Golf is far from the center of the sports world during the winter, but when the Ryder Cup is on deck, everyone takes notice. Every few years we link up the USA vs. Europe in a dramatic, must-see event, and the 2023 version from Rome is sure to deliver. In this post, we’re going to be making our best Ryder Cup picks via some DraftKings and FanDuel numbers.
For this event, we not only have an extremely competitive matchup, but storylines from LIV, new-look rosters and the course all play a factor. On the betting side, it’s a format and a tournament we don’t see often at all; though, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plays. Knowing the individual pairings and matchups is difficult before the tournament gets started. However, there are still some spots to attack before the first shot is hit. Let’s dive into a couple of the best Ryder Cup picks.
Best Ryder Cup Picks 2023
Team Europe To Win: +100 DraftKings Sportsbook
Let’s start with the most important question and Ryder Cup bet on people’s minds: Which team is taking home this trophy? As much as I’ll be rooting for Team USA, I’ll be backing Europe with my wallet, as they have the advantage. This number has come down so — admittedly — we did miss some value, but at straight even money, it is Europe or pass in this spot.
The obvious thing to point out right off the bat is the USA hasn’t achieved Ryder Cup success on European soil since 1993. Moreover, lately home turf has been vital in terms of who wins the event. The last four Ryder cups have gone to the home team, and this layout in Rome is sure to favor the Europeans.
Personnel-wise, both sides have some elite talent, but the 1-2-3 combo of Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland is nothing to overlook. Add in some questions marks on the USA side, and the Europeans have to be the squad we look at.
Both teams have a handful of guys who are new to the event. How they respond could go a long way to determining a champion. For the U.S., having to deal with the unknowns of the roster plus the unknowns of the course is a combo that has me concerned.
Top Overall Point Scorer: Jon Rahm 10-1 FanDuel Sportsbook
In addition to taking some positions on each team, we can drill down further and target specific players on these rosters. Finding the guy who is the overall leader in points is tricky, as he needs to, of course, play well but also have opportunities to play in each format. The latter shouldn’t be an issue for Rahm, assuming Europe wants and needs him playing as much as possible. He has eight matches over two Ryder Cups and stands at a respectable 4-3-1 record.
Rahm could take a big step forward here, and if the Europeans get the job done, he could be a big reason why. The Spaniard took down the Masters and was runner-up and the Open, and he has plenty of experience on Euro tracks. This layout should give him opportunities off the tee, especially on the par 5’s, and given the talent, 10-1 is a price worth considering. Finding the overall point getter is always tricky, but for a longshot Ryder Cup bet, this is one I’m willing to wager on.
Top USA Point Scorer: Xander Schauffele +550 FanDuel Sportsbook
We’ve talked a ton about the European side of this matchup, but let’s not forget about the U.S. team and their talent. They still have a handful of elite, experienced players on this roster. Truthfully, if they are to win, guys like Xander Schauffele need to play big.
It doesn’t seem like it, but Schauffele only has one Ryder Cup appearance on the resume, so this will be his first Ryder Cup appearance on Euro soil. He was 3-1 in 2021, and he has a chance to emerge as a leader for this U.S. squad. His ball striking is always solid, and he has the right style to play as an individual or with a pairing.
Speaking of pairing, it doesn’t hurt that he and Patrick Cantlay seem to be one of the most reliable duos out there. I’d be shocked if we didn’t see them together here. That helps rack up potential points, and that is what is needed for Schauffele to become the top U.S. scorer. At just north of 5-1, this is the guy I want to target, and if they are to win, Schauffele should be a main reason why.
