Joining him at the front is Martin Kaymer (14 stars). The German is a two-time major winner, pouching the US Open this year and remains held aloft as the man who completed the Miracle of Medinah two years ago. Although his formed dipped since his major win, Kaymer is a serene presence, the perfect accoutrement in a tournament that demands nerves of steel.
Just like his British counterpart McIlroy, Justin Rose (14 stars) has been enjoying a resurgence this year, with back-to-back wins in July. But it’s his Ryder Cup record that makes him a necessity - Rose’s imperious partnership with Ian Poulter could put distance between the Europeans and the US in the early stages of the Cup.
The great Dane Thomas Bjorn (13 stars) returns to the tournament after a 12-year hiatus, but with a wealth of experience on European soil and a 2011 win at Gleneagles, he’ll be a confident pitcher for those sought-after points. Graham McDowell’s (12.5 stars) late surge snagged that last automatic place, and he’ll be hoping to repeat his heroics of 2010.
The veteran picks
Form, however, only gets you to the Ryder Cup - it doesn’t guarantee you a win. It’s the grizzled stalwarts - the ones that have hacked their way through successive tournaments and can withstand the pressure - that end up making all the difference.
And none come more experienced than European vice-captain Sergio Garcia (14.5 stars). His six Ryder Cup appearances have garnered 16 wins, eight losses and four halves, and enjoyed European victory in 66% of his appearances. It’s not just his ability with the sticks that matters - Garcia is Seve’s rightful heir to the Cup, and his zeal and vigour should be a motivational force for the European side.
He’s joined by two wildcard picks who, despite indifferent solo form this year, have become woven into the fabric of European success. Lee Westwood (a snip at just eight stars) has battled poor performances this year, but with eight Ryder Cup caps under his belt, his experience could be vital this year.
The other wildcard is Europe’s talisman, its lucky charm, its golden (golf) balls - Ian Poulter. From four appearances, Poulter has chalked up an incredible 12 wins and three losses, shooting him from rookie to golfing god in just a decade. Forget his patchy season, the Ryder Cup is Poulter’s time to shine - and at just 10.5 stars, he looks like an absolute bargain for your dream team.
