Ryder Cup Build-Up: Jason ready for his maiden Ryder Cup voyage

Juason Dufner is one of four USA Ryder Cup debutants
Romilly Evans reckons the dependable Jason Dufner will enjoy some beginner's luck in Chicago
While the Transatlantic tide of trading appears to be running in favour of the hosts, Team USA, it's an undeniable fact that experience is on the side of Team Europe. They have but one debutant - and in Nicolas Colsaerts it's a fearless one. The States, on the other hand, sport a quartet of first-timers. Although, even these four "green" players have credentials to bolster their supposedly nave status: two major champions and two multiple winners.
In short, in a match billed as the strongest in recent history, these are possibly the finest debutants in Ryder Cup memory. However, if the Cup really is a rarefied air one has to be taught to breathe, which of these golfers will acclimatise the best and which will be left be coming up for oxygen?
Keegan Bradley - took the USPGA last year and backed it up with another big win in the WGC at Firestone. Seems to have an uncanny knack of holing crucial putts at the right time but has rather lost his way over the Playoffs. This steely competitor would seem a ready companion for his Tour mentor, Phil Mickelson. However, Lefty's swing again looked out of sorts at East Lake, and neither player is likely to be trusted for every match. Look elsewhere.
Webb Simpson - similar to Bradley in that he hits the ball a mile and won a major (this year's US Open at Olympic) by wielding the controversial belly putter. This god-fearing golfer has a sanguine attitude which will serve him well, but is another whose form has lapsed into mediocrity of late.
Jason Dufner - surely the most talented of all these Ryder Cup novices. Dufner has been the breakout player of the year on the US Tour, putting major championship disappointment behind him and collecting two big titles in a heady summer. One of the better ball-strikers on the circuit, "Duffman" is a rock-steady tee-to-green and appears an ideal foursomes partner. Few ride a streak better, so if Dufner gets off to a winning start, captain Davis Love is likely to let him roll.
Brandt Snedeker - actually the most in-form player of all the US beginners (with a sustained purple patch over the Playoffs to merit his wildcard) but is not a player whom I particularly rate. That's because of his unwavering reliance on his short game, especially his putting. Of course, that pure stroke is exactly why Love chose him, but I'd prefer to side with exponents of less capricious talents. His swing could break down under pressure.
Nicolas Colsaerts - a player of whom I'm a big fan, a quick learner with an affable demeanour. Captain Jose Maria Olazabal is likely to relax the reigns and give this debutant his head over the endless Medinah yardage which is within the compass of few on Team Europe. A hot hand and could perform like an old one.
Recommended Bet
Back Jason Dufner to be Top Debutant @ 4.03/1 or better