My Norse friend – well, he's Swedish actually and lives in Stoke-on Trent – tells me that Valhalla is the Norse version of heaven or nirvana (depending on your religion), and the punter's version is what's on offer at Valhalla Country Club, the venue for this year's Ryder Cup.
I started off fancying the Europeans, who were strong favourites up to the recent “Poultergate” scandal. You will remember, Poulter dodged the last qualifying tournament to play in America (where he missed the cut) but still got a wild-card at the expense of the in-form Darren Clarke. I’m not going to go into the ins and outs of that decision here, but I’ll say one thing for Poulter; he won’t let the side down. Of more concern at the time was the recent poor form of European linchpin Padraig Harrington, and the top-10 finishes from a handful of Paul Azinger’s team in the recent BMW Championship. In fact, I was even edging towards the Yanks at one stage, but now I simply can’t make a case for them regaining the trophy at 13/10 (Skybet).
In fact, given the drubbings we have dished out recently – Europe has won both by a record nine points – I can’t see how bookmakers can make this so close. Remember, Europe have won three of the last five Ryder Cups on American soil, and at a time when they were inferior in terms of world rankings and in the middle of an eight year drought in the Majors. Now we're dominating Majors. Not only did Padraig Harrington’s win consecutive ones in 2008, but we filled the first three places at Birkdale and even managed to fill three of the top-four places at the USPGA.
With their inferiority complex removed, you could argue that Europe are an even better bet now than they were in the last three Ryder Cups. Certainly, their indomitable team-spirit remains intact, which is something the Americans can only dream about. Just ask Hunter Mahan, who reluctantly makes his Ryder Cup debut at Valhalla: “You're just a slave for the week”, were his exact words just before he was given a wild-card pick – incredible. Can you imagine any member of the European team saying that? Of course not.
Then there is their collective experience. Much has been made of the fact that neither Poulter or Casey have won this year, but at least they have Ryder Cup experience, which is more than can be said for Azinger's wild-cards. In fact, half of his team are rookies, while even those with experience, such as Stewart Cink and Kenny Perry, have looked badly out-of-form of late. It doesn't matter how many tournaments you have played, there is nothing like the Ryder Cup, so you can expect a few squeaky American bums on the first tee this week.
Don't expect them to come up smelling of roses either. Quite simply, we've got the better players, team spirit, and experience, so here's my advice. Like those Norse raiders of old; burn down the bookmaker's houses and pillage as much of the 21/20 as you can. Valhalla awaits.
Recommended Bet:
Europe 10pts @ 21/20 Paddy Power