This week’s Ryder Cup is one of the most eagerly-anticipated match-ups of all time. Nine of the top 12 golfers in the Official World Golf Rankings descend upon Hazeltine National to do battle over three hotly-contested days.

We’ve known the DNA of the European Team for quite a few weeks now, as Captain Clarke opted for Westwood, Kaymer and Pieters as his wildcard selections. It’s certainly a combination of experience (McIlroy, Stenson, Garcia and Westwood) and youthful exuberance (Willett, Pieters, Sullivan and Fitzpatrick) as six players make their Ryder Cup debuts this time round. We’re not going to use the term ‘rookie’ here as players like Willett – who is one of those making his first bow – have tonnes of tour-level experience and in Willett’s case, is a Major champion!

On the other hand, the American Team contains only two newbies as Captain Davis Love III has assembled the ’best team ever’ in his own words – and that was before his fourth and final wildcard pick was announced! Love III had already chosen Kuchar, Holmes and Fowler as three of his four wildcard picks before last week’s FedEx Cup finale, with Ryan Moore’s play-off defeat to McIlroy enough to see him make the team over the likes of two-time Masters Champion Bubba Watson. Having not missed a cut since mid-May, can anyone really question Moore’s inclusion in the US Team?

So, the teams are in, but who will come out on top? USA will be keen to exact revenge on their European counterparts, having lost six of the last seven Ryder Cups and eight of the past 10. In all honesty, the United States’ line-up is superior. They have home advantage. More players based on the PGA Tour. They’ve been humiliated at Gleneagles and suffered the Miracle of Medinah last time the event was played in the States. Many people expect them to triumph.

However, given that Love III is claiming this is the best team ever assembled, the pressure will be heaped upon the Americans’ shoulders. And should they lose, well, the criticism they will face will be painful. The Europeans will be happy to be underdogs this time round, but it’s not going to be a one-sided demolition – that’s for certain.
Let the battle commence.