After two years of hype, debate, strategy meetings, and logistical oversight, it’s time for the fun part. The 2023 Ryder Cup is about to get underway. 

The U.S. team touched down in Rome Monday for the bi-annual matches against the Europeans, capping a tricky and at-times tumultuous roster selection further complicated by the emergence of LIV Golf. Now it’s captain Zach Johnson’s show as the Americans look to end a 20-year losing streak and win on foreign soil for the first time since 1993. 

The Americans got waxed their last time on the road, falling 17.5-10.5 at Le Golf National outside Paris. The group got back in the win column with a 19-9 triumph at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, but ending the losing streak in Europe is the top priority. 

They’ll get their chance beginning Friday at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club outside of Rome, where the Europeans are looking to prove they’ll continue to maintain home dominance while missing a few familiar faces in the team room. 

Past Ryder Cup regulars like Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia, and Lee Westwood are out, with young talents like Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Ludvig Aberg stepping in. Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm are the anchors, matching up with talented Americans in Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, and Brooks Koepka. 

Let's take a look at our golf picks.

Betting Odds to Win the 2023 Ryder Cup 

Odds via DraftKings and current as of publication. Check out our DraftKings Review

It’s somewhat surprising to see the Americans favored at betting apps, given how long it’s been since they won in this environment. But they do have the overwhelming World No. 1 on their side in Scheffler, as well as a two-time major champion at the helm with Johnson. 

Henrik Stenson was originally slated to captain the Europeans, but he lost out on the honor after choosing to leave the European Tour for LIV Golf. It’ll be first-time captain and former World No. 1 Luke Donald in his place instead – while he never found major success, Donald did earn 10.5 points out of a possible 15 during his playing career at the Ryder Cup. 

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Day 1 pairings will be announced Thursday night, and we’ll finally get things started with four points available in Friday morning foursome matches (alternate shot) and four points available in afternoon four-ball matches (best ball). The schedule repeats Saturday ahead of Sunday singles matches, with 12 points up for grabs. 

The U.S. needs 14 points to retain the Cup, while the Europeans need 14.5 to keep the home win streak intact.

Course setup has played a big role in European dominance over the past two decades. The Americans, with more bomb-and-gouge players than their counterparts, have struggled with tight layouts and thick rough like we saw prominently featured five years ago in Paris. 

This looks like a longer, more difficult track than some in recent years. But the rough looks extremely penal and all participants will have to be on point off the tee and embrace the elements – including significant elevation changes and wind – as they come. 

The U.S. Team does look stronger on paper, with superior depth and a slight edge – hence the favorite golf betting odds. But one of the biggest issues has been team chemistry. The Europeans have clearly forged a deep bond over the years and play as a team, with a chip on their shoulders. The Americans more closely resemble hired guns making the trip to do a job. 

We don’t see that changing in 2023. There are some colorful personalities on this roster, players capable of keeping it loose – Justin Thomas, Rickie Fowler, Xander Schauffele and Max Homa among them. But there are some new pieces with Wyndham Clark and Brian Harman joining the mix, and an interesting dynamic with Brooks Koepka joining the old gang after spending the past season with LIV Golf. 

This won’t be a blowout like some recent Cups. This has all the makings of a classic, one that comes down to the wire during Sunday singles. Once again, we expect the Europeans to prevail in the clutch. 

Best Ryder Cup Pick: Europe To Win +125 at DraftKings