Johnny Miller Analysis

2025 Johnny Miller Predictions

Scramble

Pubins / Neumann vs. Wilkinson / Morgan

The American’s are hoping to get off to a faster start than they typically do and lead off with a team that won their scramble match in 2024. The Euros counter with a combination of length (Wilk) and finesse (Morgan). This is likely to come down to who can make the key putts. If Wilk can bring his traditional Ryder Cup magic to this match, they Euros will be tough to beat, but the American's consistency should give them regular looks at birdies on each hole. I’m not betting against Wilk early in the day so look for the Americans to continue their struggles to win morning matches. Europeans 1 – 0

Russ Hartung / Verbeck vs. Waskey / Reed

Putting a Ryder Cup rookie out in the second match of the day means there will still be a good size crowd on the tee box, adding to the pressure Reed will be feeling. A risky move by Hodge, but I guess he feels that pairing rookie Reed with veteran Waskey will help ease any early morning jitters from the rookie. Both teams feature a combination of length and finesse and strokes should be negligible. Unlike the first match which will likely hinge on putting, this match may swing based on which team is able to consistently get off the tee. I’m giving the edge to the Americans and correspondingly the win. Americans 1 – 0

Trymbiski Sr / Bartow vs. Hodge / Falcone

I love this pairing for the Americans. Trymbiski's consistency coupled with Bartow's ability to deliver a key shot or drain a long putt should give the American's the edge in this one. The Euro team should not be taken lightly as there is plenty of experience and skill in the Hodge / Falcone pairing, but I just don't see enough from the Euros to overcome the Americans. As long as Trymbiski stays off the phone and ignores his client's demand for red nylon, the American's should win this match. Americans 1-0

Trymbiski Jr / Bitzer vs. Arslin / Schumaker

This is a matchup where each team has put together pairings with one player with high consistency in his game (Arslin and Bitzer) and players who have high variability in their play (Trymbiski and Schumaker). The winner of this match will be determined by the play of Trymbiski and Schumaker. Shots will be negligible and I look for this match to be back and forth with holes being one on both sides of the ledger. Too close to call. Match Halved ½ - ½

Alternate Shot

Neumann / Verbeck vs. Wilkinson / Reed

Hodge has paired the longest hitters on his team together in this match, and if they can get off the tee, look for this team to have wedges in on most holes, as well as making both par 5s reachable. Neumann and Verbeck will need to hit greens and make putts to stay in this match. Any hole where Neumann puts Verbeck in a trap is an an automatic win for the Euros. Plus there is too much power for the Euros and I expect Reed to get his first Ryder Cup point and for Wilk to continue his Ryder Cup dominance and move to 2 - 0 for the day with a win in this format. Europeans 1 – 0

Pubins / Russ Hartung vs. Waskey / Morgan

The ideal script for the Americans to win this match is for Pubins to put his drives in play. That should give him makable birdie putts on most holes. Getting to hit Russ's drives as a "backup" isn't a bad option either. No weaknesses in this American pairings to speak of. The Euro pair has an uphill climb in this match, but it is the morning and Euros inexplicably win matches they shouldn't win in the morning matches. Despite likely getting a shot or two advantage, I don't see any way for the Euros to overcome this American pairing. This one may be over on the 16th hole. Americans 1 – 0

Trymbiski Sr / Bitzer vs. Hodge / Schumaker

Another outstanding pairing put together by Captain Neumann for the Americans in this match. The consistency that the Americans will bring to this match will keep the pressure on the Euros all day. Hodge and Schumaker both can deliver outstanding shots, but the question is can they do it in an alternate shot format. If this match was in the afternoon, it would be an easy American win, but again the morning struggles are real for the Americans. Despite that, the edge here goes to the Americans who should win this match going away. Americans 1 – 0

Trymbiski Jr / Bartow vs. Arslin / Falcone

I like the Euro pairing for this match - two veterans with the ability to deliver consistent play and good putting. The Americans have the benefit of Trymbiski's length off the tee and if he can deliver long drives in the fairway, the Americans could score the upset in this match. Unfortunately for the US team, even with longer drives, I don't see a US win in this match up.

Europeans 1 - 0

Better Ball of Partners

Pubins / Trymbiski Jr vs. Reed / Wilkinson

The Euro captain keeps the long hitting team of Reed and Wilkinson together for the afternoon matches. Pubins and Wilkinson will be getting some shots in this matchup and the winner may be determined by how well those 2 play. The fact that this match is on the front 9 helps the Americans, but the Euros are a threat to birdie any of the holes. The rookie nerves for Reed should have settled down by now and I expect him to play well in this match. The Americans certainly have the ability to win this match, but I’m giving slight edge to the Euros. Europeans 1 – 0

Bartow / Verbeck vs. Falcone / Morgan

This match offers Verbeck the ability to deliver some payback to the Euros while teamed with one of the original American players. This matchup features players who are all relatively similar from a handicap perspective so shots won't play a big factor in who wins this match. Falcone is an experienced better ball player who has a series of wins under his belt in this format. This match could go either way so I'm going with the tie. Match Halved ½ - ½

Russ Hartung / Bitzer vs. Waskey / Schumaker

There are a lot of shots being given by Hartung now that we get into the afternoon matches. Bitzer will need to take advantage of those shots to hold off the Euros who will have the handicap advantage in this match. Russ and Bitzer will need to produce some birdies (gross or net) to overcome the Euros. If the Euros make 6 gross pars in this match, the match is over and it becomes an easy win for the Euros. The Americans are hoping Russ can get on a heater and shoots a 32 – if he can do that, I think the Americans can take it. Too many strokes for the Euros. Europeans 1 – 0.

Neumann / Trymbiski Sr. vs. Hodge / Arslin

The Euros will need to use their stroke advantage in this match if they are going to win this matchup. Getting 3 to 4 shots in 9 holes may be too much for the Americans to overcome. Hodge will have a less frenetic afternoon with Arslin in the cart vs. some of his former partners, and Arslin calming influence should help Hodge raise his game. The Americans are likely to par or birdie every hole with the consistency of Neumann and Trymbiski's game, but I'm not sure that will be enough against the Euros strokes. Either team can win this match, but I’m going out on a limb and picking the Euros. European 1 – 0.

Singles

Pubins vs. Wilkinson

Pubins is a grinder who has been the American MVP for the past 3 years. Wilk has been the Euro MVP for the past 3 years. Something will have to give in this matchup of heavyweights. Handicaps are pretty even so this will come down to who can deliver in the clutch. I can't bet against either of these players. Match Halved ½ - ½

Trymbiski Jr vs. Reed

In a matchup of long hitters with similar handicaps, the experience of Trymbiski may be the differentiator in this one. Sending Reed out earlier in the afternoon is likely a smart play, as the pressure of his match winning or losing the cup may be too much for the rookie. Trymbiski is happy that we won't be giving a boatload of strokes to his European opponent this year vs. prior years where he consistently gave strokes to his opponents. I like the American in this match. Americans 1-0

Bartow vs. Morgan

Entering the 4th match of the day, the big question will be how will Bartow's back be holding up? If he can stay healthy, Bartow would be the favorite in this match, but it's a long day. Morgan is a solid singles player, but there shouldn't be many strokes in this match making it a very close matchup. Given the uncertainty in Bartow's health, I'm going to give the edge to Morgan. Europeans 1-0

Verbeck vs. Falcone

Both of these players can string together 5-6 strong holes to run away with this match. The Americans are hoping Verbeck is fired up about facing his former teammates and channels that energy into great play. Falcone is one of the (few) Euros who typically wins his singles matches in the Ryder Cup so he may be too touch to overcome. Again, another match with very few shots so handicaps will not decide this one. This is another match that could go either way so I'm going to split the difference and call for a tie. Match Halved ½ - ½

Hartung vs. Schumaker

This match features the lowest handicap player against one of the highest handicap player. Schumaker will be getting 6-7 shots in this matchup so if he can make 4 pars, that may be enough to win. The Hartung name is legendary in singles match play in the Ryder Cup so expect Russ to keep the pressure on Schu all day long. I expect consistent play from Russ so it will come down to which Schumaker shows up, the one that scrambles his way around the course to unlikely pars, or the one that struggles to get the ball in hole. Too many shots and too much experience for the Euros in this matchup. Europeans 1 – 0

Bitzer vs. Waskey

Bitzer is looking to return to Ryder Cup dominance and has a tough matchup against Waskey to help deliver the cup for the Americans. This is a very competitive match where handicaps are relatively even. Waskey is looking to bounce back from an off 2024 performance and Bitzer is beatable in this singles match. Again, a very close match and hard to pick this one. I think Waskey may edge out Bitzer in a close hard fought match – Europeans 1 – 0

Trymbiski Sr. vs. Arslin

Arslin will be getting a few shots in this match and will need them to overcome Trymbiski's consistent play. Trymbiski Sr. should be in the zone by this time of the day – in full grind mode – and fighting to win every hole. Since the Americans win most of the afternoon matches, I’m betting on some inconsistency from the Euro player and a win for the American – Americans 1 – 0

Neumann vs. Hodge

Neumann has had Hodge's number the past few years, but comes into this cup with his lowest handicap in years. Hodge will be getting 3-4 shots and that may be enough to help Hodge finally break through against Neumann. Look for Neumann to order some air strikes for the Euro's cart in the afternoon to try and gain an advantage over Hodge. This match is close and will come down to who is getting off the tee better. No clear advantage for either player means I’m picking a tie. Match Halved ½ - ½

Final Score:

Europeans 11 1/2 Americans 8 1/2

This competition is always close and a couple of putts one way or another will likely be the difference in this always close event. Enjoy the day gentleman!!

The Doylestown Ryder Cup at DCC