Ryder Cup top American predictions & free golf betting tips

Steve Palmer's best golf bets & analysis for the top American points scorer market at the 2021 Ryder Cup.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event and Golf, 1pm Friday

Best bets

Justin Thomas top American
3pts 6-1 general

Preview

Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth must have breathed a collective sigh of relief when Patrick Reed was left out of the American side - and the more harmonious home locker room should help two of the home side's heavyweights perform at their best.

The aftermath of the last Ryder Cup was ugly for a disunited States. Reports emerged of a fracas between Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka, but the story which lingered longest was fuelled by Reed, who ripped into Spieth and departing captain Jim Furyk in a New York Times interview.

Reed was fuming that a previously successful partnership with Spieth had been broken up, moaning that Spieth did not want to play with him. He also slammed Furyk for leaving him out of two sessions.

More recently, tensions with Thomas have increased, as Reed's suspected Twitter 'burner account' was reported in the media in February. One player was singled out for more historical abuse than any other on that account - Justin Thomas. The fact that Thomas may soon take the Captain America moniker from Reed is probably what rankles the Texan most.

Captain Steve Stricker clearly holds Thomas and Spieth in high regard and in all likelihood liaised with them both during the selection process. Snubbing Reed was an act of backing Thomas and Spieth to the hilt - and this dynamic duo can be expected to repay their captain in spades.

Spieth has this week been talking up the depth of the American squad and their options for squad rotation, but surely if he and Thomas start the competition strongly, Stricker will be hugely tempted to stick with them throughout the opening two days. Both men are young enough to handle five rounds in three days.

Spieth's singles record for his country is why Thomas represents the more appealing top American wager. Spieth has lost all six of his singles matches in Ryder Cups and Presidents Cups. Thomas, meanwhile, has been generally magnificent every time he has worn the Stars and Stripes.

As well as Spieth, the main dangers to Thomas in this market appear to be Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, who could also get five opportunities to score points.

It is difficult to imagine any of the other eight Americans getting a full set of matches. Dustin Johnson is the oldest member of the side and has been struggling for top form of late, while Open champion Collin Morikawa had some injury niggles in the FedEx Cup playoffs and may not be in Stricker's plans for the fourballs sessions.

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