Las Vegas oddsmakers give America slight edge in Ryder Cup

When the Americans square off against the Europeans beginning Friday in the Ryder Cup, home field advantage gives the U.S. squad the slightest of advantages in this showcase of golf.

Davis Love III, the Captain of the American team, has Medinah Country Club outside of Chicago set up to play off of America’s strengths.  Very low rough and fast greens give U.S. long hitters the chance to attack the course seeking plenty of birdies and eagles.

The Europeans have been dominant in this event recently, winning six of the last eight Ryder Cups with the Americans only win in the last decade coming in 2008 in Louisville. 

We’ll have analysis on sportsNOLA after the event unfolds.

The Teams With Player’s Current World Rankings

America — Captain: Davis Love

Tiger Woods – 2

Bubba Watson – 7

Webb Simpson – 8

Jason Dufner – 9

Brandt Snedeker – 10

Steve Stricker – 12

Duton Johnson – 13

Keegan Bradley – 14

Matt Kuchar – 15

Phil Mickelson – 16

Zach Johnson – 17

Jim Furyk – 23

Europe — Captain: Jose Maria Olazabal

Rory McIlroy – 1

Luje Donald – 3

Lee Westwood – 4

Justin Rose – 5

Sergio Garcia – 19

Ian Poulter – 26

Peter Hanson – 25

Paul Lawrie – 28

Francesco Molinari – 31

Martin Kaymer – 32

Nicolas Colsaerts – 35

The Ryder Cup started in 1927 with America leading Europe (just Great Britain & Ireland until 1979) 25-11-2.