Advertisement

Ryder Cup 2021 LIVE: Latest scores and updates from USA vs Europe fourballs matches

Ryder Cup 2021 LIVE: Latest scores and updates from USA vs Europe fourballs matches

Relive all the action from the first day as the 43rd edition of the Ryder Cup finally got underway at Whistling Straits.

The United States followed a solid foursomes performance with an equally dominant fourballs session to grab a commanding 6-2 lead over holders Europe in difficult scoring conditions at Whistling Straits on Friday.

The Americans, who boast an average world ranking of nine compared to 30 for Europe, were favoured in the biennial event but few expected the largely inexperienced side to grab their largest Day One lead since earning a five-point cushion in 1975.

By winning both sessions 3-1, Steve Stricker’s American side are nearly halfway to the 14.5 points needed to reclaim the Ryder Cup but Europe are not about to hand over the gold trophy.

Sergio Garcia, who went out in the day’s first group with fellow Spaniard Jon Rahm, equalled Nick Faldo’s record for Ryder Cup match wins with 23 but that was the only highlight on what proved to be a rough day for the European side. Relive all the action below:

Ryder Cup 2021 latest scores and updates

  • USA 6-2 Europe

  • Johnson & Schauffele def. Casey & Wiesberger

  • DeChambeau & Scheffler tied Rahm & Hatton

  • Finau & English def. McIlroy & Lowry

  • Thomas & Cantlay tied Fleetwood & Hovland A/S

Tyrrell Hatton eyes momentum for Europe on day two

11:37 , Jack Rathborn

“A very special moment,” said Hatton. “Obviously standing over that, I know it’s a massive putt and it’s going to help the team. I didn’t hole any putts today. I just had to trust that one, and hit it left lip and made sure I hit a good putt.

“Thankfully I managed to do that. It went in and was just an amazing feeling. Obviously you could see the emotion there at the end. It was huge for the team, and hopefully that turns the momentum our way now.

“It’s a partnership [with Rahm] that I was obviously very pleased about. We get on well and I think we enjoyed it out there.”

Harrington highlights Europe’s problem after damaging day one

11:31 , Jack Rathborn

“Our ball striking was good, we just didn’t hole the putts,” conceded Europe captain Padraig Harrington.

“No doubt it was a tough day. It isn’t a good start, but there’s still 20 points to play for.”

‘Bombs away!’: Bryson DeChambeau breaks down monster 417-yard drive

10:17 , Jack Rathborn

Bryson DeChambeau demonstrated just how much of an advantage he has over his rivals with a booming 417-yard drive in the afternoon fourballs at the Ryder Cup on Friday.

The American, who is also specialising in long drive with a competition scheduled for after the conclusion of the action at Whistling Straits this week, has made no secret of his ambition to reach a 200mph ball speed out on the course.

And the dog-leg, 581-yard par-five fifth saw the former US Open champion take dead aim at the flag from the tee box, launching a missile over the water in a totally different line to his playing partner Scotti Scheffler and opponents.

It left just 72 yards, with a delicate flick of a wedge landing four feet from the hole for an easy eagle.

Bryson DeChambeau breaks down monster 417-yard drive at Ryder Cup

Bryson DeChambeau on iconic 417-yard drive at Ryder Cup

10:10 , Jack Rathborn

“I knew if it was a little downwind, I could take a unique line, and I luckily was able to have that wind today,” said DeChambeau, who followed the crushing shot with a short wedge into the green and 10-foot putt for eagle.

“I said to myself, all right, I have to aim at the green, so I did.

“I just aimed at the green and bombs away.”

Rory McIlroy dropped by Europe for foursomes

10:00 , Jack Rathborn

Rory McIlroy has been left out of a Ryder Cup session for the first time in his career after Team Europe captain Padraig Harrington dropped the four-time major champion from Saturday’s foursomes lineup against the United States.

McIlroy, who has figured in every session for Europe since his debut in 2010, lost both his matches on Friday’s opening day, where the U.S. dominated both foursome and fourball sessions to grab a commanding 6-2 lead over holders Europe.

Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia will reunite on the second day after securing Europe’s only victory, while Lee Westwood and Matt Fitzpatrick will also play together on Saturday.

Paul Casey has been paired alongside fellow Englishman Tyrrell Hatton, while Norwegian Viktor Hovland will partner with Austrian Bernd Wiesberger.

U.S. captain Steve Stricker stuck with the same four pairings he put out on the opening day, but in a slightly different order, with Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger going out first instead of Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.

Steve Stricker: Team USA will not take big lead for granted

09:50 , Jack Rathborn

"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."

Harrington admits Europe in for tough weekend at Whistling Straits

09:40 , Jack Rathborn

“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.”

Ryder Cup 2021: Day 1 results

09:29 , Jack Rathborn

UNITED STATES 6-2 EUROPE

Foursomes, United States 3, Europe 1

Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm, Europe, def. Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, United States, 3 and 1

Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa, United States, def. Paul Casey and Viktor Hovland, Europe, 3 and 2

Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger, United States, def. Lee Westwood and Matt Fitzpatrick, Europe, 2 and 1

Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele, United States, def. Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter, Europe, 5 and 3

Fourballs, United States 3, Europe 1

Dustin Johnson and Xander Schauffele, United States, def. Paul Casey and Bernd Wiesberger, Europe, 2 and 1

Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, Europe, halved with Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler, United States

Tony Finau and Harris English, United States, def. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, Europe, 4 and 3

Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland, Europe, halved with Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay, United States

Ryder Cup: US take dominant lead to leave Europe’s in dire straits

01:15 , Tom Kershaw

Thank you for joining our live coverage on what was a thrilling first day of the Ryder Cup, but ultimately a chastening one for Padraig Harrington’s European team. We will be back tomorrow to bring you all the action from day two at Whistling Straits.

US take dominant Ryder Cup lead to leave Europe in dire straits

Ryder Cup 2021: Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay tied Fleetwood & Hovland

Saturday 25 September 2021 00:30 , Tom Kershaw

Fleetwood saves the par for Europe and it’s just left for Thomas to tidy his up. Both sessions end 3-1 in the US’s favour. They lead 6-2 at the end of the first day’s play.

Ryder Cup 2021: Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland A/S

Saturday 25 September 2021 00:29 , Tom Kershaw

Hovland’s dips low and isn’t a gimme by any stretch. Thomas has a tricky putt to win the match but he leaves it short. He’s bitterly disappointed with that. He never gave it a chance.

Ryder Cup 2021: Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland A/S

Saturday 25 September 2021 00:26 , Tom Kershaw

Fleetwood hits out the bunker first and it’s almost in! It’s barely an inch wide of the hole but it does run on a few feet. Cantlay’s is even better, from a trickier position, and that should secure the par for the US.

Ryder Cup 2021: Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland A/S

Saturday 25 September 2021 00:22 , Tom Kershaw

It’s Thomas to go last and he takes a long time deliberating with his caddie. It’s a fine shot, about the same distance from the flag as Hovland’s, although Thomas has the advantage of putting up the hill.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland A/S

Saturday 25 September 2021 00:22 , Tom Kershaw

It’s Cantlay and Fleetwood to go first and they both find the greenside bunker with aggressive attempts, heaping the pressure on their partners. Hovland’s is better, though, fading over the flag and coming to a halt on the fringe.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland A/S

Saturday 25 September 2021 00:14 , Tom Kershaw

How about that for nerves. Four brilliant drives all find the middle of the fairway at 18. It’s still by no means an easy approach, but the stage is set for someone to get the birdie and take the full point.

Saturday 25 September 2021 00:12 , Tom Kershaw

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland A/S

Saturday 25 September 2021 00:08 , Tom Kershaw

It’s a fine effort but it stops an inch left of the hole. They will head to the 18th tee all square in the match.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland A/S

Saturday 25 September 2021 00:07 , Tom Kershaw

So there’s just one match left out there on the course now. All four players found the green at 17 and Fleetwood two-putts for par. Hovland gives his a great run at the flag but it just flies by on the high side. Thomas’ approach finished closest and so he now has a birdie putt to win the hole...

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler tied Rahm & Hatton

Saturday 25 September 2021 00:04 , Tom Kershaw

What a gutsy putt by Tyrrell Hatton. Rahm’s birdie putt just missed, but the Englishman holds his nerve under extreme pressure to roll his own into the heart of the cup. Europe have salvaged a half-point.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler 1UP vs Rahm & Hatton

Friday 24 September 2021 23:58 , Tom Kershaw

Magnificent from Hatton at 18! Knowing what’s at stake, he hits a perfect approach and will have a great look at birdie. Rahm’s effort is not quite as good, but he’s certainly got a chance too. One of those has to drop and they may well be able to salvage a half-point.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland A/S

Friday 24 September 2021 23:56 , Tom Kershaw

The pressure is all on Hovland after Fleetwood hooks his approach at the 16th horribly. The Norwegian isn’t even allowed so much as a sniff, though. Thomas drains a sloping eagle putt and the crowd go wild. Even Cantlay shows some outward emotion. Another huge moment for the US team, who are back to all square in the final match.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler 1UP vs Rahm & Hatton

Friday 24 September 2021 23:51 , Tom Kershaw

DeChambeau and Scheffler both unleash terrific drives at 18, knowing a par is probably enough and a birdie certainly will be to secure victory. DeChambeau’s approach is wayward, but there’s no mistake from Scheffler who’s safely on the green. Rahm or Hatton simply must get a birdie to salvage a half point.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler 1UP vs Rahm & Hatton

Friday 24 September 2021 23:44 , Tom Kershaw

So much rests on this match for Europe, but they can only secure a point at best now. All four players find the putting green at the fiercely difficult 17th, but none can make birdie. It’s dormie to the USA going down the last.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele def. Casey & Wiesberger

Friday 24 September 2021 23:25 , Tom Kershaw

Another point secured for the US, who now lead 5-1. Schauffele and Johnson were dormie two up at the par-3 17th and a par is good enough to see off Casey and Wiesberger.

Finau & English defeat McIlroy & Lowry

Friday 24 September 2021 23:18 , Tom Kershaw

Game over. Finau pars the 15th and roars to the crowd. That seals the first US point of the afternoon fourballs and there are certainly more to come.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele 2UP vs Casey & Wiesberger

Friday 24 September 2021 23:03 , Tom Kershaw

Casey makes a birdie at the 16th to extend the match to the 17th after Johnson’s putt to win strayed low. Europe are two down with two to play.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau 1UP & Scheffler vs Rahm & Hatton

Friday 24 September 2021 23:02 , Tom Kershaw

A huge turning point in this match and the entire Ryder Cup. DeChambeau makes a two-putt par and Hatton can’t get up and down from the bunker. The US take a one-shot lead with three to play.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler vs Rahm & Hatton A/S

Friday 24 September 2021 22:51 , Tom Kershaw

Scheffler takes an absolute age over his shot after pulling his drive off the tee. It’s actually so far left that it’s found a good lie on the path, but he can’t decide which club to take. Eventually, he goes for a driving iron and it’s pretty good, too, sitting just a few yards off the fringe at the par-4 15th. Hatton is in the greenside bunker with his second while Rahm is having a nightmare and is left of the green with his third. DeChambeau, benefitting from another huge drive, is able to casually find the green and the US have a huge change to take the lead at such a crucial stage of this match.

Ryder Cup 2021: Finau & English 4UP vs McIlroy & Lowry

Friday 24 September 2021 22:36 , Tom Kershaw

A miserable day for McIlroy keeps getting worse. He’s played poorly, but that shouldn’t detract from Finau’s brilliance. He has been almost unstoppable and a third birdie in five holes stretches the US lead to four holes with five remaining.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland 1UP

Friday 24 September 2021 22:34 , Tom Kershaw

This could be a huge turning point and a terrible one for Team Europe. Hovland’s putt somehow stays high of the hole at the 12th and the lead is reduced to just one. That’s the only blue on the board and it’s in a very precarious position now.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland 2UP

Friday 24 September 2021 22:28 , Tom Kershaw

A stunning approach by Cantlay at the 12th, whose effort is even better than what we saw from Rahm and DeChambeau a short while ago. That’ll be a gimme and, after that missed birdie putt at 11, the pressure is on Europe now. Fleetwood’s wedge flies with the wind and leaves a very long putt. Hovland’s is much better and is certainly makeable.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland 2UP

Friday 24 September 2021 22:23 , Tom Kershaw

A huge chance missed at the 11th green and Harrington can only shake his head. Fleetwood only has around 5ft to win the hole but he lurches at the putt and pushes it. They still have a two-shot lead but that’s a huge let-off. Europe need to win that match at a minimum.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler vs Rahm & Hatton A/S

Friday 24 September 2021 22:07 , Tom Kershaw

A truly astonishing series of shots at the 12th. Jon Rahm’s approach into the trick par-3 spins back down the slope and stops just a couple of feet shy of the pin. It’s Hatton to go next and his finishes only a couple of feet further away. It heaps the pressure on DeChambeau, with the match so finely poised, but his is the best of all, finishing a fraction inside Rahm’s! It’s a pair of gimme birdies to halve the hole.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele 3UP vs Casey & Wiesberger

Friday 24 September 2021 21:43 , Tom Kershaw

After a fine birdie putt at the 11th, Johnson follows it up with a fabulous birdie at the 12th which is every bit as impressive. The former world No 1 is playing true to that mantle he once held all of a sudden. Wiesberger is able to answer him, though, with a birdie of his own to keep the deficit at three.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler 1Up vs Rahm & Hatton

Friday 24 September 2021 21:41 , Tom Kershaw

Scheffler gets in on the act! He birdies the 10th with confidence, almost chasing the ball into the hole, and Rahm can’t match him. The US are starting to fire on all cylinders now and Europe need to find a way of reversing this tide.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele 3UP vs Casey & Wiesberger

Friday 24 September 2021 21:27 , Tom Kershaw

A huge momentum shift and the US are suddenly taking a stern command of this session. After that Finau birdie, Johnson drains a huge birdie putt at the 11th to move to 3UP.

Ryder Cup 2021: Finau & English 2UP vs McIlroy & Lowry

Friday 24 September 2021 21:26 , Tom Kershaw

Finau has found his afterburners over the last few holes and a birdie at the 9th stretches the lead to two. McIlroy is still struggling.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele 2UP vs Casey & Wiesberger

Friday 24 September 2021 21:18 , Tom Kershaw

Johnson takes advantage at the short par-4 10th, with a fine pitch leaving himself just 4ft for birdie. Wiesberger had a good chance but couldn’t sink his putt and the former world No 1 wasted little time in hammering home the advantage. The lead is back to two.

Ryder Cup 2021: Finau & English 1UP vs McIlroy & Lowry

Friday 24 September 2021 21:10 , Tom Kershaw

English rolls in a birdie putt at the eighth and McIlory & Lowry have no reply. The Americans retake the lead.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler vs Rahm & Hatton A/S

Friday 24 September 2021 21:09 , Tom Kershaw

Just after DeChambeau used his brute force to seize the momentum, Rahm fires back. An aggressive drive at the ninth leaves him perfectly placed in the fairway and the pitch is exquisite. He rolls in the birdie and that takes the match back to all square.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland 2UP

Friday 24 September 2021 20:58 , Tom Kershaw

There’s a bit of the Fleetwood that set Paris alight! He holes a brilliant 16ft sliding putt at the 6th to give Europe a two-shot lead in the match.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler 1UP vs Rahm & Hatton

Friday 24 September 2021 20:55 , Tom Kershaw

DeChambeau holes a 21ft putt for birdie at the 8th and that stirs a huge roar. The US take the lead again with Rahm & Hatton both only able to make par.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele 1UP vs Casey & Wiesberger

Friday 24 September 2021 20:52 , Tom Kershaw

Casey makes a birdie at nine after a brilliant approach left him just 6ft. That turns the momentum in the match at a key time, just as they make the turn. The lead is reduced to one.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland 1UP

Friday 24 September 2021 20:44 , Tom Kershaw

Thomas has a chance to square the match at the par-5 5th but his birdie putt is hit without conviction and dips low of the hole. He’s struggled with the putter all day. Europe retain a slender lead in the match.

Ryder Cup 2021: Finau & English vs McIlroy & Lowry A/S

Friday 24 September 2021 20:36 , Tom Kershaw

Finau makes a birdie at the short par-4 6th. That takes the match back to all square after McIlroy was very unfortunate to see his chip stick in the fringe.

Ryder Cup 2021: Finau & English vs McIlroy & Lowry 1UP

Friday 24 September 2021 20:17 , Tom Kershaw

McIlroy drains a sloping eagle putt at the par-5 5th to win the hole. That’s much better from the Northern Irishman and Europe now lead two of the four matches out on the course.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland 1UP

Friday 24 September 2021 20:12 , Tom Kershaw

Fleetwood & Hovland take the lead at the fourth. Thomas & Cantlay both missed the fairway, cannot recover and make bogeys. Hovland’s par is good enough to win the hole and that’s the second in succession.

Friday 24 September 2021 20:05 , Tom Kershaw

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele 2UP vs Casey & Wiesberger

Friday 24 September 2021 20:04 , Tom Kershaw

The momentum has swung a little in Europe’s favour, after what had threatened to be a one-sided afternoon. Up at the sixth, Casey makes a birdie and that reduces the deficit to two in that match. The other three matches are all currently tied.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler vs Rahm & Hatton A/S

Friday 24 September 2021 20:02 , Tom Kershaw

DeChambeau roles in his eagle putt. What an exquisite and yet absolutely barmy hole. If there was further evidence required of how far the American hit his tee-shot, McIlroy has just attempted to take the same route. His ball has travelled 330 yards and found the bunker. That’s 80 yards back of where DeChambeau’s ball finished.

Friday 24 September 2021 19:58 , Tom Kershaw

Here’s another look at that Hovland chip-in:

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler vs Rahm & Hatton 1UP

Friday 24 September 2021 19:55 , Tom Kershaw

After that outrageous drive, DeChambeau follows it up with a deft touch. His approach from 72 yards accounts perfectly for the 22mph wind and he has around 8ft for eagle.

Ryder Cup 2021: Finau & English vs McIlroy & Lowry A/S

Friday 24 September 2021 19:54 , Tom Kershaw

Lowry holes a huge putt to halve the fourth hole. That’s a brilliant up and down by the former Open champion and he lets out a huge roar.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland A/S

Friday 24 September 2021 19:52 , Tom Kershaw

There’s better news for the Europeans back at the third. Fleetwood hit a terrific shot into the par-3, the best we’ve seen this afternoon and had a great look at birdie. He didn’t need to, though, because Hovland has chipped in to win the hole. Back to all square in the final match.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler vs Rahm & Hatton 1UP

Friday 24 September 2021 19:48 , Tom Kershaw

DeChambeau has just hit a 417-yard drive down the par-5 5th. He took aim over the heads of the gallery and he loved it from the moment it left the clubface. That is obscene.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele 3UP vs Casey & Wiesberger

Friday 24 September 2021 19:45 , Tom Kershaw

It’s going from bad to worse for Casey & Wiesberger. Both fail to find the green with their second shots into the par-5 5th. There’s no such bother for Schauffele, though, who finds the green with a well-judged approach from 210 yards. Johnson’s long iron drifts just wide of the green, but he gets up and down for a birdie to go three clear through five holes.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler vs Rahm & Hatton 1UP

Friday 24 September 2021 19:40 , Tom Kershaw

A brilliant sand save by Hatton at the fourth leaves Scheffler with a sliding 5ft putt to halve the hole. It’s a tentative stroke, though, and is pushed past the right lip of the hole. That brings up the first bit of blue on the leaderboard in the fourballs.

Ryder Cup 2021: Finau & English vs McIlroy & Lowry A/S

Friday 24 September 2021 19:34 , Tom Kershaw

Finau, like so many players this afternoon, sees his tee-shot at the par-3 3rd catch the wind and sail way right of the flag but his pitch back onto the green is brilliant and hits the pin at pace. It doesn’t drop but it settles just a few feet away. McIlroy can’t show such a delicate touch and takes his bunker shot far too cleanly. Lowry manages to take up the mantle, though, and saves par to halve the hole.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele 1UP vs Casey & Wiesberger

Friday 24 September 2021 19:23 , Tom Kershaw

Casey pulls a 3ft putt to win the third hole. It took the lip but never seemed tempted to drop. A dreadful miss.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay 1UP vs Fleetwood & Hovland

Friday 24 September 2021 19:17 , Tom Kershaw

Cantlay and Hovland’s birdie efforts slip past the hole before Fleetwood’s takes the lip but refuses to drop. Thomas, who endured something of a wretched morning with the putter, makes no mistake, though. He walks it into the hole and that’s an early lead for the Americans.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Cantlay vs Fleetwood & Hovland

Friday 24 September 2021 19:11 , Tom Kershaw

The final group is out, with Thomas and Cantlay making a formidable US pair. Tommy Fleetwood is no stranger to Ryder Cup heroics, though, and he’s playing alongside the impressive Viktor Hovland. All four players have short approaches into the first green and will have good chances to make birdie.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele 1UP vs Casey & Wiesberger

Friday 24 September 2021 19:06 , Tom Kershaw

First blood of the afternoon session goes to the USA. Johnson hit a sublime tee-shot into the par-3 3rd, accounting for the wind perfectly, and it left virtually a kick-in gimme. With that assurance, Schauffele steps up and rolls a birdie putt in himself from far further out. Casey and Wiesberger can’t match it.

Ryder Cup 2021: Finau & English vs McIlroy & Lowry A/S

Friday 24 September 2021 18:58 , Tom Kershaw

It’s halved in birdies thanks to a brilliant putt from Finau. He didn’t play in the morning session but takes to the green as if he knows them by heart, stroking the ball in from some 30ft. The crowd go berserk but Lowry doesn’t crumble under the pressure, calmly completely his own three to halve the first hole.

Ryder Cup 2021: Finau & English vs McIlroy & Lowry

Friday 24 September 2021 18:52 , Tom Kershaw

McIlroy is back out there and will be keen to redeem himself after that difficult defeat this morning. He pulls his drive at the first but recovers brilliantly from the rough to set up a great birdie chance. Lowry, making his rookie appearance, hardly suffered from any nerves and threw his pitch in close, too. A strong start from the Europeans.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele vs Casey & Wiesberger A/S

Friday 24 September 2021 18:50 , Tom Kershaw

Johnson rolls in a nervy 5ft putt to tie the second hole with a par after Schauffele found trouble off the tee and could only make bogey.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler vs Rahm & Hatton A/S

Friday 24 September 2021 18:48 , Tom Kershaw

DeChambeau rolls in a 4ft birdie putt after that brilliant flop shot. This match in particular promises to provide fireworks.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler vs Rahm & Hatton

Friday 24 September 2021 18:37 , Tom Kershaw

DeChambeau uncorks a huge drive but it’s tugged left and it hits a spectator on the leg. Hatton finds the fairway and his approach is absolutely exquisite, and it’s almost within gimme range. Scheffler’s effort is poor and leaves him with a huge birdie putt. DeChambeau’s attempt is better, though, gouging the ball out of the rough, and he’ll have a much better chance.

Ryder Cup 2021: DeChambeau & Scheffler vs Rahm & Hatton

Friday 24 September 2021 18:27 , Tom Kershaw

Next up on the tee, it’s the blockbuster entertainment act the crowd in Wisconsin have all been waiting for. Bryson DeChambeau emerges, one headphone still in for a last bit of pump-up music before he unleashes that driver. He’s partnering Scottie Scheffler, a Ryder Cup rookie who’s enjoyed a fine season on the PGA Tour. On the European team, Jon Rahm is straight back into the action, paired with Tyrrell Hatton.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele vs Casey & Wiesberger A/S

Friday 24 September 2021 18:25 , Tom Kershaw

Schauffele holes it! A brilliant putt. Wiesberger holds his nerves, though, and knocks his own in to start the match with a half.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele vs Casey & Wiesberger

Friday 24 September 2021 18:22 , Tom Kershaw

It’s Wiesberger who plays the best approach into the first green. A brilliant start by the rookie, whose approach finishes inside 10ft and that’ll be a great look at birdie. Schauffele’s pitch comes up a little shorter but he putted very well this morning. Casey is safely in for par.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele vs Casey & Wiesberger

Friday 24 September 2021 18:13 , Tom Kershaw

No nerves from Wiesberger on the first tee, who hits a lovely drive straight down the fairway, joining Casey who took the honour. Johnson pushes his drive a little right but the rough isn’t long there.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele vs Casey & Wiesberger

Friday 24 September 2021 18:11 , Tom Kershaw

Johnson and Schauffele both played excellently this morning, although it is, perhaps, somewhat surprising to see the latter separated from Cantlay. The Americans must be considered strong favourites to take down Casey and Wiesberger.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Schauffele vs Casey & Wiesberger

Friday 24 September 2021 18:09 , Tom Kershaw

So here we go. It’s time for the afternoon fourballs and, in the first group, Bernd Wiesberger makes his long-awaited Ryder Cup debut. We spoke to the Austrian last week ahead of his “life-changing” debut.

Bernd Wiesberger: ‘The Ryder Cup will be a life-changing experience’

Friday 24 September 2021 17:59 , Tom Kershaw

Ryder Cup 2021: USA show supremacy despite Europe’s Spanish march

Ryder Cup 2021: USA 3-1 Europe

Friday 24 September 2021 17:41 , Jamie Braidwood

The line-up for the afternoon’s fourballs has just been announced:

Dustin Johnson & Xander Schauffele vs Paul Casey & Bernd Wiesberger

Bryson DeChambeau & Scottie Scheffler vs Jon Rahm & Tyrrell Hatton

Tony Finau & Harris English vs Rory McIlroy & Shane Lowry

Justin Thomas & Patrick Cantlay vs Tommy Fleetwood & Viktor Hovland

Ryder Cup 2021: USA 3-1 Europe

Friday 24 September 2021 17:31 , Jamie Braidwood

We are expecting to see changes for the afternoon’s fourballs - but USA already have a couple of very promising partnerships in Collin Morikawa and Dustin Johnson, and Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay.

Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia is clearly the European partnership for Padraig Harrington to build on.

Ryder Cup 2021: USA 3-1 Europe

Friday 24 September 2021 17:28 , Jamie Braidwood

Europe were in this position after the morning session in 2018 and things turned out alright in the end at Le Golf National, but that is a strong start from the USA and it feels that bit more significant in a year in which they already looked clear favourites.

  • Thomas & Spieth vs Rahm & Garcia 3&1

  • Johnson & Morikawa 3&2 vs Casey & Hovland

  • Koepka & Berger 2&1 vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick

  • Cantlay & Schauffele 5&3 vs McIlroy & Poulter

Ryder Cup 2021: Koepka & Berger 2&1 vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick

Friday 24 September 2021 17:23 , Jamie Braidwood

Both Fitzpatrick and Koepka found the green with their chips from the rough - and Berger can win the match here with a par from six feet.

He leaves it high of the hole, though, offering a glimmer of an opportunity for Westwood to keep the match alive with a par putt from eight or nine feet.

It’s a tough putt to make and nope - it runs well wide.

Koepka wraps up the morning session and hands USA an early lead.

Ryder Cup 2021: Cantlay & Schauffele 5&3 vs McIlroy & Poulter

Friday 24 September 2021 17:19 , Jamie Braidwood

The inevitable is finally confirmed as Poulter leaves a birdie putt short and Europe concede the hole, and with it the match.

After a horror front nine, McIlroy and Poulter responded with some nice play at the turn - but it was matched, and then bettered, by the outstanding Schauffele and Cantlay, who wrapped up the commanding win with back-to-back birdies.

That will be a sobering defeat for Europe. They will have banked on McIlroy and Poulter to win a point there.

Ryder Cup 2021: Koepka & Berger 2UP vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick

Friday 24 September 2021 17:17 , Jamie Braidwood

Berger punches an approaches into the rough on 17, giving Europe an opportunity to hit the green and set up a birdie putt.

But Westwood finds the exact same patch of rough by the par-3 green - so no advantage there for either team.

Ryder Cup 2021: Koepka & Berger 2UP vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick

Friday 24 September 2021 17:12 , Jamie Braidwood

Both teams make par and we move on the 17th, Europe will have to win the final two holes to pick up a half.

Ryder Cup 2021: Koepka & Berger 2UP vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick

Friday 24 September 2021 17:08 , Jamie Braidwood

Europe’s hopes of tying the morning session are seemingly with Westwood and Fitzpatrick - who are heading down the par-5 16th now.

Berger has hit a wild shot into the rough while Fitzpatrick has found the front edge of the green - so Europe will have a putt to win the hole and pull one back.

Ryder Cup 2021: Cantlay & Schauffele 4UP vs McIlroy & Poulter

Friday 24 September 2021 17:04 , Jamie Braidwood

McIlroy and Poulter were banging at the door but Schauffele and Cantlay have stood strong over the back nine - and have now hit back with a birdie at 14 to move 4UP with four holes to play.

It came after another sublime piece of iron play form the Americans - this time from Cantlay who pitched a beauty to within three feet.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Morikawa 3&2 vs Casey & Hovland

Friday 24 September 2021 17:02 , Jamie Braidwood

Big moments now in the next match, with Casey and Hovland two down with three to play.

Johnson had a lengthy putt to win the match there and then on the 16th green, and thought he had made it before it just trickled wide.

Hovland wasn’t able to hit back with a hole-winning birdie, leaving Morikawa to roll in the birdie putt for the USA to win the match.

The European pair made just two dropped shots. Johnson and Morikawa made seven birdies over their round and look to be a solid pairing for the USA.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Spieth vs Rahm & Garcia 3&1

Friday 24 September 2021 16:58 , Jamie Braidwood

Sergio Garcia: “It felt great - the best thing I knew I had [Rahm] on my side. He made every putt. It was an amazing match.

John Rahm: “You guys were seeing what we were feeling [a great partnership]. The way he strikes the ball gives you so much confidence. We made a couple of putts at the right time. Momentum was a big thing.”

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Spieth vs Rahm & Garcia 3&1

Friday 24 September 2021 16:53 , Jamie Braidwood

But Thomas misses the putt!

Europe take the opening match of the Ryder Cup and move 1-0 up, but there’s a wave of red coming in the groups behind.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Spieth vs Rahm & Garcia 2UP

Friday 24 September 2021 16:52 , Jamie Braidwood

WHAT A SHOT FROM JORDAN SPIETH!

Thomas’ tee shot actually landed down a steep bank down the side of the green - and Spieth was faced with pitch shot over a wall of rough.

The American takes a huge swing and connects with the ball before the momentum sends him running backwards down the slope.

But, incredibly, his ball pitched up over the bank and dropped dead on the green, giving Thomas a par putt from four or five feet.

Ryder Cup 2021: Cantlay & Schauffele 3UP vs McIlroy & Poulter

Friday 24 September 2021 16:47 , Jamie Braidwood

Wow, Europe think they’ve produced another hole-winning approach at the 13th as McIlroy lands his iron shot to within four feet.

But Schauffele beats it once again, landing his ball inside McIlroy’s and adding a touch of spin to draw it to two feet. That’s too good.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Spieth vs Rahm & Garcia 2UP

Friday 24 September 2021 16:45 , Jamie Braidwood

Thomas and Spieth are involved in a long discussion on the 17th tee, needing to win the par-3 hole to stay in the match.

Thomas’ shot off the tee looked to be long but it took a whack off the bank and rolled across the green before settling into the long rough - not a good place to be.

Garcia responds by producing a safe shot and finding the green. Rahm will have a lengthy putt but Europe will likely win the match with a 3.

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Spieth vs Rahm & Garcia 2UP

Friday 24 September 2021 16:40 , Jamie Braidwood

Sergio Garcia had a putt to win the match for Europe at the par-5 16th but sent the effort past the hole.

Just before then, Spieth had left Thomas a birdie putt from about four or five feet - and Thomas steps up and sinks it confidently to win the hole and take the opening match to the 17th.

Ryder Cup 2021: Cantlay & Schauffele 3UP vs McIlroy & Poulter

Friday 24 September 2021 16:36 , Jamie Braidwood

Schauffele’s tee shot was so good that the birdie putt was handed to American pair - but Poulter sinks a birdie for Europe to half the hole and stay in the match with six to play.

Ryder Cup 2021: Cantlay & Schauffele 3UP vs McIlroy & Poulter

Friday 24 September 2021 16:33 , Jamie Braidwood

McIlroy’s tee shot at 13 was super, but Schauffele has just bettered it with a stunning approach at the par 3.

The American has hit his tee shot to within a foot of the pin on the narrow green and looks to have halted Europe’s hopes of winning a third hole in a row.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Morikawa 2UP vs Casey & Hovland

Friday 24 September 2021 16:31 , Jamie Braidwood

Johnson had a look at birdie at the 15th but was unable to convert, while in the group behind Westwood and Fitzpatrick managed to scramble to a half.

The USA remain 2UP in both matches.

Ryder Cup 2021: Cantlay & Schauffele 3UP vs McIlroy & Poulter

Friday 24 September 2021 16:28 , Jamie Braidwood

Another one back for McIlroy and Poulter, as Europe’s anchor pair look to hit back over the back nine.

McIlroy hit a peach of an approach into the middle of the green at the 11th and Poulter found the hole to make back-to-back birdies.

If the match is beyond them, it would be at least be a bonus for Europe if McIlroy and Poulter can find some form over the back nine.

McIlroy then hits his tee shot at the par-3 12th to within five feet!

Ryder Cup 2021: Thomas & Spieth vs Rahm & Garcia 3UP

Friday 24 September 2021 16:25 , Jamie Braidwood

What a putt from Sergio Garcia! He sinks a stunning birdie putt at the 15th from about 20 feet - and can barely believe it.

The US were much closer to the pin following the approach shots but Justin Thomas saw his effort lip out as Europe move 3UP with three holes to play.

Ryder Cup 2021: Koepka & Berger 2UP vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick

Friday 24 September 2021 16:21 , Jamie Braidwood

Fitzpatrick looks like he’s hit his approach shot at the par-4 13th out of bounds, while Koepka has set up a birdie chance for Berger.

The USA pair could be about to move 3UP with five holes to play.

Ryder Cup 2021: Johnson & Morikawa 2UP vs Casey & Hovland

Friday 24 September 2021 16:19 , Jamie Braidwood

Another one back for Europe, this time, improbably, at the 13th where Paul Casey and Viktor Hovland have recovered from a horrible drive to win the hole.

Casey’s drive went wide right and into the long rough, forcing Hovland to chip back onto the fairway.

But a neat approach from Casey and a strong putt from Hovland sees Europe escape with par, and Dustin Johnson couldn’t respond as he missed the par putt.

Ryder Cup 2021: Cantlay & Schauffele 4UP vs McIlroy & Poulter

Friday 24 September 2021 16:14 , Jamie Braidwood

Finally! Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter win their first hole of the match at the 10th to pull one back.

They still have a long way to go but they’ve started the turn on the right foot, as McIlroy rolls in a putt from eight or so feet.

Ryder Cup 2021: Koepka & Berger 2UP vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick

Friday 24 September 2021 16:12 , Jamie Braidwood

Lee Westwood leaves a birdie putt at 12 short as Europe miss the chance to hit straight back.

Ryder Cup 2021: Koepka & Berger 2UP vs Westwood & Fitzpatrick

Friday 24 September 2021 16:04 , Tom Kershaw

The tide is turning emphatically in the US’ favour now. Back-to-back birdies at 10 and 11 see Koepka & Berger move 2UP on Westwood & Fitzpatrick.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website