Ryder Cup 2023: Previewing the main event and the all-star match
The Ryder Cup is a biennial competition between two teams of American and European golfers that go head-to-head. This year’s event takes place in Rome, and many would argue it is the greatest golfing contest on Earth.
There is no prize purse offered in the Ryder Cup, so the world’s top players compete purely for pride and to represent their country or continent. The event spans a four-day period and also features an all-star celebrity match which like the headline event rakes in worldwide viewers.
There is always huge anticipation when the competition comes around. The greatest players on the planet all converge together to fight for the main prize. But some viewers may simply be eager to watch stars from other sports compete in golf.
The USA are the favourites
The United States of America are the favourites to win the Ryder Cup this year. They are of course led by the world’s number one Scottie Scheffler.
The USA have a stunning level of depth overall which should give them the edge over Europe. In betting on golf, the North Americans are 10/11 favourites to win on European soil. The Europeans are outsiders in the first-ever Italian-hosted competition. In the Ryder Cup 2023 odds, they are offered at 5/4 to claim victory at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club this October.
While the Americans are undoubtedly the favourites going into the tournament, a number of things could point towards a European upset. The former has not won the Ryder Cup on European territory since 1993. Besides the obvious pressure of playing in the huge tournament, they will have to deal with the added pressure of putting an end to a lengthy barren spell in Europe.
The Americans have much stronger depth
Scheffler’s USA team will be boosted by fellow top-ten-ranked golfers Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffle, Max Homa, Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark – a range of experienced players who have been performing at the top of the sport for many years.
Europe of course also have superstars, but they do not quite have the same world-level depth that their rivals across the Atlantic Ocean possess. Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland represent a stunning trio from the European squad.
McIlroy can perform just as well as Scheffler, if not better on his day. However, his supporting cast of two genuinely elite players, compared to the latter’s five top-level Americans, will be up against it in Rome.
In the Ryder Cup depth is vital, a wide range of high-quality and experienced players is often likely to claim victory over a team with a few superstars surrounded by lower-ranked professionals.
The all-star match
The main event is certainly of paramount importance, but the all-star match has an interesting twist this year as the two teams will represent a mix of nationalities rather than it being a contest of Europe vs. USA.
Footballers that will take part include UEFA Champions League winners Gareth Bale and Andriy Shevchenko. The former often prioritised playing golf over his primary career, so it will certainly be eye-opening to see the golfing skill he possesses.
23-time tennis grand slam record-holder Novak Djokovic will also play in the match in Rome, as well as Carlos Sainz who drives for Ferrari in Formula One. Super Bowl champion Victor Cruz is another top-level sportsman who will make a brief golfing appearance this Autumn.
The Ryder Cup promises to be another stunning showcase of the top level this year, and the all-star match will also offer an exciting show before the main event gets underway.