Day 1 of the 40th Ryder Cup is in the books. While the Americans got off to a hot start, the Europeans came storming back in afternoon foursomes to take a 5-3 lead at day’s end. So where do we go from here? GolfChannel.com writers try their hand at predicting the morning session of Day 2.
By JASON SOBEL
Justin Rose-Henrik Stenson (Europe) def. Bubba Watson-Matt Kuchar (U.S.), 4 and 3.
The line: They say form is fleeting, but it’s hard to believe it leaves the undefeated team of Rose and Stenson overnight. Have Bubba and Kuch ever even played a friendly match as teammates? Seems like the captain is grasping at something that isn’t there.
Jim Furyk-Hunter Mahan (U.S.) def. Jamie Donaldson-Lee Westwood (Europe), 1 up.
The line: Yeah, I know. Furyk owns a 1-8-1 career fourballs record and nobody who bleeds red, white and blue wants him in the lineup. For whatever reason, though, I think that motivates him to – finally – a big win. Let’s just say he’s long overdue.
Patrick Reed-Jordan Spieth (U.S.) def. Thomas Bjorn-Martin Kaymer (Europe), 3 and 2.
The line: Expect Reed and Spieth to approach the first tee with steam coming out of their ears. They weren’t happy about being benched after winning Friday morning, but the young duo will take it out on their European opponents rather than their captain.
Rory McIlroy-Ian Poulter (Europe) def. Jimmy Walker-Rickie Fowler (U.S.), 3 and 2.
The line: Poulter needs to play second fiddle. He’s not as comfortable in the role of top dog, as he was with Stephen Gallacher on Friday. He needs to play with a better player, then almost show off, as if he’s trying to prove he can hang. He will in this one.
By REX HOGGARD
Justin Rose-Henrik Stenson (Europe) def. Bubba Watson-Matt Kuchar (U.S.), 2 and 1.
The line: The European tandem rolled to a perfect 2-0 mark on Friday, including a 5-and-4 rout of Watson and Webb Simpson. This may turn out to be the continent’s best lineup.
Jamie Donaldson-Lee Westwood (Europe) def. Jim Furyk-Hunter Mahan (U.S.), 1 up.
The line: This will be another close match that is likely decided on the closing hole and those types of bouts have not gone America’s way the last few matches.
Patrick Reed-Jordan Spieth (U.S.) def. Thomas Bjorn-Martin Kaymer (Europe), 3 and 2.
The line: Neither Kaymer nor Bjorn were sharp on Day 1 and the rookie tandem was nearly unstoppable on their way to an opening 5-and-4 victory.
Jimmy Walker-Rickie Fowler (U.S.) def. Rory McIlroy-Ian Poulter (Europe), 1 up.
The line: The young Americans go to the 18th hole to decide a match again, and as hard as McIlroy tries he can’t carry Poulter, who struggled mightily during his Friday fourball match.
from Caddysview.com News http://ift.tt/YkPN45
