NEXT EUROPEAN RYDER CUP CAPTAIN BETTING

Europe regained the Ryder Cup in the most dramatic of fashions yesterday as Graeme McDowell held his nerve to bring the trophy back to European soil. Colin Montgomerie described the moment as the greatest of his career whilst McDowell said that the apprehension that he felt was far in excess of when he won the US Open earlier this year.
I am sure that the celebrations went long into the night at Celtic Manor, but as soon as Monty declared that he believed that the Ryder Cup captaincy was now a onetime gig, speculation arose as to who would take the job next. The Scot gave his seal of approval to Jose Maria Olazabal and Unibet have consequently made him the 7/4 favourite.
Vice-captains Darren Clarke, Thomas Bjorn and Paul McGinley are also towards the forefront of the betting. Although it is widely believed that the latter has been earmarked for the role in 2014 when the event will be played at Gleneagles.
The bookmakers are sitting firmly on the fence for the betting for the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club, most are offering Evens on both the USA and Europe. With partisan crowds playing an increasingly important role in the event, the last three Ryder Cups have been won by the host nation.
In the World Grand Prix of Darts, Phil Taylor got off to a ruthless start last night as he beat Brendan Dolan without dropping a leg. Tonight it is the turn of his old foe Raymond van Barneveld and new foe Simon Whitlock.
The Dutchman has been out of the game with injury for over two months now and faces a potentially tricky tie against John MaGowan. I’d advise against backing Barney at the short odds of 1/8 with Betfred.
Whitlock faces Aussie Geordie Paul Nicholson in his opening round match and is a justifiably short 2/5 to win. The Wizard is renowned for being ruthless on his doubles and comes into the event in great form having recently won his fifth Players Championship of the year.