A supercomputer has predicted that Team USA will reclaim the Ryder Cup from Europe with a narrow one-point victory at Bethpage Black in New York. The prediction model, created by Boyle Sports, gives the hosts a 57.1 per cent chance of winning the trophy back after their 16.5-11.5 defeat in Rome two years ago.
Team Europe are given a 35.3 per cent chance of retaining the cup outright and becoming the first team since the 'Miracle of Medinah' in 2012 to win away from home. A draw would also see Europe retain, with a 7.3 per cent probability, giving them a cumulative 42.9 per cent chance of keeping the trophy until at least 2027.
The most likely final score, according to the supercomputer, is a 14.5-13.5 victory for the USA, with a 14.4 per cent chance. Seven of the 12 most probable scorelines favour the home team, including the second-most likely: an 18.5-9.5 win for the USA (12.5 per cent chance). A 19-9 home victory has a 5.7 per cent chance, while the reverse score is only 2.3 per cent likely.
Despite the odds favouring the USA, a European win cannot be discounted. The third-likeliest outcome is a 14.5-13.5 away victory, with a 10.4 per cent chance. Captains Keegan Bradley (USA) and Luke Donald (Europe) have vowed to put their friendship on hold during the competition, though Donald insists they will share a drink on Sunday regardless of the result.
