09/26/2012 The Golf Insiders

Host Holly G and Rich Bianco are in the studio on the eve of the Ryder Cup.

Bob Harig from ESPN.com calls in from Medinah to talk about the atmosphere surrounding the Ryder Cup. A lot of people are there on Tuesday and Wednesday have shown up in droves to pack the stands and line the fairways to watch practice.

Holly and Bob talk about the fact that a lot of the European players are widely known in the U.S. due to the fact that some live here in the U.S. or just their notoriety on the Tour. Bob discusses that in the past the U.S. players have been unable to make key putts against their opponents.

Rich and Bob also talk about the idiosyncrasies of best ball and four ball that shows up in Ryder Cup competition. Your style of play changes depending upon your partner. You have to know your partner well and be able to hit shots when you need to. Bob feels that the key comes down to putting. The team that does that the best wins.

Brian Hewitt from Global Golf Post calls in from Medinah to talk about the Ryder Cup. Brian lived 30 years in the Chicago area and knows the courses well. Bob also talks about how many fans have shown up so early to support the competition.  It’s like the World Series and Super Bowl put together. Bob talks about Davis Love III’s approach with the team. The rough at Medinah Number 3 is almost like no rough at all the way that Davis Love has set up the course to “favor” the Americans. Two most important players Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods that need to play well. The main characteristic that both of them benefit from is no rough like Augusta where both have played well. Brian feels that players with the best Ryder Cup records are on the other side playing for the best are on the European side.

Jeff Shain, Orlando Sentinel, calls in from Medinah to talk about the pairings for the Ryder Cup and how that will affect each team. Jeff feels that the infusion of young players on the U.S. will help bring energy to that team. Holly and Jeff talk about possible weak links on the European team. Kaymer’s game has dropped off going from number 1 in the world and dropping out of the Top 20. Jeff feels that Nicloas Colsaerts will help the European Team. The trio also talks about the presence of the late Seve Ballesteros will be at the first Ryder Cup since his passing. Jeff points out that anyone with a hot putter has a chance to be a hero at the Ryder Cup.