COLIN MONTGOMERIE isn't messing about – he's straight in with the big guns as Europe aim to get off to a flier when the Ryder Cup starts on Friday.
After the day one morning pairings were revealed Ladbrokes put up a best price 5-6 on Europe leading going into the second day while betfred are 6-5 on the home side winning the opening foursomes and both bets should be backed.
USPGA champion Martin Kaymer or Lee Westwood will strike the first drive as two of Monty's main men tee off against Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson.
Kaymer may be a rookie but the German has that steely look and should revel in the atmosphere at Celtic Manor. So long as Westwood is fully fit after his injury lay-off this should be Europe's first point.
The Europeans are a best 23-20 with boylesports with the Americans 8-5 at Blue Square.
Next out it's Irish duo Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlory up against Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar. Kuchar has been one of the most consistent players in the world recently and finished second in the FedEx standings but I can see this being a convincing European win by the US Open champion and golf's next big thing.
Take Europe at 5-6 with Paddy Power while it's 2-1 the Americans with Ladbrokes.
America should pick up their first point in the third match when Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker team up to tackle England's Ross Fisher and Ian Poulter. Woods, despite his poor record in the event, looks focused on proving his critics wrong and with Stricker one of the most consistent on tour they can take care of a side that needs Fisher to prove he can rediscover his best form of a year ago. Woods and Stricker are 10-11 at betfred and 888sport with Fisher and Poulter 2-1 with bodog.
In the final match it could go 3-1 Europe with Padraig Harrington and Luke Donald looking too strong and experienced for Jeff Overton and big-hitting Bubba Watson. Celtic Manor, especially with rain forecast, should suit Watson but I'm on the Europeans at 8-11 with Paddy Power. Watson and Overton are a biggest 5-2 at Blue Square and Skybet.
Resident football tipster at Scotland's most read newspaper, the Daily Record, for over 20 years and proud host of one the best betting communities on the web with daily betting tips.
