Dreamers,
Unfortunately there will not be enough time to turn around a podcast for Ryder Cup Friday afternoon Four-Ball matches. Below are picks for the afternoon matches.
Match 1: Dustin Johnson and Xander Schauffele vs. Paul Casey and Bernd Wiesberger
Schauffele proved this morning that he can rise to the occasion in a Ryder Cup settling, which isn't surprising considering he won Gold at the Olympics this year. Casey and Wiesberger will have a tough time keeping up with the distance and pure ball striking of this US pairing.
Pick: Dustin Johnson and Xander Schauffele over Paul Casey and Bernd Wiesberger -165
Match 2: Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler vs. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton
USA captain Steve Stricker is sending his two bombers out together. With DeChambeau riling up the crowd and Scheffler's poised attitude, this will be a US pairing that meshes well. Scheffler is also my pick for top overall Ryder Cup rookie, and he is going to get it started in this match. Harrington will regret splitting Rahm and Garcia.
Pick: Bryson Dechambeau and Scottie Scheffler over Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton +120
Match 3: Tony Finau and Harris English vs. Rory Mcilroy and Shane Lowry
Rory is coming off an embarrassing defeat that exposed Poulter's lack of distance this morning. European captain Padraig Harrington has paired him with fellow Irishman Shane Lowry in the afternoon Four-Ball, and Rory will look to silence the American crowd. This will be Harris English's first career Ryder Cup match, and it will serve as a learning experience rather than a win.
Pick: Rory Mcilroy and Shane Lowry o Tony Finau and Harris English +115
Match 4: Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay vs. Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland
Garcia and Rahm proved to be overpowering for Thomas and Spieth this morning, and I love USA Captain Steve Stricker's decision to pair Thomas up with the red-hot Patrick Cantlay in afternoon Four-Ball. Fleetwood is undefeated (2-0-0) in career Four-Ball matches, but his distance is a concern at Whistling Straits. Surprised he is paired with Ryder Cup rookie Viktor Hovland.
Pick and Best Bet: Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay over Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland -110
We will release a podcast on the Dream Preview tonight with picks for Saturday morning Foursomes.