bwin Sportsblog - Golf - Can Ireland defend their crown?

The 56th World Cup of Golf takes place between 24th-27th November at the Mission Hills Club in Hainan, China and 28 teams are looking to get their hands on the trophy. Several teams can be classed as contenders for this four day event and England are in with a great shout with Ian Poulter and Justin Rose in action this week.

Ireland though have two major winners in Graeme McDowell and Rory Mcilroy and that may be enough for them to start as favourites here in China. McDowell though has struggled to regain the form which saw him surge to a huge win in the US Open and probably too much has been expected from Mcilroy after he did the same.

Italy will feel that they have a great chance with the Molinari brothers taking centre stage for them while the USA always have a decent run in this competition and should figure well. However it looks like the three to beat could be Ireland, England and Italy.