Fowler's selection adds color to Ryder Cup

Now that the Ryder Cup lineups have been completed with Corey Pavin's announcement of his four captain's picks yesterday, the wagering can begin on whether Team USA can defend its title and win on foreign soil for the first time since 1993 when the event is held at Celtic Manor in Wales from Oct. 1-3.

Colorful PGA Tour rookie Rickie Fowler was a mild surprise as a captain's pick while the selection of Ryder Cup veterans Tiger Woods, Zach Johnson and Stewart Cink was expected. They will join automatic qualifiers Jim Furyk, Dustin Johnson, Matt Kuchar, Hunter Mahan, Phil Mickelson, Jeff Overton, Steve Stricker and Bubba Watson to form Team USA.

Pavin said his pick of Fowler, who had second-place finishes in the Phoenix Open and the Memorial this year, was based simply on a gut feeling and the 21-year-old former Oklahoma State standout's 7-1 record in Walker Cup play. Fowler, who finished 20th in the Ryder Cup point standings, reportedly edged long-hitting J.B. Holmes for the final spot.

Team Europe, comprised of Luke Donald, Ross Fisher, Peter Hanson, Padraig Harrington, Miguel Angel Jimenez, Martin Kaymer, Graeme McDowell, Rory McIlroy, Edoardo Molinari, Francesco Molinari, Ian Poulter and Lee Westwood, will be favored and on paper appears to have a decided edge.

European team captain Colin Montgomerie didn't have to go any lower than 19th on the World Ranking list to form his team, and that was for three-time major winner Harrington. Meanwhile, Pavin had to dip all the way down to 32nd (winless, and-often-orange-clad Fowler) and 36th (Cink). This represents a sea change of sorts in as much as it used to be the other way around.

Since 1989, it previously had always been the Euros who had to go deep into the World Ranking to fill out their roster. But that hasn't stopped the Europeans from winning five of the last seven Ryder Cups. So maybe it bodes well that the U.S. is reaching lower for the likes of Fowler and Cink. If nothing else, the addition of Fowler will spice the proceedings.

At first glance, Team USA appears a bit overloaded with bombers. Pavin can only hope his long-hitters can stay out of trouble and don't prove to be duds on the putting greens. Team Europe might have an edge in the flat-stick department, but it also carries the burden of being the favorite. If the European team gets off to a slow start, the pressure to not lose on home soil will build quickly. So, as the PGA Tour likes to say, "Anything's possible."

Possible matchups for the competition will be fun to speculate about leading up to the event. A singles match between the flashy-dressing Fowler and 21-year-old free spirit McIlroy would no doubt draw a large following.

Information from Rydercup.com and Golf.com contributed to this post.