Dynamic Duos

13 keys to a perfect Ryder Cup pairing

September 13, 2021
612092620

Keyur Khamar

Palmer-Dickinson. Spieth-Reed. Fleetwood-Molinari. Ryder Cup history is dotted with dynamic duos who, through some combination of complementary skill, contrasting personality, and random happenstance, have lifted their respective teams to glory. But what goes into these magical match ups? What elevates a regular ol’ twosome to a chest-bumping, fist-pumping juggernaut? Well, a lot actually. Just ask seven of 10 experts, who agree nine of these 13 traits make for the perfect Ryder Cup pairing.

One hits a butter cut, the other a baby draw

Ideally one of you can hit it straight too.

One is a pressure driver, the other a pressure putter

Drive for show, putt ... also for show.

Roughly the same pace of play

A steady eight mph over the speed limit, please. Your nation thanks you.

Your name isn’t Brooks, his name isn’t Bryson

Alternatively, your name isn’t Brooks, his name isn’t Brooksy.

You didn’t go to Alabama, they didn’t go to Auburn

It just means more.

Different swing coaches

Just in case one oversleeps.

Same handedness

For the high fives, of course.

Significant others don’t hate each other

You won’t be able to dodge that double date forever.

One knows the chords to “Wonderwall,” the other knows the lyrics

Maybeeee, you’re going to be the one who saves meeee.

No past Twitter beef

You'd be surprised how hard this is to find.

Both have the same Starbucks order

Splash of oat milk, two Splenda. God help you if it's Dunkin'.

Astrological signs are compatible

Srixons and Titleists always clash.

Both think cilantro tastes like soap

Because cilantro tastes like soap.