I've always had the feeling that the players just regard this as a friendly gathering and no one worries much about elevating their game except the young guys trying to further their name recognition. Some of the players in the continental countries that joined a couple of decades ago still have a stake in promoting their individual countries and the additional incentive that goes with that, but I don't think the US and UK veterans worry much about it.

My take. ; During the past 10 years or so, the RC has become over-evented and over-hyped, and over-social. Come on guys just play golf like you want to beat the pants off the Euros.

Spuzz

I can see that happening. Rookies seem to be the one that shine (Phil not withstanding the last time) and the Euros are home. USA has higher ranked players, but more than a few are not playing that great lately.

I normally love the Ryder Cup, but I'm not feeling the energy this year for some reason.

    Weirfan

    Me either.

    I'd lay a hefty wager that if you got Tiger off the record and he was being truthful - he wouldn't agree with Phil's statement. On the record, "Sure! Put us together." But deep down, I don't see Tiger hoping to be paired with Phil this weekend.

    And I don't think they will be. Not if it's about winning and not about ratings and made-for-tv theatrics. Currently, I don't see any player wanting to be put in a position to rely on Phil at the moment.

    • ode replied to this.

        Latest from Paris on a possible Tiger / Phil pairing for at least one match, according to Lefty who practiced with Tiger today (some say practice pairings could be a good peek at matchups this week):

        ""Sticking with Tiger, according to Mickelson, don't be surprised if the two Hall of Famers join forces for at least one match. "I think we would both welcome it. I think we would both welcome it," Mickelson said. And when asked if he knew if it would happen, Mickelson smiled, "I do have an idea of what Captain Furyk is thinking, yeah.""

          I think Tiger will do better than he usually does. I think Tony Finau will kick some European butt. DeChambeau was MIA this week but has a history of doing well in match play.

          Rory can't putt, but the Euros have a history of improving their putting considerably during the Ryder Cup. Fleetwood and Justin Rose will be tough outs.

          I think the USA got a huge boost this past weekend with Tiger beating 3 of the
          Euro's best in head to head pairings at the Tour Championship.
          First Fleetwood,then Rose on Sat. and Sunday he knocked off McIlroy.
          Plus Bryson and Finau might just be the surprise rookies of this RC.
          If Furyk get's some good early pairings that mesh well,
          the US will/should prevail!IMO

          mikeintopeka

          I just can't fathom a situation in which a US Ryder Cup captain wants to become Hal Sutton Jr the third.

          If Furyk does, I will go on record here saying that I hope we get our asses handed to us, just to prove, once again, that the US PGA Tour have become the Kardashians of pro golf.

          Step right up, folks... step right up! Behold the spectacle you're about to see!

            Weirfan I think it's a given that TW and Bryson will be partners. Probably every day.

            We've got a lot of golfers, so it seems, off form. They'll have to dig deep. Not expecting much.

                PA-PLAYA I suggested it in the other thread, but cannot see it happening now either.....I'd pair Phil with someone he feels comfortable with and who is on form to hide his crappy form as of late. Hopefully he finds something cuz he is struggling!

                    I'd put Phil with Bubba, just for the WTF are they gonna do now factor!
                    I think it would probably be the first lefty/lefty pairing in RC history.

                    Who is Phil gonna be paired with?

                      Tiger will most likely play well for a change...but I agree " feeling of impending doom for Team USA "

                      Bomb & Gouge will not prevail.

                      Geezus am I the only one that thinks the US has a chance this weekend?
                      Some of you guys better just stick to the PBJ thread then!😉

                        Par4QC I think it's a given that TW and Bryson will be partners. Probably every day

                        Not a good idea, imho, TW and Bryson play a different game. When one drops a shot, the other won't be able to pick it up for the other. Sure, they both play what looks like methodical and technical game, but somehow different.

                            darpar it will be tight.....and if we win, it will be by a slim margin.....they will have to play well to win.

                                Ringoblack I don't think the pairings are necessarily done in a manner that reflects players' games. I'm seeing more compatibility pairings. They are all Pros, with supposedly no weaknesses.(?)

                                I also think Phil will be paired with Finau.