1) Rory McIlroy
McIlroy took the world number one ranking following his second major win at the PGA Championship two weeks ago, arguably the least celebrated British win ever due to the backdrop of the Olympics. This will be Rory's second Ryder Cup and one that I'm sure he's looking forward to as he gets back to his best form. Questions were raised this year when he missed 4 out of 5 cuts, specifically blaming the effect of his relationship with tennis star Caroline Wozniaki. But after dumbing down the Ryder Cup before Celtic Manor 2010 he ate his words after the event describing it as the best thing he's ever played in, lets hope he has that same excitement this year.
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| McIlroy won't be criticising the Ryder Cup this time round. |
After an average 2012 and losing his number one ranking Luke Donald will be looking to go to Medinah in good form and good spirits. Donald has played 3 Ryder Cups and has a good record, particularly in foursomes and singles. Overall he has played 8 matches and lost only twice. His composure and brilliant ball striking will be hard to beat at Medinah, especially since the course is only a 30 minute drive away from his Chicago home. Although wins haven't come in abundance for Donald recently he can go into the Ryder Cup assured in his own game and in a familiar course.
3) Lee Westwood
Similar to Luke Donald, Westwood's 2012 hasn't been the most spectacular. A change of coach, an injured caddie, plans to uproot to the USA, it's been a busy year but the prospect of a Ryder Cup will instill Westwood with confidence because his fourball and foursomes record is good, 8 points from 13 matches. He has a wealth of experience in Ryder Cup golf and is acting more and more like an on-course captain.
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| A future European captain? |
In Justin Rose you've got a European and PGA Tour stalwart with a good couple of years moving up the world rankings. His 2011 win at the BMW Championship gave him the confidence to kick on and win rather than just contend. He brought that mental state to the WGC-Cadillac Championship this year to win. He partners well with Ian Poulter, so watch out those two taking on the Americans.
5) Graeme McDowell
2010 was a good year for the Northern Irishman. It was the year he won the US Open and the year he is remembered for sinking the winning putt at Celtic Manor. He is a grafter, cast in the same mould as Padraig Harrington, enjoys the pressure of team golf and will always pose a threat in Ryder Cups. 2011 was quiet year for McDowell but 2012 has looked much brighter. His excellent performances in all 4 majors will put him in good stead even though he has gone without a win this year.
6) Paul Lawrie
Arguably the most in form European golfer in 2012, Paul Lawrie has reignited his career with a win at the Qatar Masters, following a 2011 Open de Andalucia win. He has appeared in one Ryder Cup in his career, that being the 1999 event, which came on the back of his Open victory. He will relish a return to the Ryder Cup and Olazabal will enjoy having him on the team as another scrambler and wise head.
7) Sergio Garcia
One of the world's most popular players has come back to form at the perfect moment in 2012. Garcia has looked out of sorts for a couple of years but has finally found his feet again, in the nick of time. Team format undoubtedly makes him come alive as his cup record shows, a formidable force in pairs but less so in the singles. The fiery spaniard follows a famous tradition of Spanish players in the Ryder Cup and Garcia is no slouch compared to his predecessors of Olazabal and Ballesteros. We look forward to seeing Garcia at full throttle at Medinah, one of the most enjoyable sights in golf.
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| Another fiery Spaniard. |
Molinari has been his consistent best this season, hitting fairways and greens metronomically. He won the Open de Espana this year and looks to be in good form going into the Ryder Cup. His record of only half a point at Celtic Manor may be a worry but he has improved considerably since then, especially on his putting.
9) Peter Hanson
Peter Hanson has been a solid performer throughout 2012 with good performances in the Masters and PGA Championship. In 2010 he won twice to confirm his spot at Celtic Manor. However he has not sealed his selection as dramatically this year as in 2010 but in some ways has gained more confidence with European fans with his consistent play this season.
10) Martin Kaymer
Kaymer has certainly had a difficult 2012 and will be the player of most concern for Olazabal. His form dipped early this year when his attempted swing changes to suit the majors did not work out. However he is a talented player with a number of tour victories to his name, plus a major, and has made the squad automatically so it's not the end of the world. He is obviously still trying to find his best swing and lets hope he finds it before 25th September!
11) Ian Poulter
Arguably as Europe's trump card, Ian Poulter represents the ideal Ryder Cup player - passionate, competitive and persistent. He has personally said how he loves the "cut throat, face to face nature of matchplay" - and that's who you want on your team. He has a good record, 8 wins and 3 losses, and he comes into the Ryder Cup in decent form but with no wins to his name this year.
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| Poulter's ideal stage. |
The big hitting Belgian has grown in stature on the European Tour during 2011 and 2012. He has reached number 35 in the world after winning the China Open in 2011 and the Volvo Matchplay this year. The matchplay win was almost certainly a factor in Olazabal's wildcard choice. Another contributing factor is his length off the tee that will be necessary at Medinah to battle some of the American big hitters. As Europe's only rookie he will be hungry for success, especially as the Ryder Cup tends to produce the best in the majority of players.
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