Friday Foursomes: McIlroy/McDowell v Snedeker/Furyk

Brandt Snedeker perhaps fanned the flames for this biannual event a little too much when he said he’d try to ‘beat their brains in,’ when asked about his European counterparts. However, his captain clearly wants to see this level of passion as he has put the 31-year-old straight out in the very first match of the 3-day event.

Snedeker may just have the game to go with the big talk having walked away with the FedEx Cup last weekend along with a cool $10m. The US rookie is absolutely on fire at the moment having finished 2nd at The Barlcays and 6th at the Deutche Bank before winning the Tour Championship.

Davis Love III may have pulled off a masterstroke by pairing him with the vastly experienced Jim Furyk. The 42-year-old hasn’t missed a Ryder Cup since 1997 and he may be able to calm the younger man at key moments.

In their way stand Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell. They may be great friends, and billed as a dream pairing, but they are yet to prove that on this stage. The Irishmen had a moderate record of W1 L1 H1 together in 2010 and are only favourites here (20/21 Boylesports) because of McIlroy’s individual status.

But I just wonder if the world number one may find it a bit of a shock to the system when he walks out to find 40,000 fans totally against him. The 23-year-old is used to being very popular in the States so it will be tough to suddenly handle a mob baying for blood.

All this leads me to think that the underdogs, Snedeker and Furyk, are the value here at 8/5 with BetVictor.

*Bodog are actually best odds for the USA at 13/8 in this match but BetVictor’s moneyback offer if the match is tied makes them the better option.