The Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky, took a pasting at the weekend as Hurricane Ike tore through the state. Pylons were downed, fallen trees blocked roads in and around the course, and a TV mast fell onto the 12th green. Despite nature’s best efforts, the 37th Ryder Cup competition begins on Friday 19th September 2008, with Europe expected to claim a record breaking 4th consecutive victory over a weakened United States team.

With Tiger Woods still recovering from surgery on his left knee, Paul Azinger’s hopes of stealing the Ryder Cup away from Europe seem slim at best. The newly appointed coach shocked many by announcing that this year’s team would contain six newcomers - almost double the amount featured in Nick Faldo’s European team – as well as Chad Campbell, a man with an abysmal Ryder Cup record.

Some pundits fear that if the USA's losing streak continues, the competition will lose popularity with both TV companies and professional golfers. Whilst this revelation may have prompted Paul Azinger to lobby for alterations to the selection process (essentially giving him four wild-card selections instead of two), his team selection is only punching more holes in a rapidly sinking ship.

Nick Faldo’s competition experience speaks for itself. The Englishman boasts an impressive eleven career Ryder Cup appearances, including four team victories and one tied game. His decision to include Ian Poulter in the European team came as a surprise to many but he appears to have the full backing of the British media. Writing for The Times yesterday, rookie team member Justin Rose lauded him as an iconic figure; somebody to look up to. Faldo has almost three times the Ryder Cup experience of Azinger and is the perfect character to chaperone newcomers Soren Hansen, Graeme McDowell, Justin Rose, and Oliver Wilson through the tournament.

Pádraig Harrington is expected to take a leading role at the weekend but has made no secret of his reluctance to step up to the plate. The Irishman recently discussed how the speed of the greens can win or lose tournaments: ‘If they are too fast, we will be in trouble. On the other hand, the Americans don’t adapt to slow greens and they have been slow these last few years.’ Harrington believes a combination of youth and experience is the most important aspect of the European team. Despite the number of rookies on the US team, the two opponents have a similar collective age, making experience an all important factor for the Europeans.

American youngster, Anthony Kim, is expected to shine at the weekend despite his lack of experience, and with world number two Phil Mickelson filling up the American ranks it would be foolish to rule out the possibility of a surprise US victory. The absence of world number one Tiger Woods is a thorn in Azinger’s side but few teams are built around the abilities of a single man. Expect a close battle but don’t be too surprised if Europe topples the Americans in Kentucky this weekend.

Written by Chris Illingworth