LOUISVILLE, KY – Lee Westwood, after complaining about Boo Weekley’s conduct yesterday, then sitting out the morning match because of what Nick Faldo said to be “blisters from new shoes", will get another shot at Weekley this afternoon. Westwood and Hansen will rematch Weekley and J.B. Holmes after halving yesterday.
Weekley and Holmes were electrifying yesterday but will be facing loads of pressure, which is increasing after Europe gained a little ground back this morning, down now by just two points. With the match in their hands on the 18th tee, the Americans both put their drives in the drink and lost the hole and gave a half point gift to the Europeans.
Some other changes in the afternoon: Mickelson will play with Hunter Mahan. Justin Leonard, who kept up his clutch ways this morning with some key putting, will take a breather. The same goes for Anthony Kim.
Padraig Harrington, who has been held to half a point after three matches, will sit for the Europeans. Justin Rose and Ian Poulter will finally split up. Rose will sit out and Graeme McDowell will team up with Poulter.
Props to Paul Azinger for giving Ben Curtis another shot this afternoon after failing to make a birdie on Day 1. He and Stricker face possibly Europe’s best pairing today on paper: Paul Casey and a winless Sergio Garcia. A half point here would be huge for the U.S.
Westwood might get some Montgomerie treatment from the galleries this afternoon after whining about Weekley’s animated antics yesterday. Expect crowds to be well-oiled this afternoon in what should be the most entertaining match of the afternoon. It’s a match I’ll be following from the first hole.
While we’re on the topic of fans, while I’ve been very impressed with Valhalla’s crowd - boisterous but not rude - the American costumes have severely lacked. Maybe I’m just looking in all the wrong places. But the Europeans are winning the battle of the closet thus far.
| « Ryder Cup Matches: Sunday singles pairings and predictions | European captain Nick Faldo already hitting the panic button: benches Westwood and Garcia for Saturday Ryder Cup foursomes » |
1 comment
-
§ Oliver Sudden
said on : 09/20/08 @ 22:00
Westwood may not want Boo anymore. Weekley is a lot better player than casual fans know and if he is putting look out. I make the singles 6-6, for exact picks see my post under Shanks blog. Faldo proved to be a lot dumber than I thought he was. Obviously you have to put your best players out 1st in the singles because if you don't the event may be over before their matches are decided.
Comment feed for this post
Recent comments