The Loop
Vegas lists the U.S. as a surprisingly big Ryder Cup favorite
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This year's American Ryder Cup team is far from being set, but we already know the group representing the U.S. at Hazeltine next month will be favored to win. Westgate Las Vegas Superbook released its Ryder Cup odds on Wednesday and listed the U.S. at -160 (You wager $160 to win $100), making captain Davis Love III's squad a sizable favorite.
On the flip side, Europe is a +170 underdog (You wager $100 to win $170), despite the fact it has won six of the past seven times this biennial competition has been played. Apparently, Vegas oddsmakers are heavily weighing the Americans having home-course advantage. Of course, they're probably also expecting more money to be wagered on the U.S., something that affects the line.
The U.S. will know who eight of its players are by the end of this week's Barclays (Although Jordan Spieth, Dustin Johnson, Phil Mickelson and Jimmy Walker are mathematical locks), the last tournament to qualify via Ryder Cup standings. Love will make three captain's picks following the BMW Championship, the third event of the FedEx Cup, and one final pick following the Tour Championship (Call this "The Billy Horschel Clause.").
Nine of the 12 Europeans have already earned spots on the team, led by Rory McIlroy, Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose. European captain Darren Clarke will make his three captain's picks on Tuesday.
If you're feeling bold, you can also get +1100 odds on a tie, which would result in Europe retaining the cup. The Americans last won at Valhalla in 2008. The last Ryder Cup tie occurred in 1989 at the Belfry.