Ryder Cup 2021 preview: Meet the Europeans

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This article was published 23/09/2021 (1774 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

This European side couldn’t be more different than its American counterpart. It is full of veteran players with plenty of Ryder Cup experience and success on their resumés. It is a clear underdog on paper with a much higher average world ranking. Which is exactly how the Euros like it.

Jon Rahm

Age: 28

World ranking: 1

Ryder Cup record: 1-2-0

With just one missed cut in 2021, the planet’s best player has been zoned in for well over a year, with 21 top-15 finishes in 26 starts dating back to the 2020 PGA. And that number excludes a COVID-induced WD from the Memorial with a six-shot Saturday lead. Despite a losing record, he was good in his Ryder Cup debut in 2018, besting Tiger Woods in singles. Only if his putter goes cold will he be vulnerable.

Rory McIlroy

Age: 32

World ranking: 15

Ryder Cup record: 11-9-4

Years ago a young McIlroy wondered what all the Ryder Cup fuss was about, calling it “unimportant” and an “exhibition.” Then he was thrown into the fire of his first one and understood immediately. He’s played with extreme intensity in the event since and truly relishes beating his American pals. There are more in-form players on the team and those with even more experience, but McIlroy is the heartbeat of this European squad.

Viktor Hovland

Age: 23

World ranking: 14

Ryder Cup record: Debut

Hovland should provide some youthful energy to a team rich in experience with an average age just over 34, more than five years older than its opponent. The Norwegian has been excellent since turning pro in 2019 with two PGA Tour victories and one in June on the European Tour. He hasn’t contended for a major, however, so this pressure cooker could get to him. His short game is suspect, to put it politely.

Paul Casey

Age: 44

World ranking: 24

Ryder Cup record: 4-3-5

The veteran Casey has been part of three winning Ryder Cup teams and has only three losses in 12 career matches. He’s always enjoyed match play, having won the HSBC World Match Play back in 2006 and gone to the final of the WGC Match Play in 2009 and 2010. His steady game means he isn’t going to hand over too many holes with bogeys, while his likable personality makes him easy to partner.

Tyrrell Hatton

Age: 29

World ranking: 19

Ryder Cup record: 1-2-0

The Englishman is wildly ill-tempered. To wit, he used his foot to snap a shaft in half after a poor shot in July’s Open Championship. That anger has some believing he doesn’t have the mettle for a Ryder Cup and although he kept it together in 2018, the three matches he played during a lopsided European win isn’t enough of a sample size. As good as he is, Hatton’s rage remains a question mark.

Tommy Fleetwood

Age: 30

World ranking: 37

Ryder Cup record: 4-1-0

Fleetwood was fantastic in his Ryder Cup debut in France, but two things are working against him this time around. Most important, he simply hasn’t played great this year, though he did tie for second in the Italian Open this month. Second, he’ll be without his 2018 running mate Francesco Molinari (the two were 4-0-0 together). He likely won’t play all five matches this weekend and will be more supporting cast member than star.

Lee Westwood

Age: 48

World ranking: 35

Ryder Cup record: 20-18-6

The oldest player on either side, Westwood made the European team for the 11th time, tying countryman Nick Faldo for the most appearances by a Euro, which is one behind Phil Mickelson’s overall record. It was a squeak job to get in, however, and Westwood hasn’t played well since back-to-back runner-up showings in March. But it’s the Ryder Cup. Poor recent form hasn’t always foiled Westwood in the past.

Matthew Fitzpatrick

Age: 27

World ranking: 27

Ryder Cup record: 0-2-0

Fitzpatrick is the only player on this European side who may have a sour taste in his mouth when it comes to the Ryder Cup. He made the 2016 team, but was employed only twice (including the mandatory singles matches) by captain Darren Clarke and contributed zilch in the lone American win of the last five competitions. Without the historical mojo of others, he should be motivated to get in on the fun.

Sergio García

Age: 41

World ranking: 43

Ryder Cup record: 22-12-7

If García’s career has failed to measure up to the high expectations many had of him given he’s won just a single major, he’s overdelivered when it comes to the Ryder Cup. He is the competition’s all-time highest points earner, and he’s been a thorn in the side of American golfers and fans since he hopped and skipped his way around Brookline in 1999. He remains elite with the driver, if not with the putter.

Ian Poulter

Age: 45

World ranking: 50

Ryder Cup record: 14-6-2

Mr. Ryder Cup. An expected captain’s pick along with Sergio García and Shane Lowry largely for what he’s done in the past, Poulter will try to find a Wisconsin phone booth and change into his Superman outfit the moment he arrives. Like García, he loves playing the role of Ryder Cup villain on foreign soil, although it must be stated that he’s without any real highlights the last two years. Does he have more magic in him?

Shane Lowry

Age: 34

World ranking: 42

Ryder Cup record: Debut

It was always likely that Padraig Harrington would make his countryman a captain’s pick and while Lowry ranked behind other golfers, it was a just reward for winning the 2019 Open Championship. Plus, Lowry would have qualified on points if the Ryder Cup had been played last year as scheduled. Also a former Irish Open champion, Lowry should take well to Whistling Straits, the most Irish-like course of any Ryder Cup venue in recent times.

Bernd Wiesberger

Age: 35

World ranking: 63

Ryder Cup record: Debut

Much like Russian hockey players to Canadians in the 1970s and ’80s, European Ryder Cup teams have always featured men whom PGA Tour-obsessed golf fans knew little about. That’s changed with more internationals seeking fame and fortune on American soil, but Wiesberger remains somewhat mysterious given he’s only recently made that move. Eight career European Tour wins prove his worth, and he’ll look to add his name to the long list of those who’ve surprised.

Jason Logan is the editor of SCOREGolf Magazine and is based in Toronto. He is a contributor to the Star’s Sports section. Follow him on Twitter: @jasonSCOREGolf