PGA Golf Betting – Europe look to continue Ryder Cup dominance over USA

Offshore sportsbook odds – Ryder Cup

WHO: Team USA vs. Team Europe
WHAT: 37th edition of the Ryder Cup
WHERE: Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky
WHEN: September 19-21, 2008
KEY STATS: The Europeans have won five of the last six Ryder Cups

The European team has owned the Ryder Cup as of late, racking up victories in five of the last six editions. This year's Ryder Cup will take place at Valhalla Golf Club on September 19-21, and the PGA betting lines say the Europeans will continue rolling through the United States, especially in the absence of Tiger Woods, the world's undisputed No.1 golfer.

The Europeans have PGA betting odds of -140 in this tournament and, while team captain Nick Faldo has not named his team yet, it's pretty safe to assume that Ireland's Padraig Harrington and Spain's Sergio Garcia will lead them out at Valhalla.

If you bet sports online, you know Harrington has had a phenomenal season that has probably made him the favorite for PGA Player of the Year, winning both the British Open and PGA Championship, along with a t-5 at the Masters. Greta performances on the biggest stage makes Harrington the leader of the group, but Garcia's Ryder Cup experience will come in handy.

The feisty Spaniard has a career 14-3-3 record in four Ryder Cups and, in 2006, he lost only one of his matches. Garcia is also playing very well recently, coming in second to Harrington at the PGA Championship, while losing to Vijay Singh in a playoff in The Barclays, the first tournament of the PGA's FedEx Cup playoffs.

The Americans have most of their team selected, with the exception of team captain Paul Azinger's two picks. With Woods out, Phil Mickelson has assumed the role of team leader, and “Lefty” has been very steady this year, missing one cut in 18 events. His lowest finish was 23rd, along with a pair of wins.

However, the best American golfer this year (non-Woods division) may be 48-year-old Kenny Perry, who took plenty of flack for passing up a spot in the British Open to accumulate more points for the Ryder Cup. Perry, a native of Louisville, responded with three wins and seven top-10s in 23 events, and he's third in the PGA in birdies made.

Another golfer to watch is Anthony Kim, the 23-year-old in his second season who has burst on the scene with a pair of wins. Kim shows no fear against the biggest players, but he's still a bit inconsistent.

Marco's Analysis: To be fair, Woods may not be a huge absence for the Americans, as he's posted a 7-11-2 record in the Ryder Cup. Having Woods out may even be easier on Azinger, as some American captains have struggled to pair someone with the world's No.1.

While Harrington and Garcia have been spectacular this year, Perry may be the most important player. Playing in his hometown is sure to give him a lift, and if the Americans see the 27-year veteran playing with no fear, they should follow suit.

Bet on the Americans to prove the PGA betting odds wrong and score a victory on their home turf, putting a brief end to the European dominance of the Ryder Cup.

Golf betting lines for the Ryder Cup

USA: +120
Europe: -140

Marco Sussman isn't too bad on the links, reportedly a five handicap. But, he's great in the sports betting game. He'll watch just about anything you put in front of him, but golf is what really gets his juices flowing. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.