Europe must defy history to defend Ryder Cup crown after impressive USA turn the screw at Whistling Straits
USA win morning foursomes 3-1 to take 9-3 lead into afternoon fourballs
Afternoon fourballs drawn 2-2 to leave Europe hoping for another miracle
Sportsmanship row brewing over players' failures to concede short-range putts
Europe are 11-5 going into the final day of the 43rd Ryder Cup and must produce the unprecedented. Never mind the “Miracle of Medinah”, Padraig Harrington’s men need something even more unbelievable if they are to retain the trophy and deny USA their first back-to-back home triumphs in 38 years.
Nine years ago, Europe were 10-6 down in Chicago and managed to come back and after watching Shane Lowry hole a 10-footer on the 18th on Saturday night and enact an exhilarating, belly-bouncing celebration, it was tempting to allow the hope to bubble again.
Yet that deficit in 2012 was considered to be at the outer limits of what was deemed credible and although it is only one more point, remind yourself that Steve Stricker’s side only requires three-and-half points out of 12 and are playing superbly. It is beyond irrational, whatever Harrington was claiming to contrary on Saturday night.
“Six points is a tough one to make up tomorrow, but I think we were a half-point short of that in the Miracle at Medinah on Sunday, so we're just going to have to push for that tomorrow,” Harrington said, glossing over the fact that Tiger Woods almost conceded his point after the Cup had been retained. “I'm sure they know they have a very tall order ahead of them, but it's still possible.”
The motivation will be there regardless, but the manner in which America acted on this pulsating Saturday surely adds further incentive. It was hardly their proudest hour. Brooks Koepka swore at two officials who refused to give him a free drop, Justin Thomas and Bryson DeChambeau were pathetic in showing their disdain at not being gimmes they felt were warranted - if the putt is that straightforward then just go ahead and tap it in - and Jordan Spieth became embroiled in a slanging match with Jon Rahm’s caddie, Adam Hayes, after arguing about a free drop.
Meanwhile, the US crowd carried on booing the visitors on to the first tee, and every corner of Whistling Straits thereafter, and throwing out a few choice heckles as well.
It was not as if they did not have anything positive at which to yell. Their heroes won the foursomes 3-1 - their third successive session with that scoreline - and now have the joint-largest lead going into the final day since Great Britain & Ireland was expanded to Europe in 1979.
In Dustin Johnson, they have a world-class player who has won four points out of his four matches and can now try to match Francesco Molinari’s record-breaking feat in Paris three years ago and in Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele they have two rookies who have both won three from three and another in Patrick Cantlay who has won two-and-a-half points from three. Every member of this team has already contributed.
The home support might not realise it, but they are not only cheering for the present but the future as well, because these young men will be around for so many more Ryder Cups. It is deeply foreboding for the blue and gold, especially as this star-studded cast list has not won a match here so far: McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Paul Casey, Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter.
Thank goodness for Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia. The new Spanish Armada - the originals were, of course, Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal - have essentially kept the campaign afloat, albeit with the lifeboats poised. They won both of their matches on Saturday - accounting for Koepka and Daniel Berger 3&1 in the morning and then Koepka and Spieth 2&1 in the afternoon.
That is three out of three for the duo and it makes it even more mystifying why Harrington “rested” Garcia on Friday afternoon. He is 41 not 71 and as the Ryder Cup’s all-time record points scorer, extending his haul to 28.5pts, Garcia knows what he is doing. As does Rahm who has looked every inch the game’s best player so far this week, holing vital points seemingly at will.
These two hotheads even managed to stay out of the Koepka controversy when, after losing a debate about getting relief from what he maintained was a drainage channel in the way of his swing, he said to the officials: “If I break my wrist, it’s on f----- both of you.” A few holes later Garcia heard a fan scream “you’re going to choke”. Garcia then hit a 254-yard approach to four feet. “It was nice to prove him wrong,” he said. Seve would have nodded.
At 9-3 down - America’s largest lead after three sessions for 46 years - Harrington demanded a response. He did not receive one from his countryman Rory McIlroy who he benched in the morning but then, in the company of Poulter, lost 4&3 to Johnson and Morikawa. McIlroy has played three, lost three and in 30 holes of betterball has made an eagle but not a single birdie. It has been an incredibly mediocre display by the four-time major winner.
Lowry and Hatton can be proud. The passion they showed in bringing down Tony FInau and Harris English should be an inspiration to the rest of the team without an Espanyol passport. Lowry’s jig will be replayed over and over and should certainly have been on loop in the Europe teamroom on Saturday night.
"I said to Bo [Martin, his caddie] 'I'm made for this',” Lowry said. "It's my mother's birthday today, so that was for her. I've always wanted to play in the Ryder Cup and even though we are a few points behind I am having the week of my life."
Their one-up victory allowed Europe to draw the fourballs 2-2 and, while that was an improvement, it was not enough to offer salvation. Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland were one-up with five to play over DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler, but lost four holes in succession, with the Americans performing an almighty chest bump after winning the 15th to go ahead. It summed up the home strength, as well as their immense self-belief.
It appears well-founded as when the singles draw was eventually published, it did not provide much optimism. McIlroy (0-3) has to play Schauffele (3-) first off and further down Casey (0-4) has to tackle Johnson (4-0). “We need a couple of miracles,” said Poulter (0-2), the architect of the last one.
Today’s singles
Schauffele v McIlroy
Cantlay v Lowry
Scheffler v Rahm
DeChambeau v Garcia
Morikawa v Hovland
Johnson v Casey
Koepka v Weisberger
Finau v Poulter
Thomas v Hatton
English v Westwood
Spieth v Fleetwood
Berger v Fitzpatrick
Ryder Cup, Day Two - as it happened
11:24 PMThe one huge bright spot for Europe has been...
The one huge bright spot for Europe has been...
...the partnership between Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia
"Pairing two swashbuckling Spaniards will be recalled as perhaps the one coherent decision of Padraig Harrington’s Ryder Cup captaincy. For Europe, the dynamic between Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia has provided a rare but precious connection to the feats of Seve Ballesteros and Jose Maria Olazabal, still the most decorated partnership in this event’s history. “The Spanish Armada,” the pair are being called, a nod to their exalted forebears."
READ: Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia show brings back memories of swashbuckling forebears
11:21 PMSo Europe need to win nine of the 12 singles
So Europe need to win nine of the 12 singles
To retain the Ryder Cup.
It's a bit of a tall order...If they do it it will the 'Miracle of Medinah' times a zillion...
Stranger things have happened, though...
11:19 PMThat is that
That is that
The Europeans concede DeChambeau's putt on the 17th and it finishes...
Scheffler & DeChambeau beat Fleetwood & Hovland 3&1
11:17 PMThe last match to finish is on the 17th
The last match to finish is on the 17th
The US pair of Scheffler and Dechambeau both avoid the mess on the left of the par-3 - DeChambeau's tee shot ending a few feet from the pin. Fleetwood's tee shot is short and behind a mound. Hovland finds the dancefloor...you suspect he'll have to hole that long (ish) putt if they are not to lose this match on the 17th green.
11:12 PMThat Lowry putt on 18
That Lowry putt on 18
And that celebration.
WHAT IT MEANS! 💪#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/0QYIy0qTov
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
11:11 PMHuge putt from Scheffler
Huge putt from Scheffler
He sinks a two-footer to win the 16th...he and DeChambeau are 2 up with two to play. The best Europe can do in this session is now 2.5-1.5....
Scheffler & DeChambeau 2up vs Fleetwood & Hovland (through 16)
11:08 PMIt's been a poor day for McIlroy and Poulter
It's been a poor day for McIlroy and Poulter
They've tried to fight back but have not been at the races today.
They lose 4&3 to the so, so impressive Johnson & Morikawa.
11:05 PMEurope win another point
Europe win another point
ANother hard-fought battle. Rahm & Garcia halve the 17th and beat Spieth & Koepka 2&1.
11:04 PMHarris English uses a fairway wood to putt from just off the green
Harris English uses a fairway wood to putt from just off the green
At the 18th. He's still got a bit of work to do with his fourth but he makes it. Lowry now has a 10-footer for the half and the match...Europe need him to make it - can he do it?
YES HE CAN! He's had a great round. That was a nerveless putt, Lowry at his very best, somehow fashioning a four having been forced to lay up...
Lowry & Hatton beat Finau & English 1up
10:58 PMEurope are up in two
Europe are up in two
The USA up in the other two...
But the top match is about to finish...
10:55 PMLowry is forced to lay up at 18...
Lowry is forced to lay up at 18...
His tee shot was in the rough. His third is pin high, 10 feet from the pin. He may need to drain that as Hatton is in the bunker....squeaky bum time in that top match...Europe need to win that - Lowry & Hatton are 1 up at the moment...
10:50 PMRahm drains a 30-footer
Rahm drains a 30-footer
At the 16th - what a putt and he and Garcia are now 2 up. Boy has that come at t good time...
Koepka & Spieth 2down vs Rahm & Garcia (through 16)
10:48 PMThere's a lot going on
There's a lot going on
But once again, it's tight. The final match is on the last. Finau's drive is in the crowd, the other three are all OK.
10:46 PMThere's a huge roar at the 15th
There's a huge roar at the 15th
That's because Scottie Scheffler has drained a 20-foot putt to get him and DeChambeau 1 up over Fleetwood and Hovland...
Scheffler & DeChambeau 1up vs Fleetwood & Hovland (through 15)
10:43 PMShane Lowry was six-under through 16
10:40 PMAs it stands...
Shane Lowry was six-under through 16
10:40 PMAs it stands...
As it stands...
It's still tight...
Finau & English 1down vs Lowry & Hatton (17)
Koepka & Spieth 1down vs Rahm & Garcia (15)
Scheffler & DeChambeau A/S vs Fleetwood & Hovland (14)
Johnson & Morikawa 3up vs McIlroy & Poulter (13)
10:37 PMHatton misses the birdie putt
Hatton misses the birdie putt
At the 17th and has a two-footer for the half. He and Lowry remain 1 up over Finau & English.
Finau & English 1down vs Lowry & Hatton (through 16)
10:34 PMLowry goes left at the 17th
Lowry goes left at the 17th
The ball is suspended in the long grass on the 'wall' of the green. It's impossible to pkay and he decides to take an unplayable lie much to the rowdy US fans dismay. Had he tried to hit that he may well have ended up in the lake...
The good news is that Hatton has hit a fine tee shot into the par-3 and wil have a good chance of a birdie.
10:28 PMRahm's big putt at the 15th
Rahm/Garcia win 15 to go 1UP! 💪#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/XxGhqbs8x7
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
10:28 PMDeChambeau nails a birdie putt
Rahm's big putt at the 15th
Rahm/Garcia win 15 to go 1UP! 💪#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/XxGhqbs8x7
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
10:28 PMDeChambeau nails a birdie putt
DeChambeau nails a birdie putt
At the 14th. It was an eight-footer and he made sure it fell in the hole. Fleetwood has a six-footer for the half and he misses it left. That match is now all square...
Scheffler & DeChambeau A/S vs Fleetwood & Hovland (through 12)
10:22 PMMeanwhile Rahm sinks his birdie put
Meanwhile Rahm sinks his birdie put
At the 15th. HUGE putt, HUGE hole. Spieth missed his birdie attempt to the right and the Spanish world No.1 makes no mistake with his eight-footer. He and Garcia are 1 up with three to go.
Koepka & Spieth 1down vs Rahm & Garcia (through 15)
10:20 PMFinau matches Lowry's birdie four
Finau matches Lowry's birdie four
At the 16th so that top match stays 1 up to Lowry and Hatton...
Finau & English 1down vs Lowry & Hatton (through 16)
10:16 PMSpieth lays down the gauntlet with a brilliant approach to the 15th
Spieth lays down the gauntlet with a brilliant approach to the 15th
BUT Rahm isn't world No.1 without reason and he fires in his approach inside the American. This match is all square and you cannot see Europe having a chance tomorrow unless they can win this match.
10:10 PMTwo fine approaches from Lowry and English
Two fine approaches from Lowry and English
At the 16th - that top match has been tight all round - Lowry & Hatton are still 1 up...This could be a huge hole for the Europeans.
10:03 PMGarcia has a decent look at birdie
Garcia has a decent look at birdie
At the 14th - it's a solid effort but ends an inch right. Koepka now has a putt for the hole and to get the US 1 up. His putt is short and it remains all square in that match. Europe need the Spaniards to come up trump once again to have a hope of a remarkable win tomorrow.
Koepka & Spieth A/S vs Rahm & Garcia (through 14)
09:56 PMHe may not being playing well
He may not being playing well
But at least Rory McIlroy has a huge fan (with a special range of clothing) out on the course.
Need. pic.twitter.com/PxOCi0aIxR
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) September 25, 2021
09:52 PMIt's tight...
It's tight...
Finau & English 1down vs Lowry & Hatton (143)
Koepka & Spieth A/S vs Rahm & Garcia (13)
Scheffler & DeChambeau 1down vs Fleetwood & Hovland (12)
Johnson & Morikawa 3up vs McIlroy & Poulter (11)
09:49 PMMcIlroy and Poulter have found it tough
McIlroy and Poulter have found it tough
For the second time in two days...they're 3 down against DJ and Morikawa. They need a spark or a moment of inspiration, just something to get them going...
09:46 PMBrooks Koepka
Brooks Koepka
Makes no mistake with am eight-foot putt, firing it into the centre of the hole to win the 13th. Big change in that match - having been ahead for so long Garcia & Rahm are now all square against Koepka & Spieth. Huge hour coming up for Europe.
Koepka & Spieth A/S vs Rahm & Garcia (through 13)
09:41 PMHatton from downtown
Hatton from downtown
That was a mammoth put from 40-feet or so and from the moment the ball left the putter it never left the centre of the hole. That was for a half and it's a huge putt to prevent that top match going all square. He's been inconsistent these past two days but Hatton has definitely had his moments.
Finau & English 1down vs Lowry & Hatton (through 14)
09:37 PMFleetwood rattles one in
Fleetwood rattles one in
At the 11th - it was 15-feet and it havled the hole for him and Hovland.
Scheffler & DeChambeau A/S vs Fleetwood & Hovland (through 11)
09:32 PMPoutler puts his approach at 10
Poutler puts his approach at 10
To within a foot (it hit the flag stick) BUT then the ever impressive Morikawa does exactly the same. Touch of class from the Open champion.
09:28 PMAs it stands...
As it stands...
Finau & English 1down vs Lowry & Hatton (13)
Koepka & Spieth 1down vs Rahm & Garcia (12)
Scheffler & DeChambeau A/S vs Fleetwood & Hovland (10)
Johnson & Morikawa 3up vs McIlroy & Poulter (9)
09:26 PMKoepka goes first and misses
Koepka goes first and misses
That puts the pressure on Spieth, he has an eight-footer for the hole AND he sees the ball all but drop in the hole as it does a 360 around the rim of the hole. That's a huge let off for the Spanish pair. Halved in three.
Koepka & Spieth 1down vs Rahm & Garcia (through 12)
09:23 PMClass from Rahm
Class from Rahm
From the bunker at the 12th - he fires it to within an inch and that secures the three. The US will have two separate putts for the hole. and to make the match all square.
09:20 PMSpieth and Koepka fire darts into the 12th green
Spieth and Koepka fire darts into the 12th green
They'll both have good looks at birdie. Garcia responds by putting his tee shot into the back bunker, and then Rahm joins him. They've both got good lies though...
It's getting very rowdy there now...I think the US fans are well hydrated, so to speak...
Meanwhile a DeChambeau three win the US the 10th hole. He and Scheffler are now...
Scheffler & DeChambeau A/S vs Fleetwood & Hovland (through 10)
09:13 PMHovland is impressive
Hovland is impressive
We sort of knew that before he turned up at Whistling Straits but he's been brilliant yesterday and today. He powers a monster drive just short of the short par-4 12th green.
09:05 PMHatton has come alive the past few holes
Hatton has come alive the past few holes
His tee shot to the shot, but tricky par-3 12th is pin high and leaves him a six-footer for birdie and a 3up lead over Finau & English. He just misses but he and Lowry are still in the driving seat.
Finau & English 2down vs Lowry & Hatton (through 12)
09:03 PMAs I wrote - Rory and Poulter look flat
Rory and Poults are 1-under through 8 holes...in better ball. Sad to see them both so diminished.
— Alan Shipnuck (@AlanShipnuck) September 25, 2021
09:00 PMAs it stands...
As I wrote - Rory and Poulter look flat
Rory and Poults are 1-under through 8 holes...in better ball. Sad to see them both so diminished.
— Alan Shipnuck (@AlanShipnuck) September 25, 2021
09:00 PMAs it stands...
As it stands...
Finau & English 2down vs Lowry & Hatton (11)
Koepka & Spieth 1down vs Rahm & Garcia (10)
Scheffler & DeChambeau 1down vs Fleetwood & Hovland (9)
Johnson & Morikawa 3up vs McIlroy & Poulter (8)
08:59 PMAs that match slips away
As that match slips away
Europe fans can console themselves with the fact that Harrignton's team are up in the rest of the the fourballs...
Hovland sunk his birdie putt at the ninth, tho Spieth & Koepka are now just one back of Rahm & Garcia.
08:57 PMIt's not really happening for McIlroy and Poulter
It's not really happening for McIlroy and Poulter
As with yesterday they haven't really got going today. Both look fairly flat out there. They're now 3 down to DJ and Morikawa.
Johnson & Morikawa 3up vs McIlroy & Poulter (through 8)
08:49 PMLowry is loving it
Shane Lowry is pumped 💥#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/V1MKOAndzV
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
08:48 PMDeChambeau is making a mess of the ninth
Lowry is loving it
Shane Lowry is pumped 💥#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/V1MKOAndzV
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
08:48 PMDeChambeau is making a mess of the ninth
DeChambeau is making a mess of the ninth
A poor, wayward drive is compounded by going into the bucolic hazard with his approach. His partner Scheffler finds the green as their European opposition have mixed results - Fleetwood finding the rough over the green and Hovland getting his approach to within six-feet. Great chance for Europe to go 1up in that third match.
08:43 PMThe Ryder Cup is always tense...
08:41 PMAs it stands...
The Ryder Cup is always tense...
08:41 PMAs it stands...
As it stands...
Finau & English 1down vs Lowry & Hatton (10)
Koepka & Spieth 2down vs Rahm & Garcia (9)
Scheffler & DeChambeau A/S vs Fleetwood & Hovland (8)
Johnson & Morikawa 2up vs McIlroy & Poulter (7)
08:40 PMHovland and Fleetwood
Hovland and Fleetwood
Are back to all square against Scheffler & DeChambeau thanks to a missed short putt from Scheffler.
08:38 PMGarcia has a putt to go 3up
Garcia has a putt to go 3up
Against Spieth & Koepka. The ball flirts with the hole but refuses to drop. That match stays at...
Koepka & Spieth 2down vs Rahm & Garcia (through 9)
08:37 PMLowry has another birdie
Lowry has another birdie
This one at the 10th - he's carrying Hatton today and the reason that pair are 1up through nine. English has a six-footer for the half and the American holes it.
Finau & English 1down vs Lowry & Hatton (through 10)
08:32 PMMcIlroy holes a par putt on seven
McIlroy holes a par putt on seven
Forcing Morikawa to hole his birdie putt to go 2up. The Open champion makes no mistake and he and DJ are 2up through seven.
Johnson & Morikawa 2up vs McIlroy & Poulter (through 7)
08:30 PMRahm pulls out of a shot
Rahm pulls out of a shot
On the ninth due to a chant from the crowd. He then sends the shot to a bunker much to the crowd's pleasure.
Garcia and Spieth are both on the green with good looks at birdie.
08:20 PMSo it's now a case of...
So it's now a case of...
...Europe up in the first two and down in the last two matches. If that's how it finishes up then this Ryder Cup is all but already lost heading into the singles tomorrow.
08:19 PMScheffler's birdie putt on the seventh
Scheffler's birdie putt on the seventh
Goes four-feet past the hole. Fleetwood misses his par putt meaning Hovland has to get his from six-feet. The rookie misses and Scheffler secures the hole with a three.
Scheffler & DeChambeau 1up vs Fleetwood & Hovland (through 7)
Meanwhile DJ & Morikawa win the sixth after their brilliant drives to go 1up against McIlroy & Poulter.
Johnson & Morikawa 1up vs McIlroy & Poulter (through 6)
08:09 PMEurope's big weapon
Rahm remains underrated. World No. 1, major winner, Ryder Cup assassin, and people still haven't fully grasped just how astonishingly good he actually is.
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) September 25, 2021
08:06 PMRahm and roll
3UP. 💪@JonRahmPGA and @TheSergioGarcia are on a roll. pic.twitter.com/uQ05FOGKRx
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 25, 2021
08:04 PMDeChambeau's tee shot on the seventh
Europe's big weapon
Rahm remains underrated. World No. 1, major winner, Ryder Cup assassin, and people still haven't fully grasped just how astonishingly good he actually is.
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) September 25, 2021
08:06 PMRahm and roll
3UP. 💪@JonRahmPGA and @TheSergioGarcia are on a roll. pic.twitter.com/uQ05FOGKRx
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 25, 2021
08:04 PMDeChambeau's tee shot on the seventh
Rahm and roll
3UP. 💪@JonRahmPGA and @TheSergioGarcia are on a roll. pic.twitter.com/uQ05FOGKRx
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 25, 2021
08:04 PMDeChambeau's tee shot on the seventh
DeChambeau's tee shot on the seventh
Finds the water to the right of the green. Hovland responds with a fine shot on the green, some 15 feet short of the hole.
08:02 PMMorikawa drives the green at the sixth
Morikawa drives the green at the sixth
Great shot with the driver at the 330-yard par four. Poutler is in a bush (I think) and McIlroy has a short chip. DJ is the last to go in that final match and he's a yard short of the green. Having got back to all square the European pair might quickly go back to 1down...
08:00 PMEurope could do with Rory finding his mojo
07:59 PMThere's more than enough for Europe to...
Europe could do with Rory finding his mojo
07:59 PMThere's more than enough for Europe to...
There's more than enough for Europe to...
...finally get excited. But they have to keep at it, turn one of the halfs int a full point...BUT there's a long way to go...BUT I am trying to take a positive out of a one and half day negative...
07:57 PMAs it stands...
As it stands...
Finau & English 1down vs Lowry & Hatton (8)
Koepka & Spieth 3down vs Rahm & Garcia (7)
Scheffler & DeChambeau A/S vs Fleetwood & Hovland (5)
Johnson & Morikawa A/S vs McIlroy & Poulter (5)
07:56 PMSpieth has a great look at birdie on the par-3 seventh
Spieth has a great look at birdie on the par-3 seventh
BUT then Rahm nails his 30-footer and Spieth will have his putt for the half. AND HE MISSES...
Rahm & Garcia are at it again - the Spaniards are 3up...
Koepka & Spieth 3down vs Rahm & Garcia (through 7)
07:53 PMPoulter is at it again...
Poulter is at it again...
That's a brilliant snaking 30-foot putt for birdie at the fifth. He and McIroy need something to get them going and perhaps that's it. DJ misses his 25-footer for the half (just). And it's now...
Johnson & Morikawa A/S vs McIlroy & Poulter (through 5)
07:45 PMDeChambeau gets out the big dog
DeChambeau gets out the big dog
On the 330-yard sixth and gets the ball level with the green on the left...of course he does...
07:42 PMSpieth plays a beauty to the sixth green
Spieth plays a beauty to the sixth green
But he cannot hole the putt and the hole is halved in four.
Koepka & Spieth 2down vs Rahm & Garcia (through 6)
07:39 PMDeChambeau is never far from the headlines
DeChambeau is never far from the headlines
He's nailed his 25-foot putt for birdie as the fifth. Fleetwood now has his eight-footer for a half. The Englishman misses it on the low side (that was a poor read) and it's all square in that third match.
Scheffler & DeChambeau A/S vs Fleetwood & Hovland (through 4)
07:34 PMFine approach from Fleetwood
Fine approach from Fleetwood
To the fifth - he's got a five-footer for birdie. The two Americans, DeChambeau and English, are both on the green in three but have long-distance putts for their fours.
07:31 PMPoulter makes no mistake from two feet
Poulter makes no mistake from two feet
At the par-four fourth. He and McIlroy remain 1down to DJ and Morikawa.
Johnson & Morikawa 1up vs McIlroy & Poulter (through 4)
07:29 PMI think this guy is a US fan
07:26 PMAs it stands...
I think this guy is a US fan
07:26 PMAs it stands...
As it stands...
Finau & English 1down vs Lowry & Hatton (6)
Koepka & Spieth 2down vs Rahm & Garcia (5)
Scheffler & DeChambeau 1down vs Fleetwood & Hovland (4)
Johnson & Morikawa 1up vs McIlroy & Poulter (3)
07:24 PMOn Sky commentary they are saying that...
On Sky commentary they are saying that...
...Such is the wind that he (the legendary Butch Harmon) wouldn't give even two-footers. He'd make them putt everything as in this wind even the short putts can be harrowing...
That makes DeChambeau's outburst on the first even more ridiculous...
07:22 PMThe wind is getting ever more troublesome out there
The wind is getting ever more troublesome out there
Spieth has just left a 15-foot par for the win on the fifth short - that was purely because the wind is blowing a gale.
Koepka & Spieth 2down vs Rahm & Garcia (through 4)
07:20 PMWARNING: DeChambeau is on the fifth tee...
WARNING: DeChambeau is on the fifth tee...
The scene of his bonkers 417-yard drive yesterday. (READ:'That's absurd': Bryson DeChambeau shows off ferocious power by smashing monster 417-yard drive)
Today he doesn't take the mind-blogging line over the water that requires a 350-yard carry - he goes down the left fairway - boooooooo. He's not pleasing anyone today!
07:18 PMLowry is a birdie machine
Lowry is a birdie machine
He birdied the first three and has birdied the sixth. Finau then nails his birdie putt and it stays as 1up to the European pair of Hatton and Lowry.
Finau & English 1down vs Lowry & Hatton (through 6)
07:13 PMDeChambeau has an eight-footer for a half at the fourth
DeChambeau has an eight-footer for a half at the fourth
And he nails it - good putt. That was halved in four and he and Scheffler remain 1down to Hovland & Fleetwood.
Scheffler & DeChambeau 1down vs Fleetwood & Hovland (through 4)
07:05 PMSky have just put up a caption
Sky have just put up a caption
That shows there are seven Europeans without a point so far. That contrasts with no Americans being pointless.
07:00 PMDeChambeau or DeShambles?
DeChambeau or DeShambles?
The American has done much to turn public opinion in favour of him this week UNTIL his putter antics on the first...
Can’t believe they’ve made Bryson tee off
— Paul Kelso (@pkelso) September 25, 2021
06:58 PMRahm-Bo gets firing again
Rahm-Bo gets firing again
That's a huge snaking putt on the fourth from the super Spaniard and he and Garcia are now 2up over Spieth and Koepka.
Koepka & Spieth 2down vs Rahm & Garcia (through 4)
06:56 PMGood news for Europe!!!!
Good news for Europe!!!!
All those exclamation marks are worth it (though, I usually believe one is more than enough...) as Hovland has putted for birdie on the par-3 third and Europe are now up in three, yes, three, matches.
Finau & English 1down vs Lowry & Hatton (4)
Koepka & Spieth 1down vs Rahm & Garcia (3)
Scheffler & DeChambeau 1down vs Fleetwood & Hovland (3)
Johnson & Morikawa 1up vs McIlroy & Poulter (2)
06:53 PMMcIlroy misses a 10-footer at the second
McIlroy misses a 10-footer at the second
And DJ and Morikawa go 1up. The par-fives have not been kind to Europe this week.
Johnson & Morikawa 1up vs McIlroy & Poulter (through 2)
06:51 PMGarcia and Rahm looking good (again)
Garcia and Rahm looking good (again)
They both in great positions on the green at the fourth.
Meanwhile, DeChambeau putts off the green on the third having blamed a lack of wind for a poor (ish) tee shot on the par three third...
06:41 PMHere comes the postie!
Here he is 💪#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/uaj7OfScLg
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
06:40 PMRahm continues where he left off in the morning
Here comes the postie!
Here he is 💪#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/uaj7OfScLg
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
06:40 PMRahm continues where he left off in the morning
Rahm continues where he left off in the morning
The Spaniard makes no mistake with a six-foot putt on the third to put him and his compatriot, Garcia, 1up against Koepka & Spieth.
Koepka & Spieth 1down vs Rahm & Garcia (through 3)
06:34 PMAs it stands...
As it stands...
Finau & English 1down vs Lowry & Hatton (3)
Koepka & Spieth A/S vs Rahm & Garcia (2)
Scheffler & DeChambeau A/S vs Fleetwood & Hovland (2)
Johnson & Morikawa A/S vs McIlroy & Poulter (1)
06:30 PMThe Postman has arrived
The Postman has arrived
Poulter didn't play well on Friday. But he's arrived on the first green holing his birdie putt from 25 feet - great stuff.
The pressure is now on one of the US pair of DJ and Morikawa to make their putts. DJ goes first and sinks it so its...
Johnson & Morikawa A/S vs McIlroy & Poulter (through 1)
06:27 PMExactly...
Man, is there anything more obnoxious than the “how could you make me putt that” gesture?
— John Huggan (@johnhuggan) September 25, 2021
06:26 PMLowry's fired up
Birdie putt ✔️
Classic reaction ✔️
Well played, Shane Lowry | #Ryder Cup pic.twitter.com/NxbJdRNsHG
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 25, 2021
06:24 PMDeChambeau again gives reason for people
Exactly...
Man, is there anything more obnoxious than the “how could you make me putt that” gesture?
— John Huggan (@johnhuggan) September 25, 2021
06:26 PMLowry's fired up
Birdie putt ✔️
Classic reaction ✔️
Well played, Shane Lowry | #Ryder Cup pic.twitter.com/NxbJdRNsHG
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 25, 2021
06:24 PMDeChambeau again gives reason for people
Lowry's fired up
Birdie putt ✔️
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 25, 2021
Classic reaction ✔️
Well played, Shane Lowry | #Ryder Cup pic.twitter.com/NxbJdRNsHG
06:24 PMDeChambeau again gives reason for people
DeChambeau again gives reason for people
To dislike him...
He's made to putt for a half on the first and having sunk the short putt puts his putter head in the hole and lies the rest of the club on the surface as if to say 'why didn't you give me that?' Not a good look, especially when (i) both sides have been a bit shy of giving short putts and (ii) when, like DeChambeau, you have an elongated putter...
That match is all square through one with Hovland missing a decent putt for the win before DeChambeau's display of pathetic petulance...
Scheffler & DeChambeau A/S vs Fleetwood & Hovland (through 1)
06:19 PMMatch 4 is underway
Match 4 is underway
Johnson & Morikawa vs McIlroy & Poulter
Poulter is first up on the tee and he bisects the fairway. McIlroy - he of the two-way miss - then finds the rough on the left, overcooking his draw slightly. He has a decent lie though, so should be OK.
For the USA Morikawa hits his drive just past Poulter's and DJ finds the left-hand side of the fairway.
06:15 PMWhat a putt
What a putt
From Shane Lowry. From the moment it left the flat stick it looked in and the Irishman has three birdies in a row...wow. He and Hatton go 1up over Finau and English.
Finau & English 1down vs Lowry & Hatton (through 3)
06:12 PMThe wind is getting up
The wind is getting up
As with yesterday the afternoon conditions are tougher than the morning conditions. Wind was supposed to help the Europeans, not that it did on Friday...
06:08 PMAdvantage to Europe
Advantage to Europe
On the par-3 third. English finds the lake, Finau has a monster putt for par while Lowry is pin high. Europe need every glimmer of hope they can grab onto. This is something along those lines...
06:03 PMAmerica's big-hitters are out on the course
America's big-hitters are out on the course
Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler both blasted their tee shots down the first - but fell short of the 1st green and might be in a bit of bother among the rough stuff.
Viktor Hovland nailed an absolute gem with his partner Tommy Fleetwood missing the fairway to the right.
05:57 PMRahm and Garcia take the lead
Rahm and Garcia take the lead
Jon Rahm has accumulated 2.5 of Europe's paltry three points so far and he's off to a flyer at the first, with his fine approach leading to a birdie three!
Spieth's birdie putt flirts with the hole but doesn't drop and the Spaniards take an early advantage.
Rahm & Garcia 1 up vs Koepka & Spieth (through 1)
05:50 PMMatch two is under way
Match two is under way
It's Brooks Koepka and Jordan Spieth vs the new Spanish Armada - Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia.
Koepka and Garcia both seriously wayward off the tee but their playing partners have hit perfect drives.
05:40 PMAnd English nails his 20-foot putt
And English nails his 20-foot putt
He's having a rather fun time on his debut, isn't he! That's for birdie, They make Lowry putt his tidler and it's all square after one. I am a bit shocked they made the Irishman putt that...
Finau & English A/S vs Lowry & Hatton (through 1)
05:37 PMLowry's putt to the first
Lowry's putt to the first
Ends up within a foot. That will be for a birdie, so Finau and English with have to make one of their putts to avoid going 1down through one.
05:30 PMMatch 1 of the fourballs is under way
Match 1 of the fourballs is under way
Finau & English vs Lowry & Hatton
Hatton drives first for the Europeans and finds the right-hand side of the fairway. Lowry's is a monster! It is about an inch off the green - great start for the up-against-it visitors.
Finau is up for the US first, with his drive finding the fairway. English's tee shot also finds the short stuff. Four good drives.
05:24 PMA confident USA...
JT and Berger are shotgunning beers on the first tee if you were wondering how confident the U.S. is that this is over.
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) September 25, 2021
05:22 PMThose pairings mean...
A confident USA...
JT and Berger are shotgunning beers on the first tee if you were wondering how confident the U.S. is that this is over.
— Kyle Porter (@KylePorterCBS) September 25, 2021
05:22 PMThose pairings mean...
Those pairings mean...
...that Steve Stricker didn't bow to public (mischief) pressure to pair DeChambeau and Koepka together...shame.
05:21 PMMore on those fourball matches
More on those fourball matches
18.26 - Finau & English vs Lowry & Hatton
18.42 - Koepka & Spieth vs Rahm & Garcia
18.58 - Scheffler & DeChambeau vs Fleetwood & Hovland
19.14 - Johnson & Morikawa vs McIlroy & Poulter
It's no shock to see the pairings Rahm & Garcia kept together for the Europeans and DJ & Morikawa for the USA. Both duos have been brilliant.
This is last-chance saloon for Europe they have to put points on the board this evening...if not then this is over before the singles tomorrow. It was the McIlroy & Poulter partnership that helped rescue the title tilt in 2012 in the second session on Saturday. They need to repeat that trick if another Miracle of Medinah is to have a chance of happening again, this time on the banks Lake Michigan...
05:08 PMHere are the fourballs match ups
Saturday Afternoon's Official Four-Ball Pairings@ROLEX | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/PhPO9JUcfV
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 25, 2021
05:06 PMHere's more on that rules row between Koepka and the officials
Here are the fourballs match ups
Saturday Afternoon's Official Four-Ball Pairings@ROLEX | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/PhPO9JUcfV
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 25, 2021
05:06 PMHere's more on that rules row between Koepka and the officials
Here's more on that rules row between Koepka and the officials
"On a morning of mounting tensions at the Ryder Cup, Brooks Koepka witheringly rebuked two referees who told him he had to play his approach to the 15th from within inches of a drainage channel, telling them: “If I break my wrist, this is on f------ both of you.”
READ: Brooks Koepka in furious foul-mouthed row with Ryder Cup officials
05:01 PMGood stats if you're European
Good stats if you're European
He and Jon Rahm were brilliant to come back from 3down through three to win 3&1...
This was Sergio Garcia's 24th career match won, most in #RyderCup history
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) September 25, 2021
Jon Rahm/Sergio Garcia win 3&1
1st time a European match has been won after trailing 3 down through 3 holes since 1987— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) September 25, 2021
05:00 PMSome bad stats if you're European
United States leads after third session, 9 to 3.
This is the largest lead for either side after 3 sessions of the Ryder Cup since the U.S. led by 7 points in 1975.
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) September 25, 2021
Dustin Johnson moves to 3-0. This is the first time since the World Ranking began in 1986 that the top-ranked American player won a match in each of the first 3 sessions at the Ryder Cup.
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) September 25, 2021
04:54 PMEurope are in a very deep, big hole
Some bad stats if you're European
United States leads after third session, 9 to 3.
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) September 25, 2021
This is the largest lead for either side after 3 sessions of the Ryder Cup since the U.S. led by 7 points in 1975.
Dustin Johnson moves to 3-0. This is the first time since the World Ranking began in 1986 that the top-ranked American player won a match in each of the first 3 sessions at the Ryder Cup.
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) September 25, 2021
04:54 PMEurope are in a very deep, big hole
Europe are in a very deep, big hole
They are 9-3 down with the fourballs and tomorrow's singles with just 14.5 needed...
It's hard to see them coming back from this - they need to win the fourballs 3-1 to have a chance and probably they need to win 4-0.
04:52 PMCantlay and Schauffele win third point of the session
Cantlay and Schauffele win third point of the session
For the USA.
They beat Westwood & Fitzpatrick 2&1...
04:51 PMThomas and Spieth win another point for the US
Thomas and Spieth win another point for the US
They were 3down but from the turn onwards played some great, gutsy golf for the 2up win over Hovland & Wiesberger.
04:49 PMHaving spent an age looking for a place to drop
Having spent an age looking for a place to drop
Hovland takes Europe's fourth shot on the 18th. It's a wonderful shot from the deep rough to within six foot. But it will still not be enough.
04:44 PMWestwood's tee shot on 17
Westwood's tee shot on 17
Goes exactly where you don't want it to go - left and below the green where there's horrible rough and bunkers aplenty. It looks as though the USA will win the final two matches to take a 9-3 lead...
04:42 PMDoor ajar for Hovland & Wiesberger
Door ajar for Hovland & Wiesberger
On 18 as JT hits his approach 30 yards short...
From the semi-rough Wiesberger has 232 to the green on this monster par-4. Unfortunately the Austrian finds the seven-mile creek and his and Hovland's hopes are sunk.
04:39 PMAs it stands with the matches still being played
As it stands with the matches still being played
Thomas & Speith 1up vs Hovland & Wiesberger (through 17)
Schauffele & Cantlay 2up vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (through 16)
04:33 PMSome slither of hope for Europe
Some slither of hope for Europe
JT and Spieth make a complete hash of the 17th - twice ending up in the mess to the left of and well below the green. Europe need their rookie pairing to get a half from this match.
Thomas & Speith 1up vs Hovland & Wiesberger (through 17)
04:28 PMUSA win their first point of the day
USA win their first point of the day
DJ & Morikawa secure the win over Hatton & Casey. It was 2&1 in the end, the US duo were always in control from the moment they went 3up through three.
04:25 PMThe most Europe can get
The most Europe can get
From the three remaining matches are halves in each.
04:25 PMSchauffele plays a wonderful approach to the 15th
Schauffele plays a wonderful approach to the 15th
Westwood and Fitzpatrick concede the putt meaning Westy has to hole a 35-footer to tie the hole. The Englishman cannot make it and he and partner are 3down and the most they can get is a half. They haven't played well since the turn.
Schauffele & Cantlay 3up vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (through 15)
04:21 PMWiesberger birdies 16
Wiesberger birdies 16
That's a great up and down from him and Hovland - but Spieth has an eagle putt to send him and JT two clear over the rookies. The American nails the six footer and it's dormie two...the most the Europeans can get from this match is a half...
Thomas & Speith 2up vs Hovland & Wiesberger (through 16)
04:18 PMEurope are up against it (again)
Europe are up against it (again)
They are down in the remaining three matches and as I type JT has played a brilliant approach on the 16th with Wiesberger and Hovland in trouble off the tee...
04:13 PMEurope win top match
Europe win top match
What. A. Turnaround...
From 3down through three Garcia & Rahm have beaten Koepka & Berger 3&1...The Spaniards won with a hole to spare. Brilliant stuff and the sort of result that Europe need (i) to get points on the board and (ii) to inspire the rest of team..
But the other results are not going Europe's way...
04:07 PMAs it stands...
As it stands...
It's not looking great for Europe. That turnaround in Match 3 has very much put things in the hosts' favour...
Koepka & Berger 2down vs Garcia & Rahm (16)
Johnson & Morikawa 2up vs Casey and Hatton (15)
Thomas & Speith 1up vs Hovland & Wiesberger (15)
Schauffele & Cantlay 2up vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (13)
04:04 PMBut while there's good news from Match 1
But while there's good news from Match 1
There's bad new from Match 3.
Hovland misses a short putt for as half at the 15th. He and Wiesberger were 3up but are now 1down to JT and Spieth.
Thomas & Speith 1up vs Hovland & Wiesberger (through15 )
04:02 PMGarcia & Rahm back to 2up
Garcia & Rahm back to 2up
Over Koepka & Berger - all thanks to that wonderful fairway wood from Garcia. What a turnaround from 3down through three...
Koepka & Berger 2down vs Garcia & Rahm (though 16)
04:00 PMSuper Sergio
Ryder Cup Sergio! 🐐#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/SuT5NdxZM3
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
03:58 PMHere's that Casey eagle
All the momentum.@Paul_Casey holes out for eagle at No. 14.
Casey/Hatton have won 3 of the last 4 holes. pic.twitter.com/TbV8g6Vhj7
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 25, 2021
03:56 PMHatton misses a short putt on 15
Super Sergio
Ryder Cup Sergio! 🐐#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/SuT5NdxZM3
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
03:58 PMHere's that Casey eagle
All the momentum.@Paul_Casey holes out for eagle at No. 14.
Casey/Hatton have won 3 of the last 4 holes. pic.twitter.com/TbV8g6Vhj7
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 25, 2021
03:56 PMHatton misses a short putt on 15
Here's that Casey eagle
All the momentum.@Paul_Casey holes out for eagle at No. 14.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 25, 2021
Casey/Hatton have won 3 of the last 4 holes. pic.twitter.com/TbV8g6Vhj7
03:56 PMHatton misses a short putt on 15
Hatton misses a short putt on 15
And having worked so hard to get within one, he and Casey are back to 2down against DJ and Morikawa.
Johnson & Morikawa 2up vs Casey and Hatton (through 15)
03:54 PMMore on that 'row'
More on that 'row'
Between Koepka and Berger and the rules officials.
Koepka and Berger did nothing to dispel the notion that rich pampered tour pros are too rich and too pampered 🙄
— John Huggan (@johnhuggan) September 25, 2021
03:51 PMGreat approach from Garcia on 16
Great approach from Garcia on 16
What a shot - he hits a fairway wood to within five feet - Rahm will have that putt for an eagle three and a great chacne to get back to 2up over Koepka and Berger.
03:49 PMWiesberger misses 15-foot putt
Wiesberger misses 15-foot putt
At the 14th and it's now all square in the third match. Europe need a point from that clash against JT and Spieth having been 3up.
Thomas & Speith A/S vs Hovland & Wiesberger (through 14)
03:47 PMAs it stands...
As it stands...
Koepka & Berger 1down vs Garcia & Rahm (15)
Johnson & Morikawa 1up vs Casey and Hatton (14)
Thomas & Speith 1down vs Hovland & Wiesberger (13)
Schauffele & Cantlay 2up vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (12)
03:45 PMAfter that wait
After that wait
And some may say poor behaviour from the American pair the 15th hole is halved in four.
Koepka & Berger 1down vs Garcia & Rahm (through 14)
03:40 PMCasey holes his approach to 14!!
Casey holes his approach to 14!!
What a shot and what a boost for the Europeans at just the right time! That unexpected eagle wins him and Hatton the hole and they are now only 1down having been 4down...Could they get something from this and give the Europe title defence a much-needed shot in the arm?
Johnson & Morikawa 1up vs Casey and Hatton (through 14)
03:38 PMWhile all that was going on
While all that was going on
Westwood & Fitzpatrick went 3down to Cantlay & Schauffele. Having started so well that European duo have fallen apart.
Schauffele & Cantlay 3up vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (12)
03:36 PMThere's a delay in the top match
There's a delay in the top match
As Brooks Koepka is asking for relief from a big tuft of long grass by a fairway bunker. He thinks or is arguing that there is a sprinkler or some sort of man-made implement in there. The match ref is saying no to his request. The American wants a second opinion and that ref too says he has to play it as it lies...Both Koepka and Berger are not happy bunnies...After a few minutes Koepka accepts the decision and reluctantly hits the shot, and it's a great one, getting it onto the green without much trouble - it looks as though the officials were right.
03:28 PMAmid the pressure
Amid the pressure
Do the golfers step back and admire the beautiful views?
03:25 PMDJ misses a six-foot putt for par
DJ misses a six-foot putt for par
On the par-4 13th. That gives Casey & Hatton a slight sliver of hope in that second match. The European pair are 2down now.
Johnson & Morikawa 2up vs Casey and Hatton (through 13)
03:23 PMSo Europe are up in two
So Europe are up in two
And down in two.
They cannot afford for that to get worse - at the very least they need a draw from this session.
03:20 PMAs expected Koepka & Berger win the 14th hole
As expected Koepka & Berger win the 14th hole
After that horrendous chip from Rahm. That top match is now back to 1up for the Europeans.
Koepka & Berger 1down vs Garcia & Rahm (through 14)
03:19 PMA poor approach from Westwood at the 10th
A poor approach from Westwood at the 10th
Into the bunker leaves him and Fitzpatrick too much to do. Cantlay accepts the gift and he holes his putt to put him and Schauffele 2up.
Schauffele & Cantlay 2up vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (through 8)
03:17 PMRahm's chip at the 14th goes high over the green and well long
Rahm's chip at the 14th goes high over the green and well long
That was worthy of a weekend hacker BUT he and Garcia are 2up so have a bit wiggle room BUT having got to 2up from being 3down they do not want to throw it away. Europe need them to get a point against Koepka & Berger.
03:12 PMCasey has a chance to get back to 2down
Casey has a chance to get back to 2down
Against DJ and Morikawa. But his putt only flirts with the hole rather than go in. At 2down it would have been game on.
Here how it stands...
Koepka & Berger 2down vs Garcia & Rahm (13)
Johnson & Morikawa 3up vs Casey and Hatton (12)
Thomas & Speith 1down vs Hovland & Wiesberger (11)
Schauffele & Cantlay 1up vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (8)
03:10 PMBattle for Brooks
Battle for Brooks
Having been 3up through three - Brooks Koepka will have to find some of his major-winning form to rescue his and Daniel Berger's foursomes match against Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia. The US pair are 2down through 13.
03:07 PMJT can't get out of a bunker on the 11th
JT can't get out of a bunker on the 11th
And having got back to all square he and Spieth are back to 1down against Hovland & Wiesberger.
03:04 PMRahm & Garcia go 2up
Rahm & Garcia go 2up
After 13 - what a turnaround from being 3down through three...
03:03 PMCantlay has nerves of steel
Cantlay has nerves of steel
We knew that thanks to his FedEx Cup win BUT he's just added to the theory he's quite good with a 20-foot putt for the hole at the ninth. He and Schauffele are 1up against Westwood & Fitzpatrick.
Schauffele & Cantlay 1up vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (through 8)
02:59 PMJT and Speith have leveled the third match
JT and Speith have leveled the third match
Against Hovland & Wiesberger - they were 3down but now have momentum on their side.
This has been a topsy turvey morning at Whistling Straits.
02:54 PMA note on that Garcia & Rahm comeback
A note on that Garcia & Rahm comeback
Still a way to go but...
Last time Europe was 3 down after 3 holes and still won that Ryder Cup match: 1987 foursomes, Woosnam and Faldo def. Mize and Wadkins
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) September 25, 2021
02:50 PMAs it stands...
As it stands...
Koepka & Berger 1down vs Garcia & Rahm (12)
Johnson & Morikawa 4up vs Casey and Hatton (10)
Thomas & Speith 1down vs Hovland & Wiesberger (9)
Schauffele & Cantlay A/S vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (8)
02:49 PMThe Spaniards go 1up against
The Spaniards go 1up against
Koepka & Berger.
A birdie two at the 12th means Garcia & Rahm go ahead for the first time this match (remember they were 3down through three).
02:47 PMA brilliant four from Cantlay & Schauffele
A brilliant four from Cantlay & Schauffele
They made a mess of the eighth but somehow got the four and tied the hole. Schauffele 's drive was in the bunker, Cantlay's approach was short and right, in the rough. But a great teamwork up-and-down got them the half. It remains all square through eight.
02:44 PMHovland misses a short putt at the ninth
Hovland misses a short putt at the ninth
The Europeans had the advantage but made a hash of the approach and subsequent chip. Hoveland missed hte par putt and the USA pair of Spieth & JT are back to 1down.
Thomas & Speith 1down vs Hovland & Wiesberger (through 9)
02:34 PMIt's back to A/S in the last match
It's back to A/S in the last match
Schauffele birdies the par-3 seventh, Fitzpatrick, one of the best putters in the world, cannot copy the American and Schauffele & Cantlay level that match.
Schauffele & CantlayA/S vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (though 6)
02:30 PMAs it stands
As it stands
Koepka & Berger A/S vs Garcia & Rahm (10)
Johnson & Morikawa 4up vs Casey and Hatton (8)
Thomas & Speith 2down vs Hovland & Wiesberger (7)
Schauffele & Cantlay 1down vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (6)
02:28 PMWonderful putt from Hovland
Wonderful putt from Hovland
At the eighth as the rookie nearly holes his 40-foot, breaking putt. That will be a guaranteed par for him and Wiesberger. JT holes his putt for the four and that match remains Hovland & Wiesberger up by two.
Meanwhile, Koepka holes a brilliant 20-foot putt to halve the 10th. Had he not got that Rahm & Garcia would have gone 1up (remember they were 3down through three...)
Koepka & Berger A/S vs Garcia & Rahm ( through 10)
Thomas & Speith 2down vs Hovland & Wiesberger (through 7)
02:24 PMThat topsy turvey top match
1-down
2-down
3-down
2-down
3-down
2-down
2-down
1-down
Tied pic.twitter.com/FGFwBcVl5P
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 25, 2021
02:22 PMThe US players warn their fans
That topsy turvey top match
1-down
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 25, 2021
2-down
3-down
2-down
3-down
2-down
2-down
1-down
Tied pic.twitter.com/FGFwBcVl5P
02:22 PMThe US players warn their fans
The US players warn their fans
Cantlay & Schauffele seemingly have a quiet word with some of their fans at the sixth green, telling them to hush/tone it down while Westwood is putting.
The Englishman holes the short putt and he and Fitzpatrick stay 1up.
02:17 PMIt's going from bad to worse
It's going from bad to worse
For Casey & Hatton - they played the eighth very badly (as in poor drive that flirted with the coastline, a second that did go in the water, and then a poor chip). They're now 4down to DJ and Morikawa.
Johnson & Morikawa 4up vs Casey and Hatton (through 8)
02:14 PMThe Spanish Armada
VAMOS! 💪
Garica/Rahm win back-to-back holes.#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/ZED8as1GvW
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
02:12 PMLooking better for Europe
The Spanish Armada
VAMOS! 💪
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
Garica/Rahm win back-to-back holes.#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/ZED8as1GvW
02:12 PMLooking better for Europe
Looking better for Europe
Koepka & Berger A/S vs Garcia & Rahm (9)
Johnson & Morikawa 3up vs Casey and Hatton (7)
Thomas & Speith 3down vs Hovland & Wiesberger (6)
Schauffele & Cantlay 1down vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (5)
02:11 PMGarcia chips in at the ninth!
Garcia chips in at the ninth!
He and Rahm are looking good now having been 3down through three. Berger misses the birdie putt for the USA and the match is now all square!
Koepka & Berger A/S vs Garcia & Rahm (through 9)
02:09 PMFitzpatrick holes six-foot birdie
Fitzpatrick holes six-foot birdie
At the fifth, thanks to a great approach from Westy.
He and Westwood are now 1up vs Cantlay & Schauffele .
Schauffele & Cantlay 1down vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (through 3)
02:07 PMRemarkable rookies
3UP thru 6 🔥
The Hovland/Wiesberger pairing aren't holding back.#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/O7XkVXG9Cp
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
02:05 PMGarcia & Rahm on the verge of turning their match around?
Remarkable rookies
3UP thru 6 🔥
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
The Hovland/Wiesberger pairing aren't holding back.#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/O7XkVXG9Cp
02:05 PMGarcia & Rahm on the verge of turning their match around?
Garcia & Rahm on the verge of turning their match around?
Having been 3down through three Garcia & Rahm are now back to 1down through eight vs Koepka & Berger. They need to turn this around to give Europe a chance.
02:01 PMI have good news and bad news
I have good news and bad news
I'll start with the bad news - Casey misses a putt on the seventh and having got it back to 2down they are back to 3down vs DJ &Morikawa. He and Hatton have been too inconsistent today.
The good news is that Hovland &Wiesberger are now 3up over Spieth & JT...the rookies have been great from the first tee shot today.
Johnson & Morikawa 3up vs Casey and Hatton (through 7)
Thomas & Speith 3down vs Hovland & Wiesberger (through 6)
01:58 PMBoth sides finding the 8th tough
Both sides finding the 8th tough
Rahm & Garcia have a 12 foot putt for par and the US duo of Koepka & Berger have an even longer putt for the four. Berger's putt nearly goes in - that was a great putt. But Garcia has this for the hole - he makes no mistake and it's back to 1down for the Spaniards - that was so needed. From 3down through three they are now only one back.
Koepka & Berger 1up vs Garcia & Rahm (through 8)
01:49 PMGarcia's awesome approach
Starting a comeback 👊#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/w1te2kVewC
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
01:48 PMHatton (just) eats into the USA lead
Garcia's awesome approach
Starting a comeback 👊#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/w1te2kVewC
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
01:48 PMHatton (just) eats into the USA lead
Hatton (just) eats into the USA lead
In his and Casey's match against DJ and Morikawa.
He just gets in an eight-foot putt (the ball ran around the rim of the hole before dropping) at the sixth to get the deficit to two...
Johnson & Morikawa 2up vs Casey and Hatton (through six)
01:44 PMEurope bogey the seventh
Europe bogey the seventh
Garcia's tee shot on the tricky par-3 seventh was left into the rough. BUT the US par of Koepka and Berger also bogey...that's the beauty of matchplay...
01:42 PMAs it stands
As it stands
Koepka & Berger 2up vs Garcia & Rahm (6)
Johnson & Morikawa 3up vs Casey and Hatton (5)
Thomas & Speith 2down vs Hovland & Wiesberger (4)
Schauffele & Cantlay A/S vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (3)
01:40 PMYet another gift on the fifth!
Yet another gift on the fifth!
This time, however, it's the USA messing up. Spieth's approach to the snaking par-5 is well wide and short.
Hovland and Wiesberger lay up and have a good chance to go 3up in that match. Impressive so far from the rookies.
01:38 PMDJ is looking in dominant form
01:37 PMAnother gift on the fifth
DJ is looking in dominant form
01:37 PMAnother gift on the fifth
Another gift on the fifth
From Europe to the USA.
That botched lay up from Hatton means they bogey the par-5 fifth and DJ and Morikawa are 3up through five....
Johnson & Morikawa 3up vs Casey and Hatton (through 5)
01:31 PMMore like it from the Spaniards
More like it from the Spaniards
Having made a mess of the fifth Garcia & Rahm win the sixth. Garcia played a beautiful approach and his compatriot holes the birdie putt. They're just 2down now.
Koepka & Berger 2up vs Garcia & Rahm (through 6)
01:29 PMHatton lays up into a bush
Hatton lays up into a bush
At the par-5 fifth - Casey has to drop and Europe are on the green in four...DJ and Morikawa are looking good to go back to 3up in that match.
01:27 PMMore woe for Europe
More woe for Europe
Westwood puts his tee shot at the par-3 third short in in the thick stuff. A three there will be impressive and still possibly not enough to prevent the USA going 2up in that match...
01:23 PMUSA are up in three
USA are up in three
Europe have the advantage in the other match.
Safe to say Harrington's side need to turn this around and fast...
01:22 PMCantlay holes his birdie putt at the second
Cantlay holes his birdie putt at the second
That's a birdie for him and Schauffele and they go 1up over Westwood and Fitzpatrick.
Schauffele & Cantlay 1up through two vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick
01:20 PMKoepka & Berger back to 3up
Koepka & Berger back to 3up
Over Garcia & Rahm. Rahm's approach in the water effectively gifted the hole to the Americans.
01:18 PMAs it stands
As it stands
Koepka & Berger 2up vs Garcia & Rahm (4)
Johnson & Morikawa 2up vs Casey and Hatton (4)
Thomas & Speith 2down vs Hovland & Wiesberger (3)
Schauffele & Cantlay A/S vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick (1)
01:14 PMThat DJ chip
GO OFF @DJohnsonPGA! 👏👏👏@MichelobULTRA | #ULTRAMoment pic.twitter.com/fHqjlDnO6V
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 25, 2021
01:07 PMRahm is in the water at the fifth
That DJ chip
GO OFF @DJohnsonPGA! 👏👏👏@MichelobULTRA | #ULTRAMoment pic.twitter.com/fHqjlDnO6V
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 25, 2021
01:07 PMRahm is in the water at the fifth
Rahm is in the water at the fifth
The approach with a long iron is a yard short and barring a disaster that will be their hole.
01:06 PMThe last match has left the first green
The last match has left the first green
And it was halved. Both Europe (Westwood) and USA (Cantlay) had decent chances for birdies but the hole is halved in four.
01:02 PMRahm and Garcia back to 2down
Rahm and Garcia back to 2down
They were 3down through three but have won the fourth.
12:59 PMDJ is on fire
DJ is on fire
His wedge play has been exceptional today. Morikawa's tee shot at the par-3 third is short, but the former world No.1 then steps up to chip in for the birdie. Hatton has to hole a bunker shot for the half , he cannot make it and the USA pair are 3up through three.
Johnson and Morikawa 3up through three vs Casey and Hatton
12:56 PMMatch 4 is under way
Match 4 is under way
Cantlay and Schauffele vs Westwood and Fitzpatrick
Lee Westwood steps up for the European pair's opening tee shot - the experienced Englishman the right hand side of the fairway. The understated but hugely impressive Patrick Cantlay goes for the USA pair and finds the left rough, but the lie doesn't look too bad.
12:53 PMRookie joy
Rookie duo off to a fast start 💪#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/OCOZXPAvXT
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
12:50 PMGOOD NEWS for Europe!
Rookie joy
Rookie duo off to a fast start 💪#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/OCOZXPAvXT
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
12:50 PMGOOD NEWS for Europe!
GOOD NEWS for Europe!
Wiesberger and Hovland birdie the first and take the early lead over Spieth and Thomas...
That is the definition of 'much-needed' good news...
12:49 PMThis is exactly the start Europe didn't want
This is exactly the start Europe didn't want
Hatton and Casey are 2down through two against DJ and Morikawa. Birdie is good enough for the USA win.
Johnson and Morikawa 2up through two vs Casey and Hatton
12:45 PMKoepka and Berger are 3up through three
Koepka and Berger are 3up through three
They won with par at the par three third.
Koepka and Berger 3up through three against Garcia and Rahm
12:43 PMRahm left with a tricky chip shot at the 3rd
Rahm left with a tricky chip shot at the 3rd
Garcia's tee shot was left of the green and below the dancefloor. His fellow Spaniard does well to at least give Garcia a putt for putt - it's just short and the USA will have two putts for the hole.
12:40 PMMatch 3 is underway.
Match 3 is underway.
Spieth and Thomas vs Hovland and Wiesberger
Bernd Wiesberger is up first for the Europeans and finds the fairway on the right. It's Justin 'JT' Thomas for the Americans and he finds the rough on the right.
12:37 PMThere have been three completed holes so far
There have been three completed holes so far
The USA have birdied all of them and won the lot.
12:36 PMHappy hoodies
Hoodie up.
Dew sweeping.@DanielBerger59 and @BKoepka are 2UP thru 2. pic.twitter.com/VBlp7mRnkF
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 25, 2021
12:35 PMWhat a start for the USA
Happy hoodies
Hoodie up.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 25, 2021
Dew sweeping.@DanielBerger59 and @BKoepka are 2UP thru 2. pic.twitter.com/VBlp7mRnkF
12:35 PMWhat a start for the USA
What a start for the USA
They're 2up through two in the first match. Berger’s second the the par-five second found the front of the green and and two putts from there give them the perfect start.
Koepka and Berger 2up through two against Garcia and Rahm
12:32 PMUSA up in the second match as well...
USA up in the second match as well...
Hatton’s approach at the first just fails to release towards the hole while DJ’s does and ends a good eight feet closer to the hole. Another great birdie chance for the Americans. Casey’s birdie attempt flirts with the hole, but Morikawa’s finds the bottom of the cup and it’s 1up for the USA in Match 2…
Not the start Europe wanted or needed.
12:25 PMOminous early sign?
Koepka and Berger take the opening hole for the Americans. Team USA was 2-0-1 yesterday when winning the opening hole, and are 16-5-2 on home soil when they win the first hole since 2008. #RyderCup
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) September 25, 2021
12:24 PMMatch 2 is under way
Ominous early sign?
Koepka and Berger take the opening hole for the Americans. Team USA was 2-0-1 yesterday when winning the opening hole, and are 16-5-2 on home soil when they win the first hole since 2008. #RyderCup
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) September 25, 2021
12:24 PMMatch 2 is under way
Match 2 is under way
Johnson and Morikawa vs Casey and Hatton
Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton are laughing with Harrington on the first tee. It's Casey who takes the first drive for the visitors, he finds the short rough on the right of the fairway. The ever-impressive Morikawa is first up for the hosts' pairing and he's on the first cut on the left.
12:17 PMUSA with the early advantage in Match 1
USA with the early advantage in Match 1
Koepka’s approach on the first ends 10 feet from the hole. Rahm’s response from the bunker goes long over the back and will leave Garcia with a tricky third…Sergio chips well to within five feet. But Berger then holes the birdie putt and it's 1-up to the USA after one. They couldn't have played that hole any better...
12:13 PMPadraig Harrington speaks...
Padraig Harrington speaks...
On the opening day…
“It was tough, obviously the USA played well and holed their putts we didn’t.”
On what Europe need to do…
““Clearly we have a lot of players playing well. Very solid players, very happy with the partnerships we’ve put up today.My guys played great, they had great attitude. We need a big day today, let’s hope they do get that momentum and it turns around.”
On aim for today…
“There’s 20 points left and we’re four points down, we need to eke into that lead. We need to be there or thereabouts by tomorrow.”
On Rory McIlroy not playing in this first session…
“Rory - we need him for the singles so pushing him out this morning and making him play five times, that would be an awful lot. Clearly you’ll see him this afternoon. Risking him by getting him back on the golf course, tiring him out before the singles - if we’re going to win tomorrow we’re going to need a big singles day so we’ve got to keep that in mind. ”
On Tommy Fleetwood not playing in the foursomes....
“We’ve got to do well today, so looking at all the pairings, looking at Tommy - he did very well yesterday. It just sits a bit nicely that he plays in the afternoon fourballs rather than play both today.”
12:08 PMFirst match is under way
First match is under way
Koepka and Berger vs Garcia and Rahm
Sergio Garcia tees off on the first for Europe (as he did yesterday), the Spaniard finds the left bunker - it should be OK there.
Daniel Berger takes the tee shot on the first for the USA and his ball is bang in the middle of the fairway.
12:05 PM'Average golf isn't going to get it done'
'Average golf isn't going to get it done'
Those are the words of Paul McGinley, Europe's winning captain from 2014. That being the case it is a bit of a surprise to see McIlroy dropped. He didn't play well yesterday but we all know that when on song few can match him...
12:03 PMSo the big European news is the dropping of Rory McIlroy
So the big European news is the dropping of Rory McIlroy
For this first session. He, like a lot of the Europe team, was very muted yesterday. The side needs more energy today...
“We want Rory” chant has broken out on the first tee
— No Laying Up (@NoLayingUp) September 25, 2021
12:01 PMNo great shock
No great shock
To say that Dame Laura is bang on - Europe cannot lose either session. That's at a minimum - they really need to win both and give themselves a sniff of victory heading into the singles tomorrow...
We're five minutes from the first match getting under way.
Here's a reminder of the foursomes match ups coming up...
1.05pm: Koepka and Berger vs Garcia and Rahm
1.21pm: Johnson and Morikawa vs Casey and Hatton
1.37pm: Spieth and Thomas vs Hovland and Wiesberger
1.53pm: Cantlay and Schauffele vs Westwood and Fitzpatrick
11:49 AMThoughts ahead of day two
Thoughts ahead of day two
Rich Beem : "If the Americans truly want this, they will throw everything. If they perform like they did yesterday, they could demoralise Europe. Historically, we don't like playing in cold conditions so it could be interesting morning."
Dame Laura Davies on what Europe need to do: "We can't lose either session. We can't be more than three points behind going into the singles." She suggests Europe need to win the first session 3-1.
11:31 AMEurope's early hopes lie with Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia
The European ship is at its best with a Spanish mainstay. No partnership has ever scored as many Ryder Cup points as Seve Ballesteros and Jose Olazabal, who were virtually unbeatable through the late 1980s and early 1990s. Has Harrington now found a worthy pair of successors?
Europe's early hopes lie with Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia
The European ship is at its best with a Spanish mainstay. No partnership has ever scored as many Ryder Cup points as Seve Ballesteros and Jose Olazabal, who were virtually unbeatable through the late 1980s and early 1990s. Has Harrington now found a worthy pair of successors?
Simon Briggs writes about Rahm and Garcia, who go out first for Europe in around 30 minutes' time. They were brilliant yesterday and yet anything but a win for them both against Koepka and Berger could see Europe staring at defeat.
11:12 AMNo DeChambeau in these early stages...
No DeChambeau in these early stages...
...but expect him to be in action again a bit later. In case you missed it, or want to watch again, here's the American's whopping 417-yard drive on day one.
As Oliver Brown writes, "this was prodigious even by his standards".
.@B_DeChambeau's not afraid to cut corners at Whistling Straits. 💣
417 yards. pic.twitter.com/7IegVssJYg— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 25, 2021
11:04 AMWhat's coming up this afternoon
What's coming up this afternoon
Pairings for today's foursomes were announced last night UK time... here they are, with timings:
1.05pm: Koepka and Berger vs Garcia and Rahm
1.21pm: Johnson and Morikawa vs Casey and Hatton
1.37pm: Spieth and Thomas vs Hovland and Wiesberger
1.53pm: Cantlay and Schauffele vs Westwood and Fitzpatrick
So, one hour to go... it's still dark in Wisconsin and the crowds are hurrying towards the first tee.
10:59 AMFrom lynchpin to liability: McIlroy's day of trouble
From lynchpin to liability: McIlroy's day of trouble
Rory McIlroy lost two matches for Europe on the first day - the first time that has happened to the four-time major winner - and neither got beyond the 15th hole.
Our chief sports writer Oliver Brown, at Whistling Straits, saw it all unfold.
There is no over-dramatising McIlroy’s travails. It was alarming just how scattergun he became. Quite apart from his dreaded two-way miss, the very flaw that his coach Pete Cowen was enlisted to remedy, his short game lacked any of the silkiness of old.
Read the full piece here.
10:46 AMEurope struggle on day one at the Ryder Cup - report
Europe struggle on day one at the Ryder Cup - report
Rory McIlroy had to watch from the sidelines for the first time in his Ryder Cup career as Europe attempted to overturn a daunting four-point deficit at Whistling Straits.
McIlroy had played 26 straight matches since making his debut at Celtic Manor in 2010, but lost twice on the opening day - alongside Ian Poulter and Shane Lowry - without even reaching the 16th hole.
It was therefore no real surprise to see the four-time major winner left out of the Saturday foursomes, with Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia sent out first again following their victory on Friday.
The Spanish pair were drawn to face Daniel Berger and Brooks Koepka, with Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton up against Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa and rookies Viktor Hovland and Bernd Wiesberger taking on Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth in match three.
Lee Westwood and Matt Fitzpatrick, who lost their foursomes match on Friday, were up against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele in match four.
Speaking about McIlroy after submitting his pairings but before announcing them publicly, Harrington said: "You saw him out there after a tough day, he was out following those matches and supporting his team.
"He is very much a leader amongst his peers and I couldn't have asked more from him during the year, I couldn't have asked more from him on Friday.
"Yeah, the golf didn't go as well as he would have liked, but I'm not second-guessing him for a second in terms of his leadership and what he does for my team."
Harrington admitted his side were set for a tough weekend and would likely need to slowly chip away at the USA's four-point advantage.
"You can't just turn around and try to eat into a lead straight away in one session," Harrington said. "It would be lovely if it happened, but you can't think like that. You've got to do it slowly, one step at a time.
"We've got 20 points to play for and we've got to prepare ourselves for hopefully a long battle all the way through. If we are going to get this done, it's going to be a very tight one."
US captain Steve Stricker insisted he was taking nothing for granted, saying: "It's a great start. We are very happy with the start. But my message to the guys is Saturday is a new day.
"Let's just go out and try to win that first session again in the morning and pretend Friday never happened. Let's keep our foot down and continue to play the golf that we know we can play.
"We've had some things that came up and bit us in the rear in other Ryder Cups, so these guys know that and they are focused on coming out strong again."
PA