produced stellar results.  Bryson...pair with Finau, or with Morikawa who you would think could feast on Bryson's drives with his iron play.

Lots of possibilities.  Right now the most immediate question is Brooks, can he play, or who comes in behind him if he can't?

 

I would think Reed would have to be included if Brooksie is a no go…

Otherwise Webb Simpson

[GolfSpy AFG]

7 hours ago, Micah T said:

I would think Reed would have to be included if Brooksie is a no go…

Otherwise Webb Simpson

Normally yeah, but between Reed’s questionable health and him already “liking” Stricker-critical social media, you have to wonder if the pick isn’t Webb…

[PMookie]

Posting this one again. “Ye of little faith.” Yep. I have little faith. Somehow we can have the highest ranked guys in the world but can’t consistently win the Rider Cup….

[GolfSpy AFG]

34 minutes ago, PMookie said:

Posting this one again. “Ye of little faith.” Yep. I have little faith. Somehow we can have the highest ranked guys in the world but can’t consistently win the Rider Cup….

I share your concern, but I do have hope for the future.  There’s no denying the Euro’s have cared about this event a lot more than the Americans for years, but I feel like we’re seeing the coming up of a new generation of Ryder Cuppers that are intensely motivated…see Spieth publicly saying he wants to peak for the Cup rather than the Tour Championship.  Xander, Cantlay, Morikawa, JT, Spieth, Bryson, Scheffler…excited for a new generation of stalwarts and to turn the page on Phil, Furyk, Z Johnson, Kuchar…

[fixyurdivot]

On 9/10/2021 at 7:06 AM, Getoffmylawn said:

There’s no denying the Euro’s have cared about this event a lot more than the Americans for years,

During an interview on TGC, Bones McKay adamantly disputed this popular notion that the Team USA does not care about winning the Ryder Cup as much as Team Euro.  He said nothing could be further from the truth. His opinion is that the Europeans just get motivation from the underdog, not as talented on paper jabber-whacky from all the talking heads.  

We've all seen and/or personally experience this in the sports we watch and play... it's a real factor and often a real motivator.  The Solheim Cup being the latest example.

[berkeleybob]

On 8/10/2021 at 3:38 PM, Getoffmylawn said:

The European team as it stands today, with Poulter already lobbying hard for one of those Captain's picks:

This will be a different team for sure.  Sergio is unlikely to make it, and the Euro go-to pairing of Rose & Stenson looks like it won't be an option either.

 

Just wanted to update, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Bernd Wiesberger are playing now.

https://www.rydercup.com/team-europe?locale=en-US

[GolfSpy AFG]

1 hour ago, berkeleybob said:

 

Just wanted to update, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Bernd Wiesberger are playing now.

https://www.rydercup.com/team-europe?locale=en-US

Thanks for posting!

Wiesberger has certainly earned it.  Poultry, he’s clearly able to elevate his play for the cup, although I would argue he was on fire at Medinah and really nothing special after that.

Sergio?  I don’t know…Padraig certainly went with experience, because it just doesn’t seem to me like he’s playing well enough to warrant the spot…

[Micah T]

As far as why this cycle of current players favors team Europe, I think it’s more about familiarity with match play. Don’t know about the rest of you guys, but I’ve never played match play with my golfing buddies. If euros grow up golfing in this style, I’d say it is a natural advantage. Will that advantage continue with a new generation coming up for the American side? I’m hoping no…

[Jwhite86]

Anybody else on the forum attending? I'll be there Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday

[Golfspy_CG2]

I'm thinking about running a pool for this one.  I got the info on it yesterday.  It's run by the same platform as the majors we did.

A bit different tough.  You will pick 6 players  one from each tier.   So say Tier 1 might be Rahm, JT, Morikawa, DJ, Rory, just as an example, then tier 2 and 3 etc.

For any winning  foursome or fourball match that your player is part of you will get 1 point, if he wins his single match you get 2 points.   Then you will get 8 points if you pick the winning team.

I think it sounds pretty fun.   Would most be interested in it.

I'll have to dig up a prize or maybe go with the mystery box again!  

[Rickp]

14 minutes ago, Golfspy_CG2 said:

I'm thinking about running a pool for this one.  I got the info on it yesterday.  It's run by the same platform as the majors we did.

A bit different tough.  You will pick 6 players  one from each tier.   So say Tier 1 might be Rahm, JT, Morikawa, DJ, Rory, just as an example, then tier 2 and 3 etc.

For any winning  foursome or fourball match that your player is part of you will get 1 point, if he wins his single match you get 2 points.   Then you will get 8 points if you pick the winning team.

I think it sounds pretty fun.   Would most be interested in it.

I'll have to dig up a prize or maybe go with the mystery box again!  

Definitely

[steveone]

I'm looking forward to the singles. I can see Rahm vs. Cantalay. If Kopeka plays, I'd put Poulter up against him just for aggravation. Thomas against Mcilroy. 

 

Others you'd like to see?

[Shankster]

Ready for this event.  Looking forward to seeing Sergio extend his record at the Ryder Cup. 
 

Unfortunately, I am not sure what to think of team US… it will be a fun week regardless.

[TBS]

I think Brooks's comments about how its different/difficult event compared to other tour events got blown way out of proportion and twisted to "I'm not into this event". He's a competitor, he's played college golf and other team sports, when he gets in the team environment with half of the team being young guys, he's going to want to be a leader. 

Not to mention, I feel like everybody just laughed off Bryson's comments about his hands being wrecked prepping for long drive. All of these top guys have outside responsibilities but they have trained to focus on the current event they are playing and not worrying to far ahead. I think the reality is that the top Americans are celebrities and this event is a small part of their responsibilities and roles. But, similar to Olympics, when they all get together and put on the red, white, and blue, perspective changes. 

I think the picks this year are spot on. Reed was quoted saying he thought he was going to die a few weeks ago. Love Kis but personality does not win matches on this course. The US made a clear commitment to brining in young guys which will pay off over the next few years. 

I think course setup should be tough tucked pins the first day and make them easier the following days. The US should have center pin locations on Sunday looking for a birdie fest.