The First Call Inbox

With Ryder Cup teams set, it is now a matter of who will win

The First Call readers offer their projections on whether the United States or Europe will win the 44th playing of the matches, along with opinions on some other hot topics

Ryder Cup trophy
The Ryder Cup trophy on stage at the 2018 Ryder Cup at Le Golf National in Paris, France.

Question of the week [September 4-10]: Now that the rosters for both 2023 Ryder Cup teams have been finalized, who do you favor to win, and why?

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I believe the Europeans will prevail in a tight one. They have a balanced squad and Luke Donald is a real sleeper from a strategic standpoint. His A players will rise to the occasion, while the U.S. team will come up short in the Sunday singles matches. Home soil favors the Europeans as does their Ryder Cup experience. 

Paul Vicary
The Villages, Florida
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Europe will prevail on home soil. Luke Donald has assembled a superior team that is in better form. Lots of big names on the U.S. team but if current form means anything, then Europe is the prohibitive favorite. America is in for a big surprise in Italy. As per usual, the Ryder Cup will be thrilling and compelling TV. A must watch for any avid golfer.

Reid Farrill
Toronto, Ontario
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The U.S. is my favorite because of veteran leadership that have consistently excelled on the major stage.

Rod Liddle
Boca Raton, Florida
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BETTING IS RUINING THE GAME
Question of the week: Is the gentleman's game about to become unruly?

Betting has infiltrated our game and not for the better in my opinion .Rude and obnoxious fans are ruining the experience and the gentleman's game is beginning to disappear. I can accept change, but golf has been one of the few sports that teaches the youngsters the values of life, including honesty, accepting penalties, learning from and playing with adults. Betting really has no place in the game we all love and respect.

Peter Boyce
Strathroy, Ontario
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FIXING THE FEDEX CUP CHAMPIONSHIP
Question of the week: Are the FedEx Cup Playoffs delivering the best format?

I don't think you asked for ideas, but I have one. If they insist on having the net championship, why not make the winner share the money with anyone who actually shoots a lower score. He would still be the FedEx Cup champion and would still get the biggest check, but it would add some interest to the final round for him and several people chasing him — not to mention the millions of viewers. I'm sure they could work out an appropriate formula for the sharing, but I really think this little twist would make it a more interesting event to watch.

John Abercrombie
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
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The First Call invites reader comment. Write to editor Stuart Hall at shall@buffalogroupe.com. Your name and city of residence is necessary to be considered for publication. If your comment is selected for publication, The First Call will contact you to verify the authenticity of the email and confirm your identity. We will not publish your email address. We reserve the right to edit for clarity and brevity.


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