New Golf Gambling Site Makes Data-Driven Ryder Cup Pairings Predictions, Pick to Win

KeyCompete is a new online golf gaming and fantasy tips website, and special to SI Golf, it offers its breakdown of the 2023 Ryder Cup.

KeyCompete is a new online golf gaming and fantasy tips website and newsletter that is dedicated to providing advice for golf bettors of all stripes. Launched earlier this year, KeyCompete is currently enjoying a win ratio of nearly 70%. Learn more here, and read on as SI Golf shares its preview of the upcoming Ryder Cup.

The Course

The 2023 Ryder Cup is set to unfold on the meticulously redesigned grounds of Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. This architectural masterpiece, the brainchild of European Golf Design in cooperation with Tom Fazio II, underwent a transformative overhaul that began in August 2018 and finished in March 2021. The objective? Craft a golf course that would not only challenge the world’s best golfers but also amplify the drama of match play.

It says here they succeeded. The redesign was more than just a facelift; it was a reimagining of the course layout. Marco Simone now presents numerous risk-and-reward opportunities throughout, promising an electrifying spectacle for both players and spectators alike. The rolling, countryside terrain was harnessed to its full potential, creating a landscape that blends with the surrounding Italian countryside.

Fans will be treated to more than just top-tier golf: they’ll enjoy unrivaled views of the on-course action and, in the distance, the breathtaking Eternal City itself.

Ryder Cup Storylines

The main question is whether the American team can break Europe’s dominance on its home soil. Europe has won 8 out of the last 11 Ryder Cups, with the Americans in the midst of a 30-year drought in road games. This year, the pressure mounts on the American squad as they enter the week as the betting favorite.

Justin Thomas should be a central figure after a disappointing 2022-2023 season marked by narrowly missing a spot in the FedEx Cup playoffs. Along the way, he missed six cuts and struggled at the majors. Critics have questioned whether JT deserved a captain’s pick, but Captain Zach Johnson firmly believes in his selection. Thomas will be under a microscope in Rome.

Prominent Players in Rome: Fleetwood, Hovland, Spieth and Thomas / USA Today

2023 Ryder Cup Rosters

Here’s a quick look at the 24 members set to compete, along with their current SI World Golf Ranking and their Key Compete Power Ranking, which comes from a proprietary AI system that analyzes each golfer and the course they are playing. The Key Compete Power Ranking is updated after each round while accounting for current form. A max Key Compete ranking score is 100.

Team Europe

U.S. Team

2023 Ryder Cup Possible Pairings

The anticipation of potential matchups is one of the most thrilling aspects of team events like the Ryder Cup. Here are some pairings that look like good choices for the different sessions.

Fourball

Europe

Rory McIlroy and Ludvig Aberg: This pairing combines the seasoned experience of McIlroy with the youthful energy of Aberg, a rising star. McIlroy's wealth of Ryder Cup experience can guide Aberg, making it an exciting combination of mentorship and talent.

Jon Rahm and Tommy Fleetwood: Rahm's fire  paired with  Fleetwood's consistent and solid play makes them a formidable team. 

Tyrrell Hatton and Shane Lowry: While this pairing promises a good dose of humor and camaraderie, don't underestimate their skill. Hatton and Lowry may bring the fun, but they're also two highly talented golfers who can surprise their opponents. Hatton also enters the week off of a second-place finish at the DP World Tour’s Flagship event. 

Viktor Hovland and Matthew Fitzpatrick: Hovland, fresh off his FedEx Cup playoff victory, combined with the precise play of Fitzpatrick, creates a strategic and technically sound partnership. Expect calculated shot-making from this duo. Matthew Fitzpatrick has a record of 0-5-0 in the Ryder Cup so Luke Donald may consider putting these two together so some of Hovalnd’s recent momentum rubs off.

U.S.

Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele: Cantlay and Schauffele have a strong track record as partners, with a 6-3-0 record. Their chemistry and complementary skills make them a reliable pair, especially in the fourball format.

Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth: The lifelong friendship between Thomas and Spieth is an invaluable asset. Their deep understanding of each other's game and unspoken communication can be a potent force, capable of turning the tide in crucial matches.

Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka: Scheffler and Koepka are known for their ball-striking prowess and look formidable on paper. Scheffler went undefeated in his only appearance at the Ryder Cup and Koepka loves to show up at big events. Look for these two to be paired up this week.

Max Homa and Collin Morikawa: The California connection adds an element of camaraderie to this team. Morikawa went undefeated in Whistling Straits, making him a great partner for the rookie Homa.

Foursomes

Europe

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood: This combination offers a balance of distance and accuracy, crucial in alternate-shot play.

Shane Lowry and Jon Rahm: Lowry's experience and Rahm's raw talent can be a captivating pairing. If Lowry can help Rahm stay relaxed and focused, they could click in the foursome format.

Viktor Hovland and Justin Rose: Hovland's recent success, paired with the veteran experience of Justin Rose provides a strong mix of talent and composure. 

Robert MacIntyre and Matt Fitzpatrick: The youthful energy and all-around game of MacIntyre combined with Fitzpatrick's precision can create a harmonious partnership. Their complementary styles could lead to success.

USA

Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns: The friendship between Scheffler and Burns cannot be ignored. Their camaraderie could prove to be a valuable asset for the American team, especially in alternate-shot matches.

Rickie Fowler and Justin Thomas: Fowler's resurgence coupled with Thomas' experience makes this pairing intriguing. Thomas might find the support he needs in Fowler to excel. They would be a tough matchup in this format.

Jordan Spieth and Brooks Koepka: This pairing brings together Spieth's renowned putting ability with Koepka's powerful drives. If they can find synergy, they could be a formidable force.

Collin Morikawa and Max Homa: The California kids could work well in this format as well. We think they'll play together all week.

Prediction: Who Will Win the 2023 Ryder Cup?

While the betting odds may tilt in favor of the USA at -138, our model leans toward the underdog, Europe, at +137. Our model is also a reminder that the Ryder Cup is always a stage for surprises. Even the tie, at +1200, serves as a tantalizing reminder that in this unique competition, anything can happen.