Medinah Course Guide: Seven holes that could define the Ryder Cup

The drama is likely to begin on the second hole
There will be betting drama aplenty at Medinah when the Ryder Cup begins next week, so stay ahead of the in-play pack with our course guide
Because we very rarely bet on team matchplay, it is important that punters remember the distinctions between this format and the strokeplay norm, of which the process of analysing the host course is a perfect case in point.
Whereas it is basic practice to evaluate the overall character of a course, to see which types of player are best suited, that task becomes more nuanced when scoring is determined by holes won, rather than total strokes. Normally we might, for in-play trading purposes, seek to identify which sections of the course produce better or worse scoring. This is irrelevant in Ryder Cup matches because, of course, everyone involved plays the same hole at the same time.
It is equally impossible to confidently predict which holes will produce the most memorable moments - every hole, every shot, can be a significant turning point. We can, however, take a guess at which holes are likelier to produce a win, rather than a half. Or which type of players might enjoy an advantage on each hole.
The following seven best reflect the challenges players will face at Medinah and are all bound to produce plenty of turning points over the weekend.
Hole 2
After a tame opening par-four, the drama begins. Par-threes always seem more dramatic in matchplay and all four short holes at Medinah will produce classic Ryder Cup moments. If there's a stat to follow as a guide to which players will prosper, par-three performance could be it. This one is only 192 yards, therefore offering birdie potential, but a long water-carry through crosswinds will equally claim many victims. While having the honour here offers a chance to put pressure on your opponent, it is probably a disadvantage to play first.
Hole 4
Medinah is widely expected to suit big-hitters, not least due to several long par-fours. Typically here, a long second shot to an elevated green requires the shortest club possible in order to hold fast, sloping greens. Similar comments can be applied to the 476-yard 12th and the 482-yard 16th.
Hole 6
Power is no use in matchplay, however, unless married with accuracy. So while this 509-yard par-four is indeed a monster, don't necessarily bank on the power-hitters winning this hole if they're up against shorter, straighter types. Missing the fairway here will almost certainly result in bogey, but only long, straight drivers are likely to get a look at birdie. This is precisely the type of hole that Lee Westwood has dominated during his magnificent Ryder Cup career.
Hole 10
Of the four par-fives, this classic risk-reward affair could prove the most exciting. Again, while we can expect bombers to attack the green in two, don't assume they're going to win the hole. This is the most sloping green on the course, which will take a pretty special approach to hold. Alternatively, shorter-hitters and wiser heads may choose to lay-up and make a fairly straightforward birdie.
Hole 14
This par-five does offer power-hitters a significant advantage, which can't necessarily be said of the other long holes. Whereas the other three are either in reach for everyone, out of reach for everyone or like the 10th, present a tricky tactical decision, the few that can reach 609 yards in two shots should start strong favourites to win this hole. A well-guarded, sloping green means those laying up are still not guaranteed either a straightforward birdie-putt or safety.
Hole 15
This par-four is what the Ryder Cup is all about. At just 391 yards, the green will be within range on certain days, presenting a risky opportunity that will be hard for anyone to resist. With water adjoining the landing area and green there will be no shortage of disasters, while the complexity of scrambling means even a good drive will not ensure birdie. Expect many matches to swing both ways during this hole in classic matchplay style.
Hole 17
After the birdie opportunity at 15, any pars will be gratefully received down Medinah's closing stretch. The 16th and 18th are tough par-fours, sandwiched by the last of four exciting short holes. Birdie is a possibility with the hole measuring only 193 yards, but there is water to the right and a tough up and down for those missing long or left. Moreover, at this stage of a match, this tee-shot will shred the steeliest of nerves.