Twelve of America's best golfers are on the Ryder Cup 2012 Team USA, including Tiger Woods, Bubba Watson, and Brandt Snedeker, playing against defending champions Team Europe for a chance to take the Ryder Cup back. It will be a tough tournament, with Team Europe having the better winning record.
But this year, Team USA is eager to win on US soil. The tournament is at the Medinah Country Club in Illinois, starting on Friday. For a full schedule and roster, go to Ryder Cup 2012 Dates and Schedule Begins this Friday, Live on ESPN.
See the scores from Day 1 here.
Here are three players in Team USA that you should look out for.
Tiger Woods is on a comeback this year and is looking more like the number one player we remember. He's familiar with the Medinah course, having won two tournaments here before. His partner this year is Steve Stricker, who Woods is familiar with since the 2009 Presidents Cup and the 2010 Ryder Cup. However, he has a poor record for Ryder Cup, having played in six Ryder Cup tournaments and only winning one. He has even taken the blame saying, "Well, certainly I am responsible for (the lack of success against Europe) because I didn't earn the points that I was put out there for."
Bubba Watson is one of the most patriotic players in Team USA. According to Chicago Tribute, "Watson is an ideal symbol for all who want to wrap themselves in the American flag rooting for Everyman, a self-taught, fun-loving, community college graduate who loves God, family and his country." Watson won the Masters Tournament earlier this year and is one of the most compelling players on Team USA for fans to support. By having this year's Ryder Cup in Illinois, expect huge crowds in support of Team USA.
Brandt Snedeker just came from a huge win over McIlroy at the FedEx Cup Playoffs just last week, and is more confident than ever in his performance. "Confidence right now obviously is at an all-time high," said Snedeker. "I'm playing the best golf of my career, backed it up with taking a lead into Sunday last week and winning with the lead for the first time. I beat some of the best players in the world last weekend. So I feel like my game is exactly where it needs to be. And Friday morning can't get here quick enough."
