5 potential European Ryder Cup Pairings

As Hazeltine approaches, it's time to gaze into the Ryder Cup crystal ball to predict some of captain Darren Clarke’s potential European pairings

(Image credit: Getty Images)

As Hazeltine approaches, it's time to gaze into the Ryder Cup crystal ball to predict some of captain Darren Clarke’s potential European pairings

5 Potential European Ryder Cup Pairings

The European team is a 50/50 split of rookies and experienced Ryder Cuppers, and there’s no doubt that many, if not all, of the first-timers will make their maiden appearances in the company of an old-hand.

Any rookie-rookie pairings would be a brave call for captain Darren given the criticism it would attract if they were taken apart by an American team heavily loaded with experienced Ryder Cup players.

Given that, which rookie/old-hand pairings might we see heading out over the first two days at Hazeltine?

Sergio Garcia & Rafa Cabrera-Bello

Obvious, of course, given the scope for a little language mind games at critical moments. But more importantly, this is the perfect time for Sergio, a veteran of seven previous Ryder Cups, to play the role that Seve once played when a young Jose Maria-Olazabal made his debut in 1987.

Will Sergio take Rafa under his wing at Hazeltine Seve-style?

Will Sergio take Rafa under his wing at Hazeltine Seve-style?

Believe it or not, Sergio is now into his late 30s, and as someone who lives and breathes the Ryder Cup almost as much as Seve did, he will relish the chance to guide his compatriot through his maiden match.

Lee Westwood & Danny Willett

We’re going for the Chubby Chandler ISM connection here. Westwood has been brought in for the vast amount of experience he brings to the side; Willett is, of course, the current Masters champion and Race to Dubai No.1.

Westwood and Willett to play together again at Hazeltine? We think so...

Westwood and Willett to play together again at Hazeltine? We think so...

Now that the former World Amateur No. 1 has really found his professional stride, he won’t be lacking in confidence, but the Ryder Cup is a different kettle of fish, and the vastly experienced Westwood could help to quickly settle any nerves. They played together in the last round at Augusta too.

Henrik Stenson & Thomas Pieters

Let’s make no bones about this one – we’re going for a pairing that could simply bludgeon its opponents into submission with its colossal power.

If Stenson and Pieters were on fire they could prove an unstoppable Ryder Cup pairing

If Stenson and Pieters were on fire they could prove an unstoppable Ryder Cup pairing

The Americans have some big hitters too, of course, but Stenson is the Open Champion and Olympic silver medallist, while the young Belgian is the hottest player on the team in terms of current form. Expect some big-hitting fireworks if Clarke goes with this one.

Rory McIlroy & Matt Fitzpatrick

Fitzpatrick is arguably the player to make the most rapid breakthrough to golf’s very top level since McIlroy himself, forcing his way into the automatic spots in just his second full season on tour.

Rory's power and Fitzpatrick's accuracy could prove a formidable alliance

Rory's power and Fitzpatrick's accuracy could prove a formidable alliance

He may lack McIlroy’s power, but has been one of the very best iron players on tour over the last two seasons. With McIlroy finally turning things round on the greens, the two could make a formidable fourball pairing.

Justin Rose & Andy Sullivan

There may be question marks about the current form of last year’s joint most prolific European Tour winner, but Sullivan is a fiercely determined young man and Olympic champion Rose could be just the player to bring out the best in him.

This will be Rose’s fourth Ryder Cup, and with a 67% strike rate and memories of his extraordinary finish against Phil Mickelson at Medinah, his indifferent post-Rio form, including a spectacular meltdown on the final nine of The Deutsche Bank, will quickly be forgotten.

 

Jeremy Ellwood
Contributing Editor

Jeremy Ellwood has worked in the golf industry since 1993 and for Golf Monthly since 2002 when he started out as equipment editor. He is now a freelance journalist writing mainly for Golf Monthly. He is an expert on the Rules of Golf having qualified through an R&A course to become a golf referee. He is a senior panelist for Golf Monthly's Top 100 UK & Ireland Course Rankings and has played all of the Top 100 plus 91 of the Next 100, making him well-qualified when it comes to assessing and comparing our premier golf courses. He has now played 1,000 golf courses worldwide in 35 countries, from the humblest of nine-holers in the Scottish Highlands to the very grandest of international golf resorts. He reached the 1,000 mark on his 60th birthday in October 2023 on Vale do Lobo's Ocean course. Put him on a links course anywhere and he will be blissfully content.

Jezz can be contacted via Twitter - @JezzEllwoodGolf


Jeremy is currently playing...

Driver: Ping G425 LST 10.5˚ (draw setting), Mitsubishi Tensei AV Orange 55 S shaft

3 wood: Ping G425 Max 15˚ (set to flat +1), Mitsubishi Tensei AV Orange 65 S shaft

Hybrid: Ping G425 17˚, Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro Orange 80 S shaft

Irons 3-PW: Ping i525, True Temper Dynamic Gold 105 R300 shafts

Wedges: Ping Glide 4.0 50˚ and 54˚, 12˚ bounce, True Temper Dynamic Gold 105 R300 shafts

Putter: Ping Fetch 2021 model, 33in shaft (set flat 2)

Ball: Varies but mostly now TaylorMade Tour Response