Yesterday's decision by the European Tour's Tournament Committee to appoint Paul McGinley as the European Ryder Cup captain for 2014 was absolutely bang on the money.
The 46 year old Irishman was simply the only man for the job despite the late pleas of the man who captained Europe in 2010, Colin Montgomerie. It would have been absolutely outrageous if 'Monty' had been given the job again.
And I say that as someone who is from the same town as Montgomerie and you would also be hard pushed to find someone who was more disappointed when he blew his chance to finally win a major title at the US Open in 2006.
However, it is time to move on from this debacle and get behind McGinley who I think will be an excellent European captain at Gleneagles for many reasons. Firstly, he has the support of the entire team at Medinah, a large chunk of who will be members at Gleneagles too.
As seen with Nick Faldo's disastrous captaincy in 2008 (the only time Europe have lost the Ryder Cup in this century), if you don't have the support of the 12 men on the team, then you are already facing a massive uphill struggle to win the trophy. With Twitter support coming from the world's best two players in Rory McIlroy and Luke Donald plus the miracle man of Medinah, Ian Poulter, then it is clear for all to see who Europe's top men wanted as captain in 2014.
Factor in the support of successful former European captains Bernard Gallacher, Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam and you quickly realise the Irishman isn't short of experienced heads to turn to for advice.
McGinley is one of these typical Europeans that come alive when the Ryder Cup comes around. He may give out a pretty calm persona most of the time, but he thrives on this sort of event. He was never on a losing side in three appearances between 2002-2006 and most famously holed the winning putt to win the Ryder Cup back for Europe at the Belfry in 2002.
There was a false perception going around before the decision was made to appoint McGinley that he wasn't a 'home captain' and the European committee simply had to pick someone to rival American captain Tom Watson. With all due respect, that was an utterly ridiculous opinion. McGinley might not be as passionate and charismatic as say a Seve Ballesteros or Ian Woosnam or indeed his opposite number Tom Watson, but he has tactical nous in abundance that can enable the Europeans to win again at Gleneagles.
There can be no arguing that the last two Ryder Cups have been absolutely thrilling as Europe have fought back to win them both. However, there was a real chance that we would be remembering Colin Montgomerie and Jose Maria Olazabal as losing European captains, rather than winning ones.
The true great European captains of the last decade were Bernard Langer and Ian Woosnam in 2004 and 2006 respectively when Europe won 18.5-9.5 on both occasions. I am not foolish enough to suggest that McGinley is going to lead his side at Gleneagles to this level of victory, but the best quality of Langer in particular was his incredible attention to detail.
McGinley will be another captain that will leave absolutely nothing to chance. He will make sure that every pairing is spot on and that every American player's strengths and weaknesses are analysed down to a tee. The Seve Trophy is not on the same scale as the Ryder Cup in terms of prestige, but it was this sort of planning in 2009 and 2011 that enabled McGinley as captain of the Great Britain and Ireland team to lead them to victories over continental Europe.
McGinley might not be as well known as Tom Watson, but he can match him in terms of motivation, tactics and organisation. You really can't ask for much more from a European captain.
Being European Ryder Cup captain is a monumental task for any man and McGinley will come under intense scrutiny until the event begins and during the three days at Gleneagles.
But as he has shown as a Vice-Captain in the previous two events and as a winning player on three occasions, he handles high pressured situations extremely well.
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Why Michael Van Gerwen is the future of darts
Dutch darts player Michael Van Gerwen may have lost the PDC World Championship final on New Years Day, but he surely won't have to wait too long to get his hands on the trophy.
He was defeated by the greatest man to ever throw a dart, Phil Taylor, by seven sets to four at the Alexandra Palace but at one stage he led 4-2 and had darts to extend that lead further.
Taylor's class and experience ultimately shown through as he fought back to win a 16th world title.
However, in many ways the 2013 PDC World Championship was all about Van Gerwen. Still only 23, MVG finally delivered on the biggest stage of them all having came to life in the previous big events before the World Championship in reaching the Grand Slam final and winning the World Grand Prix in Dublin.
Phil 'The Power' Taylor will be around for a few years yet and stated after winning on New Years Day that he hopes to achieve an incredible 20 world titles by the time he retires. However, Van Gerwen is well placed to go on and be one of the favourites every year for the World Championship now and in the next decade become the undisputed world number one.
For years Van Gerwen was touted as the next big darts player after he burst on the scene and won the World Masters at the age of 17 in 2006, but over the next few years he flattered to deceive and from 2008-2012, he never got past the third round at the PDC World Championship. And somewhat remarkably, his best finish in a major PDC event in those years was a 4th round exit at the UK Open in 2011.
In October 2012, it suddenly clicked for MVG at the oche in Dublin. He defeated former world number 1 Colin Lloyd, two-time world champion Adrian Lewis and top 6 players Andy Hamilton and Wes Newton, before coming from 4-1 down to beat Mervyn King in the final.
He continued his fantastic form the following month at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts, where he produced one of the finest performances of the darting year when he defeated Taylor 10-5 and averaged over 108 before losing to fellow Dutchman Raymond Van Barneveld in the final.
Van Gerwen's form meant for the first time in 20 years, Taylor wasn't favourite for the World Championship and instead the Dutchman was installed as the favourite at the bookies. After a shaky start, he showed his clinical best in an unbelievable quarter final match with Adrian Lewis. Both men averaged over 100, with each of them pounding the treble 20 like there was no tomorrow before Van Gerwen stepped in to steal the match with three successive legs.
He saved his best for the 6-4 semi final win over James Wade though. Sitting at home watching the match with a fellow darts loving friend, we both cheered for joy when he hit a fast and furious perfect nine darter. And then he almost did it again. This was the moment when MVG mania went through the roof.
And his style of play is what the fans want to see. There can be no doubting that players like Justin Pipe and Mark Walsh have quality in abundance, but their slow play can often turn off fans both at the venue and at home.
Van Gerwen throws unbelievably quick yet hits an absolute barrage of 180s throughout the match, which he regularly celebrates with huge roars of joy. With darts continuing to grow and grow, Van Gerwen is the ultimate arena player and will be a joy to watch as the Premier League tours the country over the first half of the year.
Darts fans are a unique bunch. With the pints flowing and just about everyone in fancy dress, the atmosphere at these events is just getting louder and louder. With Van Gerwen regularly averagig over 100 every three darts and with the ability to hit nine darters in every match he plays, Van Gerwen is the face of the new darting world.
Expect the fans favourite to cement his place at the top of the world just as quick as he throws over the next year.
He was defeated by the greatest man to ever throw a dart, Phil Taylor, by seven sets to four at the Alexandra Palace but at one stage he led 4-2 and had darts to extend that lead further.
Taylor's class and experience ultimately shown through as he fought back to win a 16th world title.
However, in many ways the 2013 PDC World Championship was all about Van Gerwen. Still only 23, MVG finally delivered on the biggest stage of them all having came to life in the previous big events before the World Championship in reaching the Grand Slam final and winning the World Grand Prix in Dublin.
Phil 'The Power' Taylor will be around for a few years yet and stated after winning on New Years Day that he hopes to achieve an incredible 20 world titles by the time he retires. However, Van Gerwen is well placed to go on and be one of the favourites every year for the World Championship now and in the next decade become the undisputed world number one.
For years Van Gerwen was touted as the next big darts player after he burst on the scene and won the World Masters at the age of 17 in 2006, but over the next few years he flattered to deceive and from 2008-2012, he never got past the third round at the PDC World Championship. And somewhat remarkably, his best finish in a major PDC event in those years was a 4th round exit at the UK Open in 2011.
In October 2012, it suddenly clicked for MVG at the oche in Dublin. He defeated former world number 1 Colin Lloyd, two-time world champion Adrian Lewis and top 6 players Andy Hamilton and Wes Newton, before coming from 4-1 down to beat Mervyn King in the final.
He continued his fantastic form the following month at the William Hill Grand Slam of Darts, where he produced one of the finest performances of the darting year when he defeated Taylor 10-5 and averaged over 108 before losing to fellow Dutchman Raymond Van Barneveld in the final.
Van Gerwen's form meant for the first time in 20 years, Taylor wasn't favourite for the World Championship and instead the Dutchman was installed as the favourite at the bookies. After a shaky start, he showed his clinical best in an unbelievable quarter final match with Adrian Lewis. Both men averaged over 100, with each of them pounding the treble 20 like there was no tomorrow before Van Gerwen stepped in to steal the match with three successive legs.
He saved his best for the 6-4 semi final win over James Wade though. Sitting at home watching the match with a fellow darts loving friend, we both cheered for joy when he hit a fast and furious perfect nine darter. And then he almost did it again. This was the moment when MVG mania went through the roof.
And his style of play is what the fans want to see. There can be no doubting that players like Justin Pipe and Mark Walsh have quality in abundance, but their slow play can often turn off fans both at the venue and at home.
Van Gerwen throws unbelievably quick yet hits an absolute barrage of 180s throughout the match, which he regularly celebrates with huge roars of joy. With darts continuing to grow and grow, Van Gerwen is the ultimate arena player and will be a joy to watch as the Premier League tours the country over the first half of the year.
Darts fans are a unique bunch. With the pints flowing and just about everyone in fancy dress, the atmosphere at these events is just getting louder and louder. With Van Gerwen regularly averagig over 100 every three darts and with the ability to hit nine darters in every match he plays, Van Gerwen is the face of the new darting world.
Expect the fans favourite to cement his place at the top of the world just as quick as he throws over the next year.
Thursday, 6 December 2012
Brand McIlroy: Why Rory's the best thing to happen to golf in years
The year of 2012 has been an absolutely memorable one for golfer Rory McIlroy. He has cemented his place at World Number One in the Official Rankings and the Northern Irishman also won four times in America including a second Major victory at the US PGA Championship.
And earlier this week he was quite rightly voted the player of the year by the PGA Tour leading to congratulatory messages from legends of the game including Jack Nicklaus.
In my view, McIlroy is only going to get better as he develops in the years to come and that is something not just golf fans should be excited about, but sports fans in general. However, it is those in the world of marketing that should be rubbing their hands with glee at the prospect of him being the world's dominant golfer over the next decade.
Golf for many is a sport that is dull and takes far too long to complete. Even casual viewers only regularly turn in for The Open each year due to it being one of the main events of the British sporting summer. Many only tune into the Ryder Cup every two years to try and see us beat the Americans.
There's only a select group of fans and media writers who closely follow the game of golf week in week out every year and are genuinely excited by it. How can that attitude be changed? Step forward the aforementioned Rory McIlroy.
This young man who is only 23 is the most exciting player to come into the golfing world since the emergence of Tiger Woods when he won the Masters by 12 shots in 1997. This sort of remarkable play is commonplace to McIlroy and it is an absolute joy to watch. When he brings his A-game to the course, the rest of the players would be as well staying in the car park.
Let me present exhibit A. The month is April 2011 and the annual Masters tournament is taking place in Augusta. Heading in, McIlroy is in fine form and many were tipping him to break his Major duck (including me). For three days, he played flawless golf, giving him a three shot lead going into the final day. However, the mental toughness needed to win a Major title eluded him as he crumbled on the back nine.
Fast forward to the US Open In June at the notoriously tough Congressional course. Nobody I spoke to gave McIlroy any chance of winning. He was still to fragile they said. The pain of the Masters was still far too raw. What happened next was one of the most breathtaking displays of golf I have ever witnessed, right up there with Tiger Woods in the US Open at Pebble Beach in 2000. McIlroy shot four rounds in the 60's and won the tournament by eight shots.
At this years PGA Championship he shot brilliant weekend rounds of 67 and 66 to win his second Major by eight shots. That's the beauty of McIlroy- when he wins, he wins by massive margins.
For a golfer to be truly special though and a worldwide brand, they have to have more about them than just being a very good player. One of McIlroy's key attributes is where he is from, namely Northern Ireland.
For years, the country has been associated with violence and trouble and sadly this week we are still seeing signs of that. However, McIlroy's success is something everyone in the country should be hugely proud of. To put it in context, Northern Ireland has a population of less than 2 million. The United States of America has a population of well over 300 million.
McIlroy is taking on the world and becoming the very best in his discipline. His good friend Graeme McDowell won the US Open in 2010 and that gave McIlroy a taste for it. For all of his family and friends back in the small town of Holywood in Northern Ireland, his triumphs bring endless smiles. Every time he wins a tournament, he is showing off the country in a good light and that is absolutely wonderful.
Most world renowned sporting stars are often seen with a world renowned woman on their arm as well as they travel the world. Think David Beckham with Victoria. Or Lance Armstrong with Sheryl Crow. Rory's ticked this box as well. Days after he won the US Open, he started going out with Caroline Wozniacki, who has been ranked as the World Number One female tennis player. Just about every week speculation is rife as to whether they will get married or not. His name is always being talked about and not just amongst the golf journalists.
A staggering stat showed that after his US Open success 39% of 18-24 year olds in Britain said they were inspired to take up golf because of his success. I'd doubt many golfers could say the same.
And finally his name has become a brand. Just like Seve in the 80's or Tiger in the 2000's, Rory is a name that is instantly recognisable. People don't need to ask what their surname is. That was shown when Rory was running late for his Ryder Cup singles match back in September. Networks were running with "Rory in late dash to Medinah." Could the networks have done that for anyone else on the European team? I don't think so.
McIlroy has the world at his feet with a £156m contract with Nike set to land his way shortly and if you want a modern indicator as to how big a brand he is just take a look at his Twitter follower count. He currently has over 1.4m people following him.
Golf may never appeal to many people but if McIlroy continues with his superb form, he is going to be very hard to ignore just like Tiger was in his prime.
And earlier this week he was quite rightly voted the player of the year by the PGA Tour leading to congratulatory messages from legends of the game including Jack Nicklaus.
In my view, McIlroy is only going to get better as he develops in the years to come and that is something not just golf fans should be excited about, but sports fans in general. However, it is those in the world of marketing that should be rubbing their hands with glee at the prospect of him being the world's dominant golfer over the next decade.
Golf for many is a sport that is dull and takes far too long to complete. Even casual viewers only regularly turn in for The Open each year due to it being one of the main events of the British sporting summer. Many only tune into the Ryder Cup every two years to try and see us beat the Americans.
There's only a select group of fans and media writers who closely follow the game of golf week in week out every year and are genuinely excited by it. How can that attitude be changed? Step forward the aforementioned Rory McIlroy.
This young man who is only 23 is the most exciting player to come into the golfing world since the emergence of Tiger Woods when he won the Masters by 12 shots in 1997. This sort of remarkable play is commonplace to McIlroy and it is an absolute joy to watch. When he brings his A-game to the course, the rest of the players would be as well staying in the car park.
Let me present exhibit A. The month is April 2011 and the annual Masters tournament is taking place in Augusta. Heading in, McIlroy is in fine form and many were tipping him to break his Major duck (including me). For three days, he played flawless golf, giving him a three shot lead going into the final day. However, the mental toughness needed to win a Major title eluded him as he crumbled on the back nine.
Fast forward to the US Open In June at the notoriously tough Congressional course. Nobody I spoke to gave McIlroy any chance of winning. He was still to fragile they said. The pain of the Masters was still far too raw. What happened next was one of the most breathtaking displays of golf I have ever witnessed, right up there with Tiger Woods in the US Open at Pebble Beach in 2000. McIlroy shot four rounds in the 60's and won the tournament by eight shots.
At this years PGA Championship he shot brilliant weekend rounds of 67 and 66 to win his second Major by eight shots. That's the beauty of McIlroy- when he wins, he wins by massive margins.
For a golfer to be truly special though and a worldwide brand, they have to have more about them than just being a very good player. One of McIlroy's key attributes is where he is from, namely Northern Ireland.
For years, the country has been associated with violence and trouble and sadly this week we are still seeing signs of that. However, McIlroy's success is something everyone in the country should be hugely proud of. To put it in context, Northern Ireland has a population of less than 2 million. The United States of America has a population of well over 300 million.
McIlroy is taking on the world and becoming the very best in his discipline. His good friend Graeme McDowell won the US Open in 2010 and that gave McIlroy a taste for it. For all of his family and friends back in the small town of Holywood in Northern Ireland, his triumphs bring endless smiles. Every time he wins a tournament, he is showing off the country in a good light and that is absolutely wonderful.
Most world renowned sporting stars are often seen with a world renowned woman on their arm as well as they travel the world. Think David Beckham with Victoria. Or Lance Armstrong with Sheryl Crow. Rory's ticked this box as well. Days after he won the US Open, he started going out with Caroline Wozniacki, who has been ranked as the World Number One female tennis player. Just about every week speculation is rife as to whether they will get married or not. His name is always being talked about and not just amongst the golf journalists.
A staggering stat showed that after his US Open success 39% of 18-24 year olds in Britain said they were inspired to take up golf because of his success. I'd doubt many golfers could say the same.
And finally his name has become a brand. Just like Seve in the 80's or Tiger in the 2000's, Rory is a name that is instantly recognisable. People don't need to ask what their surname is. That was shown when Rory was running late for his Ryder Cup singles match back in September. Networks were running with "Rory in late dash to Medinah." Could the networks have done that for anyone else on the European team? I don't think so.
McIlroy has the world at his feet with a £156m contract with Nike set to land his way shortly and if you want a modern indicator as to how big a brand he is just take a look at his Twitter follower count. He currently has over 1.4m people following him.
Golf may never appeal to many people but if McIlroy continues with his superb form, he is going to be very hard to ignore just like Tiger was in his prime.
Monday, 12 November 2012
Why the Royal And Ancient Must Change It's Policy on Women
Every year at the end of October Britons put their clocks back an hour as the dark nights set in.
Those who are members of the Royal and Ancient, the men who run the game of golf didn't need to bother.
Their clocks are stuck somewhere in the 1950's to put it mildly.
I am of course referring to the R+A's ludicrous decision to still refuse to accept women into their club.
The R+A must change their ways or face being left behind as the game of golf heads into the depths of the 21st century.
To many, this sounds really simple. And in a lot of ways it is blatant sexism of the highest order.
I have no issue with the fact that private clubs are allowed to make their own decision on who they admit as members, just like many other gentlemen clubs and even the Women's Institute do. I hardly have the power to make the R+A change their mind.
However, I have a major problem as a golf fan with clubs such as St Andrews, Muirfield and Royal Troon hosting The Open championship, one of the world's greatest sporting events when they refuse to admit 50% of the world's population into their clubs.
What sort of message does it send out to women who love one of the world's oldest sports that they are not welcome as members at these courses?
And surely it is ridiculous that the R+A can't even extend their traditional invite to the principal of St Andrews University because the principal is currently a woman?
The attitudes are outdated at best and extremely laughable at worst.
And I am speaking as someone who lives in the town of one of these courses- namely Royal Troon.
I cannot wait for The Open to return to my hometown in 2016. The last time it was here in 2004, I was there every day and it was a magnificent week of sporting viewing.
The course is littered with history, having hosted The Open since 1923 and it is of course home to one of the world's greatest holes in the shape of The Postage Stamp.
Royal Troon can point to the fact that they allow women visitors to play the course and they also have the so-called women's course called The Portland across the road.
But if female visitors come over from say America and love the course and want to join? Forget it.
And the same is true for St Andrews which is commonly dubbed the "Home of Golf".
Pressure has been mounting on those at St Andrews with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Sports Minister Hugh Robertson and outgoing Olympic chairman Lord Moynihan all saying St Andrews should look at what Augusta National did in April and admit women members.
Augusta admitted former US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and business executive Darla Moore this year.
Now this is a club that didn't even admit a black member until 1990 so you get the idea as to how progressive they are as a golf club.
As Gordon Brown put it: "If the golf club in Augusta can admit women, then shouldn't St Andrews? If they can do it in Georgia can we not do it in Scotland".
It's not often I agree with Brown, but he's absolutely bang on the money there. Scotland has always seen itself as a progressive nation, but the three golf courses in Scotland that are due to next stage The Open are all male-only clubs.
It seems that everyone except those at the top of the R+A can see how out of touch their policy is.
How is it right that in 2012 that I can still joke with a girl on Twitter who posted a picture of her at St Andrews Old Course that "I'm surprised they let you in as a woman."?
She should be freely able to join St Andrews just like every other women in the world should be if they wish to do so.
I won't hold my breath for the R+A to make any dramatic changes. Sadly, most of their members are stuck in the dark ages and genuinely see women as second-class citizens.
What a brilliant bit of PR it would be for the Royal and Ancient to come out and admit even a couple of high-profile Scottish female members.
Let's hope in four years time at Royal Troon I will be able to say women are members of the historic club as well as men in my hometown.
As a golf fan, very few decisions could make me prouder.
Those who are members of the Royal and Ancient, the men who run the game of golf didn't need to bother.
Their clocks are stuck somewhere in the 1950's to put it mildly.
I am of course referring to the R+A's ludicrous decision to still refuse to accept women into their club.
The R+A must change their ways or face being left behind as the game of golf heads into the depths of the 21st century.
To many, this sounds really simple. And in a lot of ways it is blatant sexism of the highest order.
I have no issue with the fact that private clubs are allowed to make their own decision on who they admit as members, just like many other gentlemen clubs and even the Women's Institute do. I hardly have the power to make the R+A change their mind.
However, I have a major problem as a golf fan with clubs such as St Andrews, Muirfield and Royal Troon hosting The Open championship, one of the world's greatest sporting events when they refuse to admit 50% of the world's population into their clubs.
What sort of message does it send out to women who love one of the world's oldest sports that they are not welcome as members at these courses?
And surely it is ridiculous that the R+A can't even extend their traditional invite to the principal of St Andrews University because the principal is currently a woman?
The attitudes are outdated at best and extremely laughable at worst.
And I am speaking as someone who lives in the town of one of these courses- namely Royal Troon.
I cannot wait for The Open to return to my hometown in 2016. The last time it was here in 2004, I was there every day and it was a magnificent week of sporting viewing.
The course is littered with history, having hosted The Open since 1923 and it is of course home to one of the world's greatest holes in the shape of The Postage Stamp.
Royal Troon can point to the fact that they allow women visitors to play the course and they also have the so-called women's course called The Portland across the road.
But if female visitors come over from say America and love the course and want to join? Forget it.
And the same is true for St Andrews which is commonly dubbed the "Home of Golf".
Pressure has been mounting on those at St Andrews with former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Sports Minister Hugh Robertson and outgoing Olympic chairman Lord Moynihan all saying St Andrews should look at what Augusta National did in April and admit women members.
Augusta admitted former US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice and business executive Darla Moore this year.
Now this is a club that didn't even admit a black member until 1990 so you get the idea as to how progressive they are as a golf club.
As Gordon Brown put it: "If the golf club in Augusta can admit women, then shouldn't St Andrews? If they can do it in Georgia can we not do it in Scotland".
It's not often I agree with Brown, but he's absolutely bang on the money there. Scotland has always seen itself as a progressive nation, but the three golf courses in Scotland that are due to next stage The Open are all male-only clubs.
It seems that everyone except those at the top of the R+A can see how out of touch their policy is.
How is it right that in 2012 that I can still joke with a girl on Twitter who posted a picture of her at St Andrews Old Course that "I'm surprised they let you in as a woman."?
She should be freely able to join St Andrews just like every other women in the world should be if they wish to do so.
I won't hold my breath for the R+A to make any dramatic changes. Sadly, most of their members are stuck in the dark ages and genuinely see women as second-class citizens.
What a brilliant bit of PR it would be for the Royal and Ancient to come out and admit even a couple of high-profile Scottish female members.
Let's hope in four years time at Royal Troon I will be able to say women are members of the historic club as well as men in my hometown.
As a golf fan, very few decisions could make me prouder.
Tuesday, 16 October 2012
Andy Murray V Novak Djokovic: A New Rivalry to Savour
Men's tennis has regularly been blessed with great rivalries since the Open Era began in 1969.
Legendary battles often ensued between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Similar titanic tussles were witnessed between McEnroe and Ivan Lendl throughout the 1980s.
And men's tennis fans have been spoiled in recent times with fantastic matches on a regular basis between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal whilst Novak Djokovic has also come to the fray in the last couple of years.
2012 has seen a new potential rivalry emerge. That of Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic.
This is a head-to-head that should have got fans talking a long time ago. Both Murray and Djokovic are 25 years old, with Murray having been born a week earlier in May 1987.
Whilst Djokovic won his first Grand Slam in 2008 and then had a remarkable 2011 where he won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, the Scot seemed destined to never win a Grand Slam.
He lost his first four grand slam finals between 2008 and 2012, before finally breaking his duck at the US Open last month, where he beat Djokovic in five enthralling sets.
It sealed the culmination of a fantastic summer for Murray where he reached the Wimbledon final and then recovered to win Olympic gold four weeks later.
So why is Murray v Djokovic the next big rivalry in men's tennis?
That aforementioned age of 25 is the key thing. Both men are now entering their physical peak as shown by their matches in which they both never seem to show any signs of poor fitness.
Contrast that to the ageing Roger Federer at 31, who despite being World Number One can't continue to live with the power of Djokovic and Murray for much long than the next 18 months you feel.
And what of Rafa Nadal, the other legendary grand slam champion of the last decade? His knees don't seem to be in a good way at all and he hasn't played since a shock second round defeat to Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon in June.
Other players such as David Ferrer, Juan Martin Del Potro and Jo Wilfried Tsonga are either not consistent enough or beset with too many injuries to push to the very top.
The style that Murray and Djokovic play is another key factor to their rivalry which is set to dominate men's tennis.
If you look at their two matches this year in the Grand Slams, firstly in the Australian Open semi-final which Djokovic won in five sets and then the US Open final which Murray won in five sets, the level of movement and combination of attacking and defensive strokes from the both of them is absolutely breathtaking to watch.
Ivan Lendl, Murray's coach has brought a new level of aggression into the World Number Three's game and that is why Murray finally broke his grand-slam duck.
Djokovic and Murray are pretty much unique in the fact they can belt the ball back at each other for close to five hours and still look as though they have just been out for a light jog.
Nadal used to be up to this but it remains to be seen if this latest knee injury will prove too much for him to cope with Djokovic and Murray.
Both players also have complete all-round games, which is necessary to get to the very top in men's tennis these days.
Sure, each of them has weaknesses but both possess killer forehands and backhands, quality serves and an ability to control the game at the net.
When these players are on top form, nobody can touch them right now except each other.
The score in their 16 meetings currently stands at 9-7 to Djokovic. Expect that figure to swing back and forth over the next few years as a Serb and a Scot battle it out for supremacy in the world of men's tennis.
Who would have predicted that a decade ago?
Legendary battles often ensued between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Similar titanic tussles were witnessed between McEnroe and Ivan Lendl throughout the 1980s.
And men's tennis fans have been spoiled in recent times with fantastic matches on a regular basis between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal whilst Novak Djokovic has also come to the fray in the last couple of years.
2012 has seen a new potential rivalry emerge. That of Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic.
This is a head-to-head that should have got fans talking a long time ago. Both Murray and Djokovic are 25 years old, with Murray having been born a week earlier in May 1987.
Whilst Djokovic won his first Grand Slam in 2008 and then had a remarkable 2011 where he won the Australian Open, Wimbledon and the US Open, the Scot seemed destined to never win a Grand Slam.
He lost his first four grand slam finals between 2008 and 2012, before finally breaking his duck at the US Open last month, where he beat Djokovic in five enthralling sets.
It sealed the culmination of a fantastic summer for Murray where he reached the Wimbledon final and then recovered to win Olympic gold four weeks later.
So why is Murray v Djokovic the next big rivalry in men's tennis?
That aforementioned age of 25 is the key thing. Both men are now entering their physical peak as shown by their matches in which they both never seem to show any signs of poor fitness.
Contrast that to the ageing Roger Federer at 31, who despite being World Number One can't continue to live with the power of Djokovic and Murray for much long than the next 18 months you feel.
And what of Rafa Nadal, the other legendary grand slam champion of the last decade? His knees don't seem to be in a good way at all and he hasn't played since a shock second round defeat to Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon in June.
Other players such as David Ferrer, Juan Martin Del Potro and Jo Wilfried Tsonga are either not consistent enough or beset with too many injuries to push to the very top.
The style that Murray and Djokovic play is another key factor to their rivalry which is set to dominate men's tennis.
If you look at their two matches this year in the Grand Slams, firstly in the Australian Open semi-final which Djokovic won in five sets and then the US Open final which Murray won in five sets, the level of movement and combination of attacking and defensive strokes from the both of them is absolutely breathtaking to watch.
Ivan Lendl, Murray's coach has brought a new level of aggression into the World Number Three's game and that is why Murray finally broke his grand-slam duck.
Djokovic and Murray are pretty much unique in the fact they can belt the ball back at each other for close to five hours and still look as though they have just been out for a light jog.
Nadal used to be up to this but it remains to be seen if this latest knee injury will prove too much for him to cope with Djokovic and Murray.
Both players also have complete all-round games, which is necessary to get to the very top in men's tennis these days.
Sure, each of them has weaknesses but both possess killer forehands and backhands, quality serves and an ability to control the game at the net.
When these players are on top form, nobody can touch them right now except each other.
The score in their 16 meetings currently stands at 9-7 to Djokovic. Expect that figure to swing back and forth over the next few years as a Serb and a Scot battle it out for supremacy in the world of men's tennis.
Who would have predicted that a decade ago?
Wednesday, 26 September 2012
Five Reasons Why Europe Will Win the Ryder Cup
With only two days left until the Ryder Cup begins in Chicago, excitement has reached fever pitch amongst golf fans.
The biennial event is always one of the sporting highlights of the year and this contest promises to be another thrilling and close encounter.
Europe are of course the holders after edging out USA 14.5-13.5 in 2010 at Celtic Manor.
Home advantage probably just makes the Americans slight favourites to win the trophy back this weekend, but my gut feeling is that Jose Maria Olazabal's side will be bringing home the trophy on the plane come Monday morning.
Here's the five reasons why.
1) Jose Maria Olazabal will be a Fantastic Captain
The Spaniard competed in seven Ryder Cups winning on four occasions. Perhaps not a record that jumps out as outstanding, but he was one of the most passionate players ever to participate for Team Europe.
He formed a formidable partnership with his fellow countryman and mentor Seve Ballesteros in both the foursomes and fourballs between 1987-1993. In foursomes he only lost one match out of ten.
The spirit of Seve will be evident with his image set to adorn the European players bags over the three days.
Olazabal will use his late friend's memory to inspire his players out on Medinah and that will give the European team an edge over their American counterparts.
2) There are More 'obvious' European Pairings
The key word here is 'obvious'. By that I mean that Jose Maria Olazabal won't have to overly think about who he is going to pair up over the first two days.
The most obvious pairing is the Northern Ireland duo of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell. They are two great players who will complement each other and are crucially great friends as well.
And what about the four Englishmen in the team in the shape of Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood.
As they are listed above, those pairings will be extremely formidable. Poulter will be one of Europe's key men due to his passion and his ability to conjure up constant brilliant shots.
Rose is bang in form having finished second at the Tour Championship and is one of the most under-rated golfers in the last few years.
And what about Donald and Westwood, both who have been ranked World Number One in the world. Donald has never been on the losing side in a Ryder Cup and has tremendous experience of American courses.
And as for Westwood, he must be hot favourite to hit the first shot on Friday for Team Europe. He will be the talisman for Olazabal and his experience and great friendship with Donald will surely deliver points on Friday and Saturday.
3) The Ryder Cup Means More to Team Europe
A bold claim, but one that has been seen so many times over the years no matter where the Ryder Cup has been played.
Picture the scene. A player has a 10ft to go one up with a few holes to play in a fourball match on Saturday evening. It drops, firm in the back of the cup. The player then roars with delight and high fives his playing partner.
I'm convinced that 99% of you are now thinking of a European player making that putt and celebrating on the greens of Medinah.
Europe have won four of the last five Ryder Cups and that is because they come together as a team, while America fall into the trap of playing for themselves.
As the competition intensifies, that attitude could well be prevalent in the American team again.
4) There is Only one Rookie on Team Europe
America may have the home advantage, but their 12 man team features four players that will be playing in their first Ryder Cup.
Now, there's no doubting these players (Webb Simpson, Jason Dufner, Keegan Bradley and Brandt Snedeker) are top golfers, but they know very little about the atmosphere and the pressure that comes with the Ryder Cup.
Contrast the four rookies to Europe's single one Nicolas Colsaerts. Experience cannot be understated at all in a Ryder Cup.
The four afore mentioned American golfers will obviously be backed to the hilt by the home fans but I feel they may well wilt when faced with the likes of Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Graeme McDowell who love big crowds and will be pumped up.
5) European Players are Bang In Form
Brandt Snedeker may have walked off with a cool $10m after winning the Fed Ex Cup series on Sunday, but the European players competing this weekend are showing great signs of form as well.
Rory McIlroy has been in blistering form in the last six weeks which started with an eight shot win at the PGA Championship. He followed that up with wins at the Deutsche Bank Championship and the BMW Championship in successive weeks at the start of September to win two events in the Fed Ex Cup series.
Despite a poor 74 on Sunday at the Tour Championship, there is no hotter golfer in the world right now than McIlroy.
Justin Rose finished second at the Tour Championship so will be full of confidence in Medinah having also finished tied third at the PGA Championship.
Outwith McIlroy, Luke Donald is the most consistent player on tour right now and had another top three finish this week. His putting will be key to racking up the points for Europe in Chicago.
And then you have Paul Lawrie who has had a fantastic comeback in 2012 and recently won the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles last in.
Factor in Sergio Garcia's win at the Wyndham Championship in August on the PGA Tour as well as Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter having three top tens in the Majors this year, then you have a European team bursting to get going.
With all 24 golfers playing in Chicago in the top 35 of the World Rankings, this Ryder Cup could see the greatest golf ever seen in the competition's history.
The three days will be full of fierce contests, fist pumps and magnificent teamwork.
But Olazabal's men will just edge it 14.5-13.5 to keep the trophy.
The biennial event is always one of the sporting highlights of the year and this contest promises to be another thrilling and close encounter.
Europe are of course the holders after edging out USA 14.5-13.5 in 2010 at Celtic Manor.
Home advantage probably just makes the Americans slight favourites to win the trophy back this weekend, but my gut feeling is that Jose Maria Olazabal's side will be bringing home the trophy on the plane come Monday morning.
Here's the five reasons why.
1) Jose Maria Olazabal will be a Fantastic Captain
The Spaniard competed in seven Ryder Cups winning on four occasions. Perhaps not a record that jumps out as outstanding, but he was one of the most passionate players ever to participate for Team Europe.
He formed a formidable partnership with his fellow countryman and mentor Seve Ballesteros in both the foursomes and fourballs between 1987-1993. In foursomes he only lost one match out of ten.
The spirit of Seve will be evident with his image set to adorn the European players bags over the three days.
Olazabal will use his late friend's memory to inspire his players out on Medinah and that will give the European team an edge over their American counterparts.
2) There are More 'obvious' European Pairings
The key word here is 'obvious'. By that I mean that Jose Maria Olazabal won't have to overly think about who he is going to pair up over the first two days.
The most obvious pairing is the Northern Ireland duo of Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell. They are two great players who will complement each other and are crucially great friends as well.
And what about the four Englishmen in the team in the shape of Ian Poulter, Justin Rose, Luke Donald and Lee Westwood.
As they are listed above, those pairings will be extremely formidable. Poulter will be one of Europe's key men due to his passion and his ability to conjure up constant brilliant shots.
Rose is bang in form having finished second at the Tour Championship and is one of the most under-rated golfers in the last few years.
And what about Donald and Westwood, both who have been ranked World Number One in the world. Donald has never been on the losing side in a Ryder Cup and has tremendous experience of American courses.
And as for Westwood, he must be hot favourite to hit the first shot on Friday for Team Europe. He will be the talisman for Olazabal and his experience and great friendship with Donald will surely deliver points on Friday and Saturday.
3) The Ryder Cup Means More to Team Europe
A bold claim, but one that has been seen so many times over the years no matter where the Ryder Cup has been played.
Picture the scene. A player has a 10ft to go one up with a few holes to play in a fourball match on Saturday evening. It drops, firm in the back of the cup. The player then roars with delight and high fives his playing partner.
I'm convinced that 99% of you are now thinking of a European player making that putt and celebrating on the greens of Medinah.
Europe have won four of the last five Ryder Cups and that is because they come together as a team, while America fall into the trap of playing for themselves.
As the competition intensifies, that attitude could well be prevalent in the American team again.
4) There is Only one Rookie on Team Europe
America may have the home advantage, but their 12 man team features four players that will be playing in their first Ryder Cup.
Now, there's no doubting these players (Webb Simpson, Jason Dufner, Keegan Bradley and Brandt Snedeker) are top golfers, but they know very little about the atmosphere and the pressure that comes with the Ryder Cup.
Contrast the four rookies to Europe's single one Nicolas Colsaerts. Experience cannot be understated at all in a Ryder Cup.
The four afore mentioned American golfers will obviously be backed to the hilt by the home fans but I feel they may well wilt when faced with the likes of Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Graeme McDowell who love big crowds and will be pumped up.
5) European Players are Bang In Form
Brandt Snedeker may have walked off with a cool $10m after winning the Fed Ex Cup series on Sunday, but the European players competing this weekend are showing great signs of form as well.
Rory McIlroy has been in blistering form in the last six weeks which started with an eight shot win at the PGA Championship. He followed that up with wins at the Deutsche Bank Championship and the BMW Championship in successive weeks at the start of September to win two events in the Fed Ex Cup series.
Despite a poor 74 on Sunday at the Tour Championship, there is no hotter golfer in the world right now than McIlroy.
Justin Rose finished second at the Tour Championship so will be full of confidence in Medinah having also finished tied third at the PGA Championship.
Outwith McIlroy, Luke Donald is the most consistent player on tour right now and had another top three finish this week. His putting will be key to racking up the points for Europe in Chicago.
And then you have Paul Lawrie who has had a fantastic comeback in 2012 and recently won the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles last in.
Factor in Sergio Garcia's win at the Wyndham Championship in August on the PGA Tour as well as Ryder Cup hero Ian Poulter having three top tens in the Majors this year, then you have a European team bursting to get going.
With all 24 golfers playing in Chicago in the top 35 of the World Rankings, this Ryder Cup could see the greatest golf ever seen in the competition's history.
The three days will be full of fierce contests, fist pumps and magnificent teamwork.
But Olazabal's men will just edge it 14.5-13.5 to keep the trophy.
Wednesday, 5 September 2012
Sharing the Love: Profiling the US Ryder Cup Team
Yesterday Davis Love III named his four captains picks for the US Ryder Cup team.
The four men lucky enough to get the call were Dustin Johnson, Jim Furyk, Brandt Snedeker and Steve Stricker.
The 12 men making up the American team are a mix of rookies and experienced heads but will it be enough to wrestle the Ryder Cup away from Europe?
Having profiled Jose Maria Olazabal's team last week who are hoping to retain the trophy (http://www.ewansworldofsport.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/a-winning-team-profiling-european-ryder.html), I will now take a look at the American team.
Tiger Woods: The most famous golfer of all time has certainly shown major signs of returning to form in 2012.
He has three wins on the PGA Tour this season (Arnold Palmer, The Memorial and the AT+T National) and finished third at the Deutsche Bank Championship on Monday.
Despite not winning a major this year, he does seem closer than he was the last couple of years finishing in a tie for third at the Open in July.
His Ryder Cup record is very mixed though and he has never seemed to 'feel' the occasion.
But he could well be inspired by the course at Medinah- a place where he won two PGA championships in 1999 and 2006.
Webb Simpson: The US Open champion is one of four rookies in the American team compared to just the one (Nicolas Colsaerts) in the European team.
However, he showed great mettle when winning the US Open in June, shooting a pair of superb 68's over the weekend.
His recent form though has been extremely poor. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship and the first event of the FedEx Cup series before only finishing in a tie for 18th at the Deutsche Bank championship.
Jason Dufner: Another rookie on the US team, but one that is ranked 7th in both the World Rankings and the FedEx cup standings.
He might show little emotion on the course but Dufner loves to win. He has won twice this season on the PGA Tour (Zurich Classic and the Byron Nelson Championship) and during a superb spell around May and June, he also finished in a tie for fourth at the US Open.
The course should suit him and I believe he could be one of the US's top points scorers.
Bubba Watson: This years Masters champion is one of golf's great characters with his huge drives and bubbly personality.
Due to his swing, he can be very wild off the tee and he could be a liability for Love over the three days. He only managed one win from four last time around and his recent form has been poor and infact Watson has only managed two top tens since his win at Augusta.
Keegan Bradley: The winner of last years PGA Championship- on his Major debut nonetheless is my tip to be America's best player.
It may be the 26 year-olds debut in the Ryder Cup but he absolutely thrives on the big occasion.
A fantastic ball striker who will be key in the foursomes in particular, Bradley will come to Medinah in great form.
Last month he won the Bridgestone Invitational before finishing in a tie for third at the PGA Championship.
Expect him to be a regular player over the first two days.
Matt Kuchar: Kuchar is another American player who will be lining up in the foursomes matches due to his great iron play.
He has been in top form this season, most notably in May when he won the Players Championship.
That followed an impressive tied for third at the Masters and he has also had top tens in big events such as The Open and the Bridgestone Invitational.
However, he recently shot a horrendous 82 at the PGA Championship and Love will hope that's long gone from his mind by the time the competition starts in a few weeks.
Zach Johnson: The 2007 Masters champion will be playing in his third Ryder Cup and will be desperate to get a first win in the event.
The course doesn't suit has natural game but Steve Stricker aside, he is the best putter on the American team and he has always seemed to enjoy playing in the Ryder Cup.
Despite not challenging at the top end of any Major this year (his best has been a tie for 9th at The Open), he does have two wins this season so goes into the competition in confident mood.
Phil Mickelson: Much like Martin Kaymer on the European team, it sounds crazy to say someone of 'Lefty's' talents will be a weak link to his side, but he has been in very poor form.
After a tremendous start to the year when he won the AT+T at Pebble Beach and followed that up with a second place at the Northern Trust Open and a tie for third at the Masters, his form went out the window.
His summer slump saw him fail to challenge at the US Open and the PGA Championship as well as missing the cut at The Open.
However, on Monday came a glimmer of hope. Mickelson managed to finish tied fourth at the Deutsche Bank championship shooting four rounds in the 60s.
Love will hope it's that Mickelson that shows up in Chicago.
Steve Stricker: The first of the four picks selected by Davis Love is the oldest player on either side at 45 years old.
His experience was the main reason for his selection as well as the fact he is the only person that can easily partner Tiger Woods.
His putting is also a superb weapon for the US to have and he comes into the event in good form with top seven finishes at the Bridgestone and the PGA Championship last month.
Dustin Johnson: I was so confident that Johnson would get a pick from Love, I considered lumping my life savings on it for a pitiful return.
The Medinah course suits his long driving game down to a tee and it would have been a crazy decision if Love didn't pick him.
A natural talent who is surely due to win a Major soon, he came into form at the perfect time ahead of Love's selections finishing in the top five at both of the opening two events of the FedEX Cup series.
He'll be keen to improve on his record of one win last time out.
Brandt Snedeker: The final rookie on the American side was like Dustin Johnson in timing his run of form to perfection.
He finished second at The Barclays two weeks ago before ending up in a tie for sixth at the Deutsche Bank Championship on Monday.
Snedeker also led The Open at the halfway stage after superb rounds of 66 and 64, before finishing in a tie for third.
Blessed with a wonderful putting stroke, Snedeker deserves his chance at trying to win the Ryder Cup.
Jim Furyk: Completing the US Ryder Cup team is the 2003 US Open champion Furyk.
Perhaps the most controversial of Love's picks, Furyk will need to deliver big time if he isn't to get a slaughtering by the US media.
He has lost a staggering 15 matches out of 27 at the Ryder Cup and this year has blown chances to win the US Open and the Bridgestone Invitational.
Love will hope that Furyk thrives on the criticism and that home advantage can carry him on.
Love's 12 men that have been given the task of winning the Ryder Cup back undoubtedly have world class talent in abundance between them with a great mix of youngsters and experience.
But can the rookies handle the pressure or will they collapse in the heat of Chicago?
It's going to be extremely close as I said last week. Right now I can't even call a winner.
The four men lucky enough to get the call were Dustin Johnson, Jim Furyk, Brandt Snedeker and Steve Stricker.
The 12 men making up the American team are a mix of rookies and experienced heads but will it be enough to wrestle the Ryder Cup away from Europe?
Having profiled Jose Maria Olazabal's team last week who are hoping to retain the trophy (http://www.ewansworldofsport.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/a-winning-team-profiling-european-ryder.html), I will now take a look at the American team.
Tiger Woods: The most famous golfer of all time has certainly shown major signs of returning to form in 2012.
He has three wins on the PGA Tour this season (Arnold Palmer, The Memorial and the AT+T National) and finished third at the Deutsche Bank Championship on Monday.
Despite not winning a major this year, he does seem closer than he was the last couple of years finishing in a tie for third at the Open in July.
His Ryder Cup record is very mixed though and he has never seemed to 'feel' the occasion.
But he could well be inspired by the course at Medinah- a place where he won two PGA championships in 1999 and 2006.
Webb Simpson: The US Open champion is one of four rookies in the American team compared to just the one (Nicolas Colsaerts) in the European team.
However, he showed great mettle when winning the US Open in June, shooting a pair of superb 68's over the weekend.
His recent form though has been extremely poor. He missed the cut at the PGA Championship and the first event of the FedEx Cup series before only finishing in a tie for 18th at the Deutsche Bank championship.
Jason Dufner: Another rookie on the US team, but one that is ranked 7th in both the World Rankings and the FedEx cup standings.
He might show little emotion on the course but Dufner loves to win. He has won twice this season on the PGA Tour (Zurich Classic and the Byron Nelson Championship) and during a superb spell around May and June, he also finished in a tie for fourth at the US Open.
The course should suit him and I believe he could be one of the US's top points scorers.
Bubba Watson: This years Masters champion is one of golf's great characters with his huge drives and bubbly personality.
Due to his swing, he can be very wild off the tee and he could be a liability for Love over the three days. He only managed one win from four last time around and his recent form has been poor and infact Watson has only managed two top tens since his win at Augusta.
Keegan Bradley: The winner of last years PGA Championship- on his Major debut nonetheless is my tip to be America's best player.
It may be the 26 year-olds debut in the Ryder Cup but he absolutely thrives on the big occasion.
A fantastic ball striker who will be key in the foursomes in particular, Bradley will come to Medinah in great form.
Last month he won the Bridgestone Invitational before finishing in a tie for third at the PGA Championship.
Expect him to be a regular player over the first two days.
Matt Kuchar: Kuchar is another American player who will be lining up in the foursomes matches due to his great iron play.
He has been in top form this season, most notably in May when he won the Players Championship.
That followed an impressive tied for third at the Masters and he has also had top tens in big events such as The Open and the Bridgestone Invitational.
However, he recently shot a horrendous 82 at the PGA Championship and Love will hope that's long gone from his mind by the time the competition starts in a few weeks.
Zach Johnson: The 2007 Masters champion will be playing in his third Ryder Cup and will be desperate to get a first win in the event.
The course doesn't suit has natural game but Steve Stricker aside, he is the best putter on the American team and he has always seemed to enjoy playing in the Ryder Cup.
Despite not challenging at the top end of any Major this year (his best has been a tie for 9th at The Open), he does have two wins this season so goes into the competition in confident mood.
Phil Mickelson: Much like Martin Kaymer on the European team, it sounds crazy to say someone of 'Lefty's' talents will be a weak link to his side, but he has been in very poor form.
After a tremendous start to the year when he won the AT+T at Pebble Beach and followed that up with a second place at the Northern Trust Open and a tie for third at the Masters, his form went out the window.
His summer slump saw him fail to challenge at the US Open and the PGA Championship as well as missing the cut at The Open.
However, on Monday came a glimmer of hope. Mickelson managed to finish tied fourth at the Deutsche Bank championship shooting four rounds in the 60s.
Love will hope it's that Mickelson that shows up in Chicago.
Steve Stricker: The first of the four picks selected by Davis Love is the oldest player on either side at 45 years old.
His experience was the main reason for his selection as well as the fact he is the only person that can easily partner Tiger Woods.
His putting is also a superb weapon for the US to have and he comes into the event in good form with top seven finishes at the Bridgestone and the PGA Championship last month.
Dustin Johnson: I was so confident that Johnson would get a pick from Love, I considered lumping my life savings on it for a pitiful return.
The Medinah course suits his long driving game down to a tee and it would have been a crazy decision if Love didn't pick him.
A natural talent who is surely due to win a Major soon, he came into form at the perfect time ahead of Love's selections finishing in the top five at both of the opening two events of the FedEX Cup series.
He'll be keen to improve on his record of one win last time out.
Brandt Snedeker: The final rookie on the American side was like Dustin Johnson in timing his run of form to perfection.
He finished second at The Barclays two weeks ago before ending up in a tie for sixth at the Deutsche Bank Championship on Monday.
Snedeker also led The Open at the halfway stage after superb rounds of 66 and 64, before finishing in a tie for third.
Blessed with a wonderful putting stroke, Snedeker deserves his chance at trying to win the Ryder Cup.
Jim Furyk: Completing the US Ryder Cup team is the 2003 US Open champion Furyk.
Perhaps the most controversial of Love's picks, Furyk will need to deliver big time if he isn't to get a slaughtering by the US media.
He has lost a staggering 15 matches out of 27 at the Ryder Cup and this year has blown chances to win the US Open and the Bridgestone Invitational.
Love will hope that Furyk thrives on the criticism and that home advantage can carry him on.
Love's 12 men that have been given the task of winning the Ryder Cup back undoubtedly have world class talent in abundance between them with a great mix of youngsters and experience.
But can the rookies handle the pressure or will they collapse in the heat of Chicago?
It's going to be extremely close as I said last week. Right now I can't even call a winner.
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