Ryder Cup Matches: Sunday singles pairings and predictions

LOUISVILLE, KY – Before I get started with Sunday’s pairings and my predictions, I want to get something of my chest.

I was hanging with a few golf writers last weekend who didn’t speak very highly of Valhalla, with “overrated” sprinkled all over their arguments.

I don’t know what they’re smoking - or maybe they’re just jaded to a certain degree. I think Valhalla has everything you could ask for in a tournament golf course. I’ve walked the course a few times now, and I’m itching to play this thing myself. No two holes look alike. No two holes play alike.

You’ve got a great signature hole in the 13th, one that would make your average amateur player soil themselves on the approach shot. You’ve got a great collection of par-5s and some beautiful holes from No. 14 thru 16. The course gives you a lot of different looks and you can hit a lot of different shots here.

I’m not crazy about all Nicklaus designs but this is one where the Bear was on point.

On to the pairings and picks (My picks are in Bold):

Kim vs. Garcia: Garcia’s been off all week. Expect 2005 Walker Cup hero Kim to send him 0-2-2

Mahan vs. Casey: Casey hasn’t done much impressive this week. Mahan is a birdie machine.

Leonard vs. Karlsson (halve): Both have been impressive this week.

Mickelson vs. Rose: I’m not sold on Mickelson this week and won’t have another ball to rely on tomorrow.

Perry vs. Stenson: Stenson just has too much talent.

Weekley vs. Wilson: This is Boo’s week.

Holmes vs. Hansen: Only if every hole was a par-5 would I pick J.B.

Furyk vs. Jimenez (halve): It seems like both should have more points than they do this week.

Cink vs. McDowell: McDowell has been the best player no one is talking about at these matches.

Stricker vs. Poulter: Poulter is on a mission.

Curtis vs. Westwood: Only if Curtis decides to take up dip overnight does he stand a chance vs. Westwood.

Campbell vs. Harrington: Harrington’s clutch putting will be the difference versus the inexperienced Campbell.

I didn’t add up the total points until after I made my picks. But it’s not pretty for the U.S. if I’m right. By my calculations, Lee Westwood wins the 7th point, clinching the Cup for those pesky Euros.

Lee Westwood may still have reason to smile at the Ryder Cup Matches.