The debutants arrive
It will imperative for the veterans to nurture the rookies coming into the European side, but the three debutants at Gleneagles are no slouches. With the luscious locks of former Tottenham Hotspur’s manager Gerry Francis, 24-year old Victor Dubuisson (13.5 stars) has emerged as one of the most exciting and innovative players on the circuit. With top-10 finishes in two majors, and a sweet touch on the greens, Dubuisson has earned his place in the side and should be set free to flourish.
Jamie Donaldson (13 stars) chalks up the first Welsh cap in the Ryder Cup side for over a decade. Ranked 28th in the world, Donaldson saw victory in the Czech Masters last month and has three European tour wins under his belt. His appearances may be minimal, but no less impactful.
Rounding off the European side is Paul McGinley’s final wildcard pick, injecting the side with someone deep-rooted connections to Gleneagles. Stephen Gallacher, the nephew of golfing great Bernard, has risen to 32nd in the world rankings, and comes carrying a successful streak of form on the PGA Centenary course. Offering the home fans a native to cheer on should galvanise the 39-year old and elevate him beyond his Ryder Cup inexperience.
So who are you going to pick? Join us again in a couple of weeks’ time as we analyse the American side to see who can victor in this year’s battle for the Ryder Cup.
A fair way to win
Financial Adviser and Old Mutual Wealth have teamed up create the ultimate Ryder Cup game and the potential to win an once-in-a-lifetime prize. If you can pick a fantasy golf team to conquer all, you and three friends could win an overnight stay at Gleneagles hotel, a round of golf on the PGA Centenary course and a £700 travel allowance. Second place nets an Old Mutual Wealth golf bag, while third place will pick up a brand new golf shirt.
With a kitty of 100 stars, you must choose eight players from the 24 that have made it into the final European and US teams. Players are valued based on their world rankings - with best consequently being the most expensive.
The aim of the game is to score as many points as possible - you’ll gain 50 points for each half point your player scores. You’ll also get 50 points for each player from the winning side and lose 50 for each player whose team sits defeated. Name one player as your captain and he’ll net you double points throughout the tournament.
