See what the Golf Monthly editorial team thinks will transpire in the 2014 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles
With the Ryder Cup just days away, members of the Golf Monthly team proffer their views on who might prevail at Gleneagles with their Ryder Cup predictions.
Europe has won four of the last five Ryder Cups, including back-to-back victories at Celtic Manor and Medinah.
Both teams have three rookies, but Stephen Gallacher, Victor Dubuisson and Jamie Donaldson all have far more experience of both Gleneagles and European conditions.
That said, the American side has a better collective world ranking, even without Tiger Woods in its ranks, and will be desperate to avenge a series of recent defeats.
It should be a close encounter, but which way will the pendulum swing? Our Ryder Cup predictions are listed below.
Michael Harris - Editor
Prediction: USA 14.5-13.5 Europe
"The Americans have been unlucky in the last two contests and I think this is their time, especially as they're without the burden of Tiger Woods."
Neil Tappin - Digital Editor
Prediction: Europe 15-13 Europe
"Europe has a better team, with a perfect blend of youth and experience."
Alex Narey - Managing Editor
Prediction: USA 15-13 Europe
"Team USA really should have won in 2012 and I think their young breed, the likes of Rickie Fowler, Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed, won't be overawed by the occasion."
Paul O'Hagan - Technical Editor
Prediction: Europe 14.5-13.5
"It will be a lot closer than people think, with a number of players on both sides lacking a bit of form and that will bringing a lot of unpredictability. The potential European pairings look stronger, though, and I think Europe will take a lead into Sunday that will be converted into a victory."
Tom Clarke - Content Editor
Prediction: Europe 16-12 USA
"Europe has a better side while the US has too many average players."
Nick Bonfield - Content Assistant
Prediction: Europe 15-13
"The European team has world-class talent, established pairings and exciting rookies, while a number of the US side come to Gleneagles struggling for form. A partisan home crowd, a familiar golf course and shrewd captaincy from Paul McGinley should deliver a narrow victory."
Jake O'Reilly - Junior Technical Writer
Prediction: Europe 15.5 - 12.5 USA
"Europe has a better team chemistry, greater momentum and some long-established pairings."
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