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Nick Faldo’s European side begin their search for a fourth straight Ryder Cup victory on Friday when they face Paul Azinger’s US side at the Valhalla Country Club in Louisville Kentucky. Following convincing 9 point victories in both of the last two Ryder Cups, confidence will be high amongst the European’s, especially Irishman Padraig Harrington. Having successfully defended his Open crown at Royal Birkdale earlier this year, he then won his first Major in American when he claimed the PGA Championship at Oakland Hills in Michigan last month. He will be seen as one of the leaders of the side, although Europe’s strength has always come from its team mentality and their player’s ability to adapt to playing as a team, in stark contrast to recent American sides.

Europe are Evens with win the match outright with BGBet, with the USA at 5/4 at VCbet, while a tie is 10/1 at Centrebet.

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Harrington will be one of a number of players on the European side that have experienced victory, and the competition’ team format seems to bring the best out of some players. This was always true of Colin Montgomerie, who is not here this year, but also of Sergio Garcia, as the Spaniard’s enthusiasm rubs off across the whole team and can act as a catalyst. He is not just in the side in cheerleader role; however, as he has an excellent record in the competition, winning three quarters of the events he is involved in. There could be a close battle between him and Harrington to be Europe’s, and possibly the tournaments’, top points scorer.

Garcia is the 4/1 favourite with BGbet to be top European points scorer, with Harrington 11/2 at VCbet for that title. Phil Mickleson and Jim Furyk head the betting to be America’s top scorer at 5/1 and 11/2 with VCbet respectively. Garcia and Mickleson also head the outright scorer market, Garcia the favourite with BGbet at 7/1, with Mickleson close behind at 10/1 with VCbet.

Sky Bet are offering an unrivalled number of markets on this year’s Ryder Cup, with betting available on everything from top points scorer to biggest singles victory margin to Azinger crying on the 18th green should the US be victorious! (10/1)

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You can bet on whether or not the opening shot hits the fairway (1/2 hits, 6/4 misses), how many matches will go down the 18th (12 or more 8/11, 11 or under evens), Europe to break their points record of 18.5 (20/1) and even on which hole the Ryder Cup will be won.

Sky Bet remain a standout 13/10 on the US, with Europe quoted at 8/11 for a fourth consecutive win and the tie priced at 12/1.

Sky Bet’s senior golf compiler John Rhodes said, “Europe have won the previous three Ryder Cups, the last two being landslide victories. I’m confident that their strong team unity and in-form players, who performed well in Germany last week, will see them triumph again. It seems to me that the only way the US will win is by Azinger whipping up the home crowd but their players will need more than that to stop Europe landing a fourth consecutive victory.”

As well as boasting an unparalleled range of Ryder Cup specials, Sky Bet are also offering customers who have a Sky Sports subscription the opportunity to watch all the action from Valhalla for free, live on their PC. See here for more details.

Sky Bet’s Top Betting Tips for the 2008 Ryder Cup

Ryder Cup Winner
Europe (8/11) are a very strong bet this year to win their fourth consecutive Ryder Cup under the leadership of England finest golfer Nick Faldo. Europe have the better players, players who have performed well in majors on both sides of the pond and a great team unity.

Top European Scorer
Sergio Garcia 7/2 - He provided 4 points from 5 in 2006 and has a great Ryder Cup record

Top USA Points Scorer
JB Holmes 16/1 - He’s a Rookie and a wild card pick, but at 16/1 he could be worth a bet. He knows the course well and, as he is a big hitter, the course will play to his strengths

Top Event Scorer
Sergio Garcia 7/2 – Garcia has played 20 matches in the Ryder Cup (5 in each of 1999, 2002 2004 and 2006), he has won 14, lost 3 and halved 3. This record speaks for itself and can’t be ignored

Hole In One Specials
Hole in one in the singles 20/1 – There were two hole in ones in the singles in 2006, Paul Casey and Scott Verplank. With the class of players involved, it wouldn’t be any surprise to see somebody hit one.

Correct Score
Europe 18.5 v 9.5 25/1 – Stranger things have happened. We saw this score in 2004 and 2006 and could very well see it again this year.

To Gain Maximum 5 Points
Sergio Garcia 14/1 - He is a world class player and looks set to lead by example

Popular Bets With Sky Bet Customers
European and US player points market proving popular - Garcia for 3 points or less has been backed in to 4/6 from 6/5.
Casey is biggest loser for Top European and Top Event scorer
Westwood well backed for top English Points Scorer at 7/4
2 or more hole in ones 40/1 (from 66/1) 5 figure loser
Europe to break scoring record 19+ points 20/1
5 or less halved matches backed in from 4/6 to 4/7
11 or under matches going down the 18th very popular at evens

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Popularity: 6% [?]

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