IT’S BEEN AN intriguing start to the 2014 Ryder Cup with the USA narrowly in front heading into the afternoon foursomes.
Europe began brightly and showed some early intent but things became a lot tighter as the morning progressed.
The first pair out, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson, beat Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson by 5&4 after a dominant display.
The European pair were in control from the off and Rose in particular played some excellent golf: his delightful putt at 10 proving a real highlight.
The biggest surprise was US rookies Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth. They simply demolished Ian Poulter and Stephen Gallacher and also claimed victory by 5&4.
Thomas Bjorn and Martin Kaymer will feel mightily disappointed after being 2 up with three to play against Rickie Fowler and Jimmy Walker. But Walker rallied late on and conjured birdies at the 16th and 18th to ensure it finished all-square.
Walker was in great form throughout and conjured this beauty for an eagle on the 9th.
http://vine.co/v/OZqtOD373D7
After a marathon session (having started at 7.30, play was still continuing close to five and a half hours later), it all came down to the most high-profile showdown.
After some back and forth in recent days, Rory McIlroy and Sergio Garcia weren’t able to quieten Phil Mickelson (and Keegan Bradley) though it went right to the wire. At the 18th, Mickelson conjured a birdie to settle it and take the all-important win.
Morning fourballs result: Europe 1.5 – 2.5 USA
Rose & Stenson (Europe) BEAT Watson & Simpson (USA) – 5&4
Bjorn & Kaymer (Europe) HALVED Fowler & Walker (USA) – A/S
Spieth & Reed (USA) BEAT Gallacher & Poulter (Europe) – 5&4
Bradley & Mickelson (USA) BEAT Garcia & McIlroy (Europe) v - 1 up
Gallagher has been awful, hope he’s not out for afternoon.
Looking forward to a day of it tomorrow and a few pints of porter!!
There were twice as many people at the Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska in County Laois over the last 3-days than will attend the Ryder Cup. It’s a game of golf, who cares?
I do. Ive zero interest in the ploughing championships. There has been lots of articles about it. Jog on
A lot more people will know on Sunday who won the Ryder cup then who won the ploughing. Actually john who won the ploughing???
There’s more people in China than will attend both events while were comparing apples and oranges. You sir, are a moron
Ploughing championship? Jog on ya nutter.
Fair play to the ploughing championships pulling in the crowd
What’s this Sky Sports crap about Poulter being Mr Ryder Cup.
Building him up for the chop!!
11 points from 13. Partner let him down. Poulter is mr ryder cup
Partner did not let poulter down today, he did not have one birdie, Gallagher did. Poulter is off form for last year. Should have sent Westwood out with Gallagher.
Have a look at the viewing figures or demand for tickets worldwide before making such a silly comment.
Standard is very poor, very underwhelming so far. I think the magic has been hyped out of it. Most exciting part so far was the pairings announcement, and now we are hyping up the afternoon announcement. Hopefully it improves. Gallagher and poulter can have next day and half off, and hide them in middle of singles. Webb Simpson with them.
@Senator John Whelan; Would you be saying that if the Ryder Cup was being held in Ireland?
Great day