Sergio Back On Track For Top Points Scorer Success

He may not have top scored at the Ryder Cup since 2006 but Sergio Garcia’s superb match-play record points to the Spaniard for this year’s tournament.

Recent History
Given Europe’s Ryder Cup dominance this century, it is no surprise to find that the top Ryder Cup points scorers have usually been Europeans. Even when the USA regained the trophy in 2008, it was an Englishman, Ian Poulter who top scored.

Poulter repeated the feat two years ago at Medinah and in 2010, shared the honour with Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker. Prior to the Poulter era, it was Sergio Garcia who dominated, top-scoring in 2006 and finishing joint top scorer in 2004.

What To Look For
So what are the keys to finding the top points scorer? Obviously, you are looking for a player who thrives on match-play golf. But just as importantly, you need to work out how often your selection will play.

In theory, any player could play five times during the tournament and all six of the top points scorers markets this century were won by players who had played at least four matches. That means you can rule out players with poor four-ball records as well as rookies who are likely to be lightly used.

In the Bunker
Even allowing for his superb double-Major winning spree, you would have lost money lumping on Rory to win every event he’s entered this year and the same applies at the Ryder Cup. He’s the 7/1 antepost favourite in the Top Overall Points Scorer market, but although he’s the best player on either side, he isn’t the best match-play golfer in the tournament and is one to avoid this weekend.

Recommended Bets
Sergio Garcia hasn’t top scored at the Ryder Cup since 2006, but he has enjoyed a renaissance this season and can recapture his glory days at Gleneagles this weekend.

He thrives on the Ryder Cup atmosphere, has an excellent match-play record and is sure to feature in at least four out of five matches.

He’s a solid bet at odds of 10/1.

Ian Poulter has had a poor season and is the second lowest ranked player in the European team, but his place was never in doubt and USA captain Tom Watson has identified him as Europe’s key player. He is likely to go down as one of the best match-play golfers of all time, has top-scored at each of the last three Ryder Cups and he isn’t done yet. Back him at 12/1 to make it four in a row this weekend.

I think the USA will struggle but if there is one player worth backing from their side it could be Hunter Mahan. He didn’t play at Medinah two years ago and will be keen to make a point on his return to Ryder Cup action. Arguably the best match-play golfer in the USA team, he was a key factor in their win at Valhalla in 2008, and is certain to play in at least four matches. Back him at 25/1.