Europe fight back in Ryder Cup

Europe roared back in the afternoon session on the opening day of the Ryder Cup, yet America still hold the advantage at Hazeltine.
Three-times reigning champions Europe were left stunned after the foursomes on the first morning in Minnesota after an American whitewash saw them race into a 4-0 lead – the first time in more than 40 years that they have triumphed in every opening match.
But Europe fought back well in the fourballs; taking the session 3-1 to reduce America’s overall lead to 5-3, ahead of tomorrow’s middle-day of competition.
Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson led the European comeback, with the latter in scintillating form to get the better of Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed.
Texan Reed had played a key role in ending America’s 21-year wait for victory in an opening Ryder Cup match earlier in the day, and he struck another blow with a birdie on the first.
But that was the only blemish on the European side, with Stenson registering four birdies and Rose adding a further two to win the tie five and four.
Despite a late fightback from the USA, Ryder Cup veteran Sergio Garcia guided Europe to victory in the second match too, alongside fellow Spaniard Rafa Cabrera Bello.
The duo forged a commanding four shot lead over the front nine and although JB Holmes and Ryan Moore took 14 and 15, they succumbed to a three and two defeat.
The sole American success in the afternoon session came from Brandt Snedeker and Brooks Koepka, who produced an emphatic five and four win over Martin Kaymer and Danny Willett – the latter making his first appearance of the tournament after being left out of the morning session.
Snedeker and Koepka took four of the first eight holes and there was no way back for Kaymer and Willett, who managed just one birdie.
However, Rory McIlroy and Thomas Pieters ensured Europe cut America’s lead by getting the better of Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar in the most competitive match of the foursomes.
Johnson and Kuchar gave Europe a late scare with birdies on 14 and 15, but a stunning long-range putt from McIlroy on 16 secured a three and two win.
The second day of competition begins with the second foursomes session, with Europe needing to perform better than they did in the first if they are to further eat into America’s advantage.
Latest
-
News
Sponsor Ralph Lauren drops Justin Thomas following homophobic slur in Hawaii
The world number three uttered the derogatory word towards himself after missing a putt at Kapalua last weekend.
-
News
Bryson DeChambeau keeping brain relaxed to avoid repeat of Masters misery
DeChambeau said his brain went into overdrive at Augusta National.
-
News
European Tour preparing for business as planned in the Middle East
Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is due to start next week.
-
News
Two-time major champion Angel Cabrera arrested in Brazil
The former US Open and Masters winner was on the run from the law.
-
News
On this Day in 2013: Paul McGinley given Ryder Cup captaincy
McGinley would go on to be involved in a sixth Ryder Cup victory.
-
News
Collin Morikawa keen to draw inspiration from family ties to Hawaii at Sony Open
Venezuela’s Jhonattan Vegas has withdrawn from the event after testing positive for coronavirus.
-
News
R&A: ‘No plans’ for Open to head to Donald Trump-owned Turnberry in near future
Trump National in Bedminster was on Sunday stripped of next year’s US PGA Championship.
-
News
US PGA Championship moved from Donald Trump-owned course in New Jersey
Trump National in Bedminster had been set to host the event.
-
News
Justin Thomas : ‘I made a terrible, terrible judgement call’
Thomas admitted he was distracted by what happened on Saturday during his final round.
-
News
PGA Championship to be moved away from Donald Trump-owned course
It is the second time in six years the PGA has moved an event away from a course owned by Donald Trump.