Ryder Cup 2021: Steve Stricker hails 'new era' for Team USA after resounding record win over Europe
Emotional Rory McIlroy in tears after winning first point of the week
Collin Morikawa secures the half point to take USA to the magic 14.5 points
Record margin confirmed when Daniel Berger beat Matt Fitzpatrick
The Americans won back the Ryder Cup and perhaps a whole lot more Sunday, sending a strong message to Europe with a powerful performance from their youngest team in history.
Scottie Scheffler, one of six Ryder Cup newcomers for the Americans, took down the No. 1 player in the world with a 4-and-3 victory over Jon Rahm as the scoreboards around Whistling Straits quickly filled with American red.
The final blow came from Collin Morikawa, at 24 the youngest player on the team and already a two-time major champion. He holed a 3-foot birdie putt on the 17th hole that assured the Americans at least the 14 1/2 points they needed.
The celebration was on, even as the American were still keeping score.
"I woke up this morning and I was trying to tell the guys, 'Let's get to 20 points,' because this is going to be the next era of Ryder Cup team for the U.S. side," Patrick Cantlay said, finishing an unbeaten week with a win over Shane Lowry.
They did not quite reach Cantlay's target of 20, but Daniel Berger's win over Matt Fitzpatrick confirmed a record winning margin of 19-9 in the current format.
"We've got a lot of young guys. I think they're going to be on teams for a long time, and I wanted to send a message."
With two matches still on the course, the Americans already were assured of their most lopsided victory over Europe.
Tony Finau had said on the eve of these matches that this was "the big one" because Europe had won nine of the last 12, and the Americans had so many fresh faces without any lasting scars from watching Europe celebrate so much over the years.
The big one became one big rout.
The gallery saved one of its loudest cheers for U.S. captain Steve Stricker, the Wisconsin native who has been at the helm of blowouts in the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup.
"This is a new era for USA golf," Stricker said. "They are young. They come with a lot of passion, a lot of energy, a lot of game. They are just so good."
Ryder Cup singles results in full
(USA names first)
Xander Schauffele lost to Rory McIlroy (NIrl) 3&2
Patrick Cantlay bt Shane Lowry (Irl) 4&2
Scottie Scheffler bt Jon Rahm (Spa) 4&3
Bryson DeChambeau bt Sergio Garcia (Spa) 3&2
Collin Morikawa halved with Viktor Hovland (Nor)
Dustin Johnson bt Paul Casey (Eng) 1up
Brooks Koepka bt Bernd Wiesberger (Aut) 2&1
Tony Finau lost to Ian Poulter (Eng) 3&2
Justin Thomas bt Tyrrell Hatton (Eng) 4&3
Harris English lost to Lee Westwood (Eng) 1up
Jordan Spieth halved with Tommy Fleetwood (Eng)
Daniel Berger bt Matthew Fitzpatrick (Eng) 1up
Final day as it happened
10:12 PMFinal thoughts
Final thoughts
Most predicted an American triumph this week - the world rankings, form and major pedigree pointed towards it - but the ruthless and clinical nature of this performance was still something to behold. They simply had too much power and holed too many putts for Europe to contend with, and their oldest player is only 37!
That man was Dustin Johnson, who became only the third player in Ryder Cup to finish the week with a perfect 5-0 record.
Europe must gather their thoughts and hope some new blood emerges in time for Rome 2023. Let the post-mortem begin.
10:01 PMResult: Daniel Berger wins 1up against Matt Fitzpatrick
Result: Daniel Berger wins 1up against Matt Fitzpatrick
The Englishman's chunked second put pay to his chances and the Americans have reached a record 19 points.
09:57 PMMatt Fitzpatrick has found a watery grave
Matt Fitzpatrick has found a watery grave
He caught his second shot fat, and knew as soon as he struck it. Berger has found the back of the green in two, and he will surely win the point for the record if he can two putt from there.
09:54 PMThe only match on the course is Fitzpatrick and Berger
The only match on the course is Fitzpatrick and Berger
They are all square and in the 18th fairway. The Americans need Berger to win for the record points tally. A half point will see them match it.
09:52 PMResult: Lee Westwood wins one up against Harris English
09:52 PMResult: Fleetwood and Spieth halve their match
09:47 PMBerger and Fitzpatrick both par the 17th
Result: Lee Westwood wins one up against Harris English
09:52 PMResult: Fleetwood and Spieth halve their match
09:47 PMBerger and Fitzpatrick both par the 17th
Result: Fleetwood and Spieth halve their match
09:47 PMBerger and Fitzpatrick both par the 17th
Berger and Fitzpatrick both par the 17th
They walk to the 18th tee all square.
09:47 PMXander Schauffele toasts victory
09:46 PMMore from Ian Poulter
Xander Schauffele toasts victory
09:46 PMMore from Ian Poulter
More from Ian Poulter
"You put a point on the board and that's all very nice but it doesn't mean anything," he told Sky Sports.
"Unbeaten in singles is nice personally but this is a team week and it is deflating.
"As a senior player in the team you don't really think there is many more left. I wanted to come here this week and give everything and in the first two days I didn't manage to do anything.
"Today was to give something back but you just don't know if you get the chance to go again."
09:44 PMBerger and Fitzpatrick with good tee shots on the 17th
Berger and Fitzpatrick with good tee shots on the 17th
Both will have birdie putts coming up from around 15 feet with the match tied at all square.
09:40 PMPadraig Harrington speaks
A tough loss for us but they just played better than us. The team did everything I could ask of them but a tough week on the course. It was always going to be a tall order against a strong US team.
09:39 PMBerger vs Fitzpatrick all square with two to go
Padraig Harrington speaks
A tough loss for us but they just played better than us. The team did everything I could ask of them but a tough week on the course. It was always going to be a tall order against a strong US team.
09:39 PMBerger vs Fitzpatrick all square with two to go
Berger vs Fitzpatrick all square with two to go
Another match near the bottom remains in the balance.
09:38 PMSpieth and Fleetwood both birdie the par three 17th!
Spieth and Fleetwood both birdie the par three 17th!
And they march to the 18th tee all square. Great golf from the pair considering the air has gone out of the balloon.
09:37 PMHarris English finds the water with his second on the 18th....
Harris English finds the water with his second on the 18th....
Lee Westwood is around 15 feet away, so it looks like a rare European point will be on the board and they might avoid a record winning margin.
09:36 PMTommy Fleetwood wins the par five 16th
Tommy Fleetwood wins the par five 16th
He draws all square with Jordan Spieth, and they have both set up birdie tries on the par three 17th.
09:35 PMWestwood and English both find the 18th fairway
Westwood and English both find the 18th fairway
Two very solid and dependable drivers of the ball finishing on a strong note.
09:29 PMHarris English and Lee Westwood locked together at all square
Harris English and Lee Westwood locked together at all square
They will head down the 18th to try and separate them.
09:27 PMIan Poulter's reaction
They made it tough, they played better than us this week. It was never going to be easy and it was tough.
Don't set me off! (when asked about McIlroy's emotional response). You put a point on the board and it's all very nice, it's nice personally to be unbeaten in singles but it's a team even and it's deflating. We've got a good young team who are going to take this forward.
09:22 PMPatrick Cantlay
"I woke up this morning and told the guys, let's get to 20 points. Because this is gonna be the next era of guys for the US. I wanted to send a message."
09:21 PMDustin Johnson on his perfect record
If you said at the start of the week I was going to go 5-0 I would have said you were crazy. I didn't even think I was going to play all five matches.
We all have one thing in common - we don't like to lose.
09:18 PMSpieth finds trouble off the 16th
Ian Poulter's reaction
They made it tough, they played better than us this week. It was never going to be easy and it was tough.
Don't set me off! (when asked about McIlroy's emotional response). You put a point on the board and it's all very nice, it's nice personally to be unbeaten in singles but it's a team even and it's deflating. We've got a good young team who are going to take this forward.
09:22 PMPatrick Cantlay
"I woke up this morning and told the guys, let's get to 20 points. Because this is gonna be the next era of guys for the US. I wanted to send a message."
09:21 PMDustin Johnson on his perfect record
If you said at the start of the week I was going to go 5-0 I would have said you were crazy. I didn't even think I was going to play all five matches.
We all have one thing in common - we don't like to lose.
09:18 PMSpieth finds trouble off the 16th
Patrick Cantlay
"I woke up this morning and told the guys, let's get to 20 points. Because this is gonna be the next era of guys for the US. I wanted to send a message."
09:21 PMDustin Johnson on his perfect record
If you said at the start of the week I was going to go 5-0 I would have said you were crazy. I didn't even think I was going to play all five matches.
We all have one thing in common - we don't like to lose.
09:18 PMSpieth finds trouble off the 16th
Dustin Johnson on his perfect record
If you said at the start of the week I was going to go 5-0 I would have said you were crazy. I didn't even think I was going to play all five matches.
We all have one thing in common - we don't like to lose.
09:18 PMSpieth finds trouble off the 16th
Spieth finds trouble off the 16th
It looks like his drive squirted right and found the juniper bush. Fleetwood crushed his tee shot down the fairway.
09:17 PMJordan Speith takes the lead against Fleetwood
Jordan Speith takes the lead against Fleetwood
He is now one up as he heads to the 16th tee. USA need two wins in three remaining games for the record. Lee Westwood is one down on the 16th and Matt Fitzpatrick all square on the 15th, so it is in the balance.
09:16 PMCelebrations under way
09:10 PMYou can tell Xander Schauffele has German heritage
Celebrations under way
09:10 PMYou can tell Xander Schauffele has German heritage
You can tell Xander Schauffele has German heritage
He is chinning cans of beer around the 18th green like a seasoned stein swiller.
09:06 PMResult: Ian Poulter beats Tony Finau 3&2
Result: Ian Poulter beats Tony Finau 3&2
Poulter knows that his last Ryder Cup appearance in all probability, and he is on his haunches at the side of the green fighting back tears. It means he keeps up his unblemished record in the singles, which is a heck of an effort for a player who turned pro off a handicap.
09:04 PMResult: Dustin Johnson beats Paul Casey one up
Result: Dustin Johnson beats Paul Casey one up
Casey missed a putt on the 18th to win half a point, but the full point takes USA to 17.5. They need two more for a record winning margin.
09:03 PMResult: Justin Thomas beats Tyrrell Hatton 4&3
Result: Justin Thomas beats Tyrrell Hatton 4&3
An emotional week for Thomas with his father and coach unable to attend due to illness.
08:58 PMKoepka's win takes the Americans closer to record
Koepka's win takes the Americans closer to record
The largest margin of victory in the current format is 18.5-9.5. achieved by the U.S. in 1981 and be Europe in 2004 and 2006. Koepka's point means USA are now on 15.5 with four more players currently leading their matches...
08:57 PMResult: Brooks Koepka has beaten Bern Wiesberger 2&1
08:56 PMMorikawa speaks
It feels good, a full team effort and everyone contributed.
It's a whole other feat (to winning majors). You really feel the fans and take that energy in and carry that momentum.
08:54 PMBryson DeChambeau on the home crowd
"They were electric. It's an atmosphere that you don't get very often, but one that you certainly appreciate when you do."
08:53 PMThe moment it was (almost, not quite officially) won
With the half point guaranteed, the United States clinches the 43rd #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/jbMy5f7uxM
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 26, 2021
08:52 PMUSA WIN THE RYDER CUP!
08:51 PMHovland's putt misses....
Result: Brooks Koepka has beaten Bern Wiesberger 2&1
08:56 PMMorikawa speaks
It feels good, a full team effort and everyone contributed.
It's a whole other feat (to winning majors). You really feel the fans and take that energy in and carry that momentum.
08:54 PMBryson DeChambeau on the home crowd
"They were electric. It's an atmosphere that you don't get very often, but one that you certainly appreciate when you do."
08:53 PMThe moment it was (almost, not quite officially) won
With the half point guaranteed, the United States clinches the 43rd #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/jbMy5f7uxM
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 26, 2021
08:52 PMUSA WIN THE RYDER CUP!
08:51 PMHovland's putt misses....
Morikawa speaks
It feels good, a full team effort and everyone contributed.
It's a whole other feat (to winning majors). You really feel the fans and take that energy in and carry that momentum.
08:54 PMBryson DeChambeau on the home crowd
"They were electric. It's an atmosphere that you don't get very often, but one that you certainly appreciate when you do."
08:53 PMThe moment it was (almost, not quite officially) won
With the half point guaranteed, the United States clinches the 43rd #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/jbMy5f7uxM
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 26, 2021
08:52 PMUSA WIN THE RYDER CUP!
08:51 PMHovland's putt misses....
Bryson DeChambeau on the home crowd
"They were electric. It's an atmosphere that you don't get very often, but one that you certainly appreciate when you do."
08:53 PMThe moment it was (almost, not quite officially) won
With the half point guaranteed, the United States clinches the 43rd #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/jbMy5f7uxM
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 26, 2021
08:52 PMUSA WIN THE RYDER CUP!
08:51 PMHovland's putt misses....
The moment it was (almost, not quite officially) won
With the half point guaranteed, the United States clinches the 43rd #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/jbMy5f7uxM
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 26, 2021
08:52 PMUSA WIN THE RYDER CUP!
08:51 PMHovland's putt misses....
USA WIN THE RYDER CUP!
08:51 PMHovland's putt misses....
Hovland's putt misses....
So Morikawa, after a good chip, has the putt to secure the half.
He misses, but that's the half a point they need. A bit of a limp ending, but the Americans will not care.
08:50 PMBrooks Koepka within a whisker of a hole in one on the 17th!
Brooks Koepka within a whisker of a hole in one on the 17th!
What a way to win the Ryder Cup that would have been. He looks certain of winning his match.
08:47 PMDustin Johnson has a putt to win it on the 17th
Dustin Johnson has a putt to win it on the 17th
Casey's birdie try missed and so Johnson is lining one up from 20 feet or so...but it slips by the edge. Johnson one up with one to play.
08:46 PMMorikawa has come up short and right with second on 18
Morikawa has come up short and right with second on 18
Understandably conservative, he just needs to sign his card correctly to be sure of the half point or point. Hovland with a good looking second shot, right down the banner to set up a six-foot birdie putt. You will be hearing a lot more of Hovland.
We could be in the strange situation where Hovland holing that point will secure the Ryder Cup for USA.
08:43 PMHow things stand: The end is night for Europe
08:42 PMJohnson and Paul Casey on the green at the 17th
How things stand: The end is night for Europe
08:42 PMJohnson and Paul Casey on the green at the 17th
Johnson and Paul Casey on the green at the 17th
Two solid iron shots into the hear of the green. Back at the 14th, Hatton holes a birdie from long range and he is now three down with four to play against Thomas.
08:41 PMJustin Thomas narrowly misses for birdie on the 14th green
Justin Thomas narrowly misses for birdie on the 14th green
It looks like he is about to go four up with four to play on Hatton though. Only a matter of time before another American point is assured.
08:39 PMOn the 18th
On the 18th
Morikawa has leaked his drive a fraction to the right. Hovland has nutted his right of the screws and straight down the middle of the fairway.
08:38 PMPaul Casey with an eagle at the par five 16th
Paul Casey with an eagle at the par five 16th
That pegs Dustin Johnson back to one up with two to play. Brilliance from the Englishman,
08:37 PMAll over bar the shouting
All over bar the shouting
Was it ever in any doubt? Morikawa goes one up with one to play, but he needs to play the 18th hole against Hovland in order for the point or half point to become official.
08:35 PMHovland's putt is a good one...
Hovland's putt is a good one...
But it's not the birdie he likely needed. Morikawa has three to four feet to win the Ryder Cup...
08:33 PMMorikawa stiffs his iron shot on the 17th: will likely have a short putt to win the Ryder Cup
Morikawa stiffs his iron shot on the 17th: will likely have a short putt to win the Ryder Cup
At the very tough par three 17th, his tee shot bounces forward from the fringe on the right, over the crest of a hill and feeds down to within a few feet on the par three. Unless Viktor Hovland holes from 40 feet or more across the green that will be the putt to win the Ryder Cup.
He will be one up with one to play, meaning USA are assured the half point they need.
08:28 PMMorikawa within a whisker of a winning eagle
Morikawa within a whisker of a winning eagle
That seemed to run over a cellophane bridge across the hole. His humdinger of a match with Hovland is all square as they walk to the 17th tee. Justin Thomas has missed a chance to go five up, but he remains four up on Hatton with five to play.
08:26 PMDustin Johnson buries another putt - now two up on Casey
Dustin Johnson buries another putt - now two up on Casey
And only three holes to play. He is in the frame to hole the winning putt, and could become the third man in Ryder Cup history to win a clean sweep of five points.
08:25 PMPatrick Cantlay on this fearsome USA team
🗣 "We're young. We've played golf since we were teenagers together."
Patrick Cantlay reflects on a dream week, as #TeamUSA close in on #RyderCup victory
📺 Sky Sports Ryder Cup📱 Live blog 👉 https://t.co/olgrFc5M2v pic.twitter.com/jBBSpm6kCk
— Sky Sports Ryder Cup (@SkySportsGolf) September 26, 2021
08:23 PMJustin Thomas is four up with six to play against Hatton
Patrick Cantlay on this fearsome USA team
🗣 "We're young. We've played golf since we were teenagers together."
— Sky Sports Ryder Cup (@SkySportsGolf) September 26, 2021
Patrick Cantlay reflects on a dream week, as #TeamUSA close in on #RyderCup victory
📺 Sky Sports Ryder Cup📱 Live blog 👉 https://t.co/olgrFc5M2v pic.twitter.com/jBBSpm6kCk
08:23 PMJustin Thomas is four up with six to play against Hatton
Justin Thomas is four up with six to play against Hatton
He might be in the hunt to hole the winning putt now. Although, at all square, Morikawa has hit a gorgeous fairway wood onto the green in two at the par five 16th. Hovland in good shape with just an iron in hand though, and he follows him with another cracker. Two eagle putts on the way.
08:20 PMResult: DeChambeau wins 3&2 against Sergio Garcia
Result: DeChambeau wins 3&2 against Sergio Garcia
USA now just need half a point to win the Ryder Cup.
08:16 PMMcIlroy's post-round interview
🗣 "I love my team-mates so much and I should've done more for them this week."
An emotional Rory McIlroy reflects on ending his #RyderCup by winning a point for #TeamEurope in the Sunday singles. pic.twitter.com/3p7GY2bYJf
— Sky Sports Ryder Cup (@SkySportsGolf) September 26, 2021
08:14 PMGarcia in bother on the 16th
McIlroy's post-round interview
🗣 "I love my team-mates so much and I should've done more for them this week."
— Sky Sports Ryder Cup (@SkySportsGolf) September 26, 2021
An emotional Rory McIlroy reflects on ending his #RyderCup by winning a point for #TeamEurope in the Sunday singles. pic.twitter.com/3p7GY2bYJf
08:14 PMGarcia in bother on the 16th
Garcia in bother on the 16th
DeChambeau is on the green in three on the par five, but Garcia is close to the back lip of a deep bunker after taking it in two. Had to take a risk at three down with three to play.
08:14 PMLee Westwood still battling
Lee Westwood still battling
This might be his last Ryder Cup round, and he has pegged back Harris English to all square on the 12th.
08:12 PMGreat putt from Viktor Hovland
Great putt from Viktor Hovland
Drains the birdie putt to bring Morikawa back to all square with three to play.
08:09 PMMorikawa in trouble on the 15th
Morikawa in trouble on the 15th
Had to splash out into the fairway after finding sand from the tee. Just one up against Hovland, who finds the green to set up a 20 foot birdie chance. Maybe those winning points will have to wait a bit longer...
08:07 PMOn the 16th
On the 16th
Sergio Garcia finds the fairway on the par five, with DeChambeau in sand. Maybe there is some life in this match yet.
Ian Poulter has move to three up thru 12 against Tony Finau.
08:05 PMBryson DeChambeau on the verge of victory
Bryson DeChambeau on the verge of victory
Garcia's par putt on the 15th slipped by after DeChambeau struck his approach shot to four feet. DeChambeau now three up with three to play. A halved hole will move USA to 14 points.
07:59 PMViktor Hovland gets a hole back on Morikawa
Viktor Hovland gets a hole back on Morikawa
The American is now one up on Hovland with four to play after a rare error on the 14th.
07:58 PMIan Poulter might get his customary singles point
Ian Poulter might get his customary singles point
Now two up against Finau thru 11. It is academic, but would maintain his proud record of never losing in the singles.
07:53 PMThis is racing towards a conclusion now
This is racing towards a conclusion now
USA need just a point and a half win regain the Ryder Cup. It looks like Collin Morikawa or Dustin Johnson will have the honour of holing the winning putt. This is the lie of the land:
07:49 PMResult: Patrick Cantlay beats Shane Lowry 4&2
07:49 PMResult: Scottie Scheffler beats Jon Rahm 4&3 - what a performance
07:46 PMMorikawa now two up on Hovland thru 13
Result: Patrick Cantlay beats Shane Lowry 4&2
07:49 PMResult: Scottie Scheffler beats Jon Rahm 4&3 - what a performance
07:46 PMMorikawa now two up on Hovland thru 13
Result: Scottie Scheffler beats Jon Rahm 4&3 - what a performance
07:46 PMMorikawa now two up on Hovland thru 13
Morikawa now two up on Hovland thru 13
He is almost unbeatable when his putter is warm. USA's vice like grip on the trophy continues.
07:43 PMMcIlroy securing his point
Blue on the board. 🔵
Rory McIlroy claims the first point of the singles, although #TeamUSA are ahead in eight of the other 11 matches on the course. pic.twitter.com/lE6BffWR0p
— Sky Sports Ryder Cup (@SkySportsGolf) September 26, 2021
07:41 PMRory McIlroy tearful in his post-round interview.
I love being part of this team. I love my team-mates so much, I should have done more for them over the first two days. I can't wait to get another shot at this.
McIlroy securing his point
Blue on the board. 🔵
— Sky Sports Ryder Cup (@SkySportsGolf) September 26, 2021
Rory McIlroy claims the first point of the singles, although #TeamUSA are ahead in eight of the other 11 matches on the course. pic.twitter.com/lE6BffWR0p
07:41 PMRory McIlroy tearful in his post-round interview.
I love being part of this team. I love my team-mates so much, I should have done more for them over the first two days. I can't wait to get another shot at this.
Rory McIlroy tearful in his post-round interview.
I love being part of this team. I love my team-mates so much, I should have done more for them over the first two days. I can't wait to get another shot at this.
He is really choked up. Distraught. Rarely do you see a player so emotional in a post-round interview.
07:39 PMResult: Rory McIlroy wins 3&2 against Xander Schauffele
07:36 PMRory McIlroy finds the fringe of the green on the par five 16th
Result: Rory McIlroy wins 3&2 against Xander Schauffele
07:36 PMRory McIlroy finds the fringe of the green on the par five 16th
Rory McIlroy finds the fringe of the green on the par five 16th
That should be enough to at least secure the half he needs to win the match against Schauffele.
And he lags up to within gimme range. Schauffele needs to hole from 30 feet to stay alive.
07:34 PMJon Rahm keeps his match going
Jon Rahm keeps his match going
He birdies the 14th to win the hole, and Scheffler is now three up with four play. Hovland is still battling against Morikawa, and he has birdied the 12th to reel him back to one up.
07:32 PMTommy Fleetwood holes from long range on the seventh
Tommy Fleetwood holes from long range on the seventh
The putter has not been kind to him this week until then. It pegs Spieth back to just one up.
07:27 PMHow things stand: Grim reading for Europe
How things stand: Grim reading for Europe
Not seen that much red on a graphic since a map of Alabama on election night.
07:25 PMDustin Johnson now two up against Casey
Dustin Johnson now two up against Casey
This is only heading in one direction: just a matter of who gets to hole the putt to keep the Ryder Cup across the Atlantic.
07:24 PMMcIlroy misses a five footer to win his match
McIlroy misses a five footer to win his match
But he cleans up to walk to the 16th tee three up against Xander Schauffele.
07:23 PMWhat a putt from Justin Thomas
What a putt from Justin Thomas
From off the front of the eighth green, he putts through the collar and finds the bottom of the cup. He is now three up on Hatton.
07:19 PMJordan Spieth now two up on Fleetwood
Jordan Spieth now two up on Fleetwood
Only six holes gone, but that's a solid lead for Spieth who looking back to his best. Some of his short game shots have been magical this week.
07:17 PMLowry's birdie putt slips by
Lowry's birdie putt slips by
Patrick Cantlay now two up with four to play and USA are now in front in nine matches and heading for a record points tally.
07:16 PMRory's celebrations
Rory for birdie! #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/7GxkfCAelH
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 26, 2021
07:15 PMCracking approach from Cantlay
Rory's celebrations
Rory for birdie! #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/7GxkfCAelH
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 26, 2021
07:15 PMCracking approach from Cantlay
Cracking approach from Cantlay
Lowry had hit a good shot over the flag, but Cantlay zips one back to within six inches. Lowry will need to hole another putt of substance to halve the hole.
07:14 PMTony Finau now back on terms against Ian Poulter
Tony Finau now back on terms against Ian Poulter
Another strip of blue disappears for Europe after eight holes of that match.
07:10 PMJordan Spieth now in front against Fleetwood
Jordan Spieth now in front against Fleetwood
A good birdie on the par five fifth, puts USA ahead in that match down the bottom.
07:09 PMJon Rahm wins the 12th
Jon Rahm wins the 12th
A glimmer of hope to get back to three down against Scottie Scheffler, who had shrub trouble off the tee on the par three.
Morikawa is now two up thru 10 against Hovland, meaning USA are now up seven matches.
07:07 PMA roar from Rory
A roar from Rory
McIlroy drains a 30 foot birdie putt to go three under for his round thru 14 holes. It asks the question of Schauffele from a little more than 10 feet...and he misses. McIlroy is now three up with five to play in the top match.
07:05 PMHow things stand
06:59 PMMatt Fitzpatrick now leads in the bottom match
How things stand
06:59 PMMatt Fitzpatrick now leads in the bottom match
Matt Fitzpatrick now leads in the bottom match
He goes one up on Daniel Berger after four holes.
06:59 PMShane Lowry still in there fighting
Shane Lowry getting some momentum going 💪#RyderCup pic.twitter.com/OMoIxQNvkH
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 26, 2021
06:56 PMDustin Johnson back in front against Casey
Shane Lowry still in there fighting
Shane Lowry getting some momentum going 💪#RyderCup pic.twitter.com/OMoIxQNvkH
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 26, 2021
06:56 PMDustin Johnson back in front against Casey
Dustin Johnson back in front against Casey
He wins the eighth, and is back to one up. The oldest player on the American team is going for a clean sweep of five points from five.
06:55 PMLatest scores: USA still in control
Latest scores: USA still in control
Schauffele v McIlroy: Europe 2up thru 13
Cantlay v Lowry: USA 1up thru 12
Scheffler v Rahm: USA 3up thru 10
DeChambeau v Garcia: USA 3up thru 9
Morikawa v Hovland: USA 1up thru 9
Johnson v Casey: AS thru 7
Koepka v Wiesberger: USA 1up thru 7
Finau v Poulter: Europe 1up thru 6
Thomas v Hatton: USA 1up thru 5
English v Westwood: Europe 1up thru 4
Spieth v Fleetwood: AS thru 4
Berger v Fitzpatrick: AS thru 3
06:43 PMDeChambeau does indeed go three up
DeChambeau does indeed go three up
Four of the top five matches are now two up or better in America's favour.
06:40 PMCracking approach on the ninth from DeChambeau
Cracking approach on the ninth from DeChambeau
He looks odds on to go three up on Garcia, but a fantastic up and down from Paul Casey has squared his match with Dustin Johnson. USA now up in just the six matches.
06:34 PMRory McIlroy now three up against Schauffele
Rory McIlroy now three up against Schauffele
Against the form book, but a welcome shaft of light for him and Europe thru 11 holes. Shane Lowry has also battled back to two down Cantlay thru 10.
06:32 PMThomas on top early against Hatton
From the edge, in the cup. Birdie, birdie start for JT.#RyderCup pic.twitter.com/aBFZUdV5uX
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 26, 2021
06:30 PMDustin Johnson wins the sixth
Thomas on top early against Hatton
From the edge, in the cup. Birdie, birdie start for JT.#RyderCup pic.twitter.com/aBFZUdV5uX
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 26, 2021
06:30 PMDustin Johnson wins the sixth
Dustin Johnson wins the sixth
He is now one up against Paul Casey. Over at the third, Spieth has taken the lead against Tommy Fleetwood. It means USA are now up in seven, with a lead of two up or more in five of those matches. It's a question of when, not if.
06:24 PMA chance slips by for Viktor Hovland
A chance slips by for Viktor Hovland
He is now two down against Morikawa thru seven holes, but it was a good birdie try from 20 feet or so. Morikawa steps up and walks one in - not bad for a player who is not a fantastic putter by most estimations.
06:21 PMBetter golf from McIlroy
Better golf from McIlroy
He splits the fairway on the par four 11th, and Schauffele follows him down the right side of the cut and prepared. Two thoroughbreds in the top match.
06:19 PMLatest scores: USA up in five matches
Latest scores: USA up in five matches
Schauffele v McIlroy: Europe 2up thru 10
Cantlay v Lowry: USA 3up thru 9
Scheffler v Rahm: USA 3up thru 7
DeChambeau v Garcia: USA 2up thru 7
Morikawa v Hovland: USA 1up thru 6
Johnson v Casey: AS thru 5
Koepka v Wiesberger: Europe 1up thru 4
Finau v Poulter: Europe 1up thru 3
Thomas v Hatton: USA 2up thru 2
English v Westwood: AS thru 2
Spieth v Fleetwood: AS thru 1
Berger v Fitzpatrick: Europe 1up thru 1
06:13 PMBryson DeChambeau wins the seventh
Bryson DeChambeau wins the seventh
He now moves to two up against Sergio Garica.
06:13 PMRahm battles to halve the eighth against Scottie Scheffler
Rahm battles to halve the eighth against Scottie Scheffler
But he remains three down thru eight and up against it against the very impressive American.
06:09 PMMissed chance for Paul Casey
Missed chance for Paul Casey
A putt to win the whole on the par five fifth dribbled away on the left side. He remains all square with Dustin Johnson.
06:08 PMGarcia drops another hole to DeChambeau
Garcia drops another hole to DeChambeau
Sergio fluffed his chip from the rough at the 6th and concedes the hole after DeChambeau nearly drove the green.
The shot Garcia won at the previous hole goes straight back in the American's ledger.
DeChambeau 2 up after six holes.
06:03 PMThomas doubles his advantage
Thomas doubles his advantage
Two birdies at the first two holes have done the job for Justin Thomas against Tyrell Hatton.
Thomas 2 up after two holes.
05:55 PMLee Westwood makes a perfect start
Lee Westwood makes a perfect start
He wins the 1st hole against Harris English.
Westwood has lost six Ryder Cup matches in a row - today's singles is time he puts that miserable run to an end.
05:52 PMGarcia claws one back
Garcia claws one back
Bryson DeChambeau clobbered his drive into the water at the par-five 5th and Sergio Garcia kept his ball on dry land to win the hole. Easy does it.
DeChambeau 1 up after five holes.
05:48 PMAs it stands
As it stands
Europe are up in three, the USA are up in four and two matches are all square.
McIlroy 1 up against Schauffele after 8
Lowry 3 down against Cantlay after 7
Rahm 3 down against Scheffler after 6
Garcia 2 down against DeChambeau after 4
Hovland 1 up against Morikawa after 4
Casey tied with Johnson after 3
Wiesberger tied with Koepka after 2
Poulter 1 up against Finau after 1
Hatton 1 down against Thomas after 1
05:40 PMSchauffele halves the deficit
Schauffele halves the deficit
An errant tee shot from Rory McIlroy at the par-three 7th left him in a tricky sport in the rough and he was only able to escape with a bogey four.
Xander Schauffele takes the hole with par, holing out from short-ish range at McIlroy's request.
McIlroy one up after seven holes.
05:36 PMCantlay's fine form continues
Cantlay's fine form continues
Shane Lowry's 10ft birdie putt slips past on the low side and Patrick Cantlay takes advantage, sinking his eight-footer with consummate ease.
Cantlay three up after six holes.
05:34 PMHatton v Thomas is under way
Hatton v Thomas is under way
And both players have found the middle of the fairway on the 1st hole.
05:29 PMStrong start for Hovland
Strong start for Hovland
Hovland, the first Norwegian player to compete in the Ryder Cup, sinks his third birdie through three to go two up against Morikawa.
Hovland two up after three holes.
05:23 PMScheffler now four up through four. A perfect start in his pairing with Rahm
Scheffler now four up through four. A perfect start in his pairing with Rahm
Look at his approach on the fourth:
A dream start for Scottie Scheffler.
He's 4-up thru 4. pic.twitter.com/uUgsWIpith— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 26, 2021
05:13 PMMcIlroy rescues a par on the fifth after finding the water
McIlroy rescues a par on the fifth after finding the water
He holds a long putt to stop Schauffele from eroding his lead of two. They half the hole.
McIlroy still two up after five holes.
05:04 PM Scheffler with a chance to go three up through three holes
Scheffler with a chance to go three up through three holes
...can he hold his nerve? And yes, he gets it in to go three up after three holes against Jon Rahm of all people, the world number one.
An incredible start for the American.
Scheffler three up after three holes.
04:54 PMMcIlroy and Schauffele are on the green of the fourth
McIlroy and Schauffele are on the green of the fourth
Schauffele eyes up a long putt for the half; if he misses, Rory goes two up...
He's about five metres out... the pace is right, but he nudges it just to the left of the hole.
McIlroy now two up after four holes.
04:51 PMCantlay and Lowry on the third
Cantlay and Lowry on the third
Cantlay sinks his birdie putt to bring it back to level.
Even in this pairing after three holes.
04:49 PMDeChambeau eagles the first with a 41-foot putt
DeChambeau eagles the first with a 41-foot putt
Incredible stuff! Garcia didn't make a wrong move, but DeChambeau capitalised on his green driving and made the long putt. The crowd are absolutely loving this.
DeChambeau one up after first hole.
Giving the crowd what they want! @b_dechambeau off to a fast start with an eagle on No. 1. 🔥@RyderCupUSA // #RyderCup
📺 NBC and @peacockTV
💻 https://t.co/MsI0o7nApk pic.twitter.com/J0jb6gFYHh— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) September 26, 2021
04:40 PMDeChambeau and Garcia are out on the first now
DeChambeau and Garcia are out on the first now
Sergio Garcia goes straight down the fairway; Bryson DeChambeau drives the green.
What a drive! Sensational. The crowd are delighted.
Built for moments like this.👏@b_dechambeau // @RyderCupUSA x #RyderCup
📺 NBC and @peacockTV
💻 https://t.co/MsI0o75ZxM pic.twitter.com/M2CShQoKBr— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) September 26, 2021
04:38 PMScheffler and Rahm on the first green
Scheffler and Rahm on the first green
Rahm misses his putt; Scheffler holes to win.
Scheffler one up after first hole.
04:33 PMMcIlroy and Schauffele tie the second
McIlroy and Schauffele tie the second
McIlroy's in a much better position, but he misses his putt to allow Schauffele back in and they half the hole.
McIlroy still one up.
04:30 PMScheffler and Rahm are out the tee-box
Scheffler and Rahm are out the tee-box
Another perfect drive from Jon Rahm; Scottie Scheffler matches him.
Here's James Corrigan's verdict on this pairing:
Rahm has 31/2 pts out of 4 and it will take something special from Scheffler to deny the world No 1. The rookie has yet to win on the PGA Tour and should he take down it would be deathly blow for the visitors.
Verdict: Rahm 3&2
04:19 PMOn the par five second, Rory launches another great drive down the fairway
On the par five second, Rory launches another great drive down the fairway
It's very early, but it's the start Europe needs if they're going to have any chance of turning around USA's massive lead.
Schauffele with a high draw off the tee. It lands in the rough, but he'll be fine there. His second lands on the bank on the right side of the green.
Rory's second lands beautifully onto the green; he's about four metres out for his eagle putt.
04:17 PMCantlay and Lowry are on the first tee now
Cantlay and Lowry are on the first tee now
A wonderful drive from Shane Lowry, just short of the front of the green.
Patrick Cantlay matches him.
04:14 PMSchauffele putts; Rory pitches
Schauffele putts; Rory pitches
Schauffele gets slightly closer, he should get that in.
The question now is whether Rory can meet him. He lands a couple of metres out...
And it's in! Good start from Rory. That'll be a boost to his confidence.
Schauffele misses!
Rory goes one-up.
04:09 PMIt's a good drive from Rory:
Sunday Singles, now in play, with Rory's opening tee shot.#RyderCup pic.twitter.com/5GBN9cxufH
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 26, 2021
04:07 PMMcIlroy and Schauffele are out on the tee
It's a good drive from Rory:
Sunday Singles, now in play, with Rory's opening tee shot.#RyderCup pic.twitter.com/5GBN9cxufH
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 26, 2021
04:07 PMMcIlroy and Schauffele are out on the tee
McIlroy and Schauffele are out on the tee
Rory to drive first. His drive drops just off the green on the right hand side, it looks like he might be in on the rough edge but it's in a good position. Solid start.
Schauffele lands just off the green too, on this near side. Two marvelous drives to begin. Game one!
04:00 PMRory McIlroy is matched with Schauffele for the first tee. They're off at 17:04
Rory McIlroy is matched with Schauffele for the first tee. They're off at 17:04
Here's James Corrigan's verdict. Read what he makes of all the matches here.
Seems absurd to be so dismissive of McIlroy, but on this week's evidence he is a huge underdog. He has lost three out of three, Schauffele, the Olympic champion has won three out of three. This would be a huge strike for Europe.
Verdict: Schauffele 4&3
03:53 PMRyder Cup putting row: what have the flashpoints been, who is at fault... and what is 'inside the leather'?
Ryder Cup putting row: what have the flashpoints been, who is at fault... and what is 'inside the leather'?
The institution of a sportsmanship award at this year’s Ryder Cup has failed to prevent outbreaks of ill-feeling over “gimme” putts that were not conceded. Will we see tensions flare on the greens today?
Simon Briggs takes us through the big controversy of the tournament so far.
03:41 PMJust over 20 minutes until the first tee shots of the day
Just over 20 minutes until the first tee shots of the day
Take a look at who is warming-up on the driving range at Whistling Straits.
Live on the Range from the 2020 #RyderCup https://t.co/OitjgsvTOe
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 26, 2021
03:18 PMMeet the rookie pair scything through Europe
Meet the rookie pair scything through Europe
Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, X-Man and Patty Ice, have helped USA into an 11-5 lead.
Here, Simon Briggs profiles the pair. As he writes, in their late-20s and with £37m in prizemoney between them, perhaps we should not be surprised.
Schauffele faces McIlroy first up in 45 minutes, with Cantlay second on against Shane Lowry.
02:59 PMA reminder of those tee-times today
A reminder of those tee-times today
Twelve singles matches remain, the first starting in just over an hour.
17.04 Rory McIlroy v Xander Schauffele
17.15 Shane Lowry v Patrick Cantlay
17.26 Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler
17.37 Sergio Garcia v Bryson DeChambeau
17.48 Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa
17.59 Paul Casey v Dustin Johnson
18.10 Bernd Wiesberger v Brooks Koepka
18.21 Ian Poulter v Tony Finau
18.32 Tyrrell Hatton v Justin Thomas
18.43 Lee Westwood v Harris English
18.54 Tommy Fleetwood v Jordan Spieth
19.05 Matt Fitzpatrick v Daniel Berger
02:40 PMPutting into context what Europe need to do
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.
Putting into context what Europe need to do
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.
More from our golf correspondent here.
02:33 PMEurope need a miracle; Shane Lowry hopeful
Europe need a miracle; Shane Lowry hopeful
Europe will need to produce a historic comeback in the final session this evening to retain the Ryder Cup, but Shane Lowry insisted he would not be giving up.
Lowry kept Europe's title hopes alive as he secured a vital point on Saturday alongside Tyrrell Hatton in the fourballs, clinching a 1-up victory over Tony Finau and Harris English on the last shot on the final hole with a nervy 10-footer.
The United States enter Sunday's singles with a commanding 11-5 lead over holders Europe and require just 3.5 points on the final day to capture the title, while Europe need to win nine points to retain the trophy they won at the last edition in 2018 in Paris.
"I've always wanted to play in a Ryder Cup. We are a few points behind, but I mean, I'm not stopping believing. I don't care," said Lowry, the 2019 Open champion.
"I think I'm having the week of my life here, honestly, I really am. It's just been incredible.
"We're still not out of it. It's a long day tomorrow, 12 matches. If any 12 of us were going out against any of them in the match play, we would fancy our chances. We just have to believe. It's all about believing."
Englishman Hatton, who made his Ryder Cup debut in 2018, also believed Europe still had a shot at the title at Whistling Straits.
"You're never out of the fight," Hatton said. "Obviously we need a huge day tomorrow.
"That putt from Shane there on the last (hole) was huge, and again, hopefully that gives us some momentum now going into tomorrow."
We will be bringing you live coverage of all 12 singles matches on this final day, with analysis and latest scores, throughout the evening. Stay tuned.
Reuters