Luckett's Locks: Ryder Cup picks

The most exciting weekend of golf has arrived. On Friday morning, the Ryder Cup will begin at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin for a thrilling three days of team golf in some football weather.

What could be better?

Single matches with a bunch of drama will occur on Sunday, but before that, both Team USA and Team Europe will compete in foursomes (some call it alternate shot) and four-ball where the team picks the best performance on each hole from the two-man teams.

The home team is headlined by Tour Championship winner Patrick Cantlay and two-time major champion Collin Morikawa. Meanwhile, regulars Dustin Johnson and Jordan Spieth will also be competing.

World No. 1 player Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy lead the European team. Old veterans Sergio Garcia, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood will look to provide a veteran presence as Team Europe looks to defend its 2018 Ryder Cup title.

After taking a look at the board and crunching the analytics, here are the best plays for the Ryder Cup. Saturday’s college football and golf combo will be one of the best television days of the year.

Total Points: Viktor Hovland (+115) over Patrick Cantlay

Over at Draft Kings, there is any play for the Ryder Cup that you could possibly imagine. The first one that caught my eye was getting Viktor Hovland as a dog.

Patrick Cantlay is a hot player right now coming off of that tour title, but Hovland’s game is suited for tournament play. The 24-year-old from Norway ranked fifth last season in strokes gained off the tee and that is essential in succeeding at Whistling Straits which is a par 72 course that is nearly 7,400 yards.

Fade America’s hottest player and ride with Hovland who will need to score some points to keep Europe in the hunt.

Top USA Rookie: Daniel Berger (+550)

The 28-year-old from Florida is making his Ryder Cup debut this weekend after a season that saw him collect 14 top-25 finishes in 21 starts with only two missed cuts and a win at Pebble Beach back in February.

Berger is not as long off the tee as Scheffler, but he has an all-around game that is suited for the Ryder Cup. Don’t be surprised if Ryder Cup captain Steve Stricker uses him with Bryson DeChambeau as his calm and laid-back demeanor might be just what the Big Golfer needs in a partner.

Berger turns into a valuable piece for the Team USA and could walk away as the most valuable player of the tournament.

Victory Margin: USA 4-6 (+350)

On paper, this is a huge mismatch.

Viktor Hovland, Rory McIlroy, and Jon Rahm all have the firepower to hang with the Americans on this long course but after that, the depth of the European team will be tested. Meanwhile, Team USA is loaded with bombers and has a good mix of elite putters and strong iron players.

The American team is much better and this course fits their game. Europe keeps it close the first two days, but stands little chance on Sunday when in singles.

Team USA pulls away for a comfortable win as the home team brings the Ryder Cup back to its rightful place.

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