Europe struggles in America
Team Europe will have to dig really deep into their pockets if they are to produce a victory over Team America in the 43rd Ryder Cup match at Whistling Straits, Kohler in Wisconsin, USA. As holders of the prestigious trophy, Europe need to earn just 14 points from the 28 in order to retain the silverware. America need 14½. So how have the first two days gone?
Well, even though the Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits got off to a sluggish start for Team Europe on Friday, the bi-annual match between Europe and USA is already a joy to behold.
Led by Ireland’s Padraig Harrington, Team Europe won just one of the foursomes matches on Friday. The opening honour went to Spanish duo, the Official World Number One Jon Rahm and the ever passionate 2017 Masters Champion Sergio Garcia. A victory of 3&1 over Americans Justin Thomas and the multi-Major winner Jordan Spieth. It was a disappointing morning for Europe, but the day was still young.
New hope for Europe
The afternoon fourball matches gave new hope to Europe. Fourball matches give players chance to play their own game with the unexpected flash and flair of matchplay. And when played on such a glorious course as Whistling Straits in sunny weather with the beautiful Lake Michegan at your side, then birdie putts are bound to fall.
Jon Rahm had another playing partner in the afternoon with Englishman Tyrrell Hatton. It was a gem of a partnership which went on to halve with Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau.
The other European pairing to scrape a half point was England’s Tommy Fleetwood playing with the newcomer from Norway Viktor Hofland who is really enjoying his Ryder Cup debut. America claimed the other two points resulting in a day one score of USA 6, Europe 2.
Rahm topped the team list again with Garcia on day two for the morning foursomes. Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger could do little against the Spanish duo and finally went out by 3&1. America went on to win the other three matches.
Blue, blue skies at Whistling Straits
The weather in the afternoon was simply wonderful again with clear blue skies and breathtaking views along the rugged coastline of Lake Michegan. With so few European spectators at Whistling Straits due to the COVID pandemic, how would Europe fare in the fourball matches after lunch?
The answer is mixed. Both America and Europe each had their fair share of problems on the beautiful course of Whistling Straits, Kohler especially on the back nine.
Rahm and Garcia fought off Brooks Koepka and Jordan Spieth with a 2&1 victory. Ireland’s Shane Lowry and England’s Tyrrell Hatton came up trumps against Tony Finau and Harry English with a 1-up victory. The Americans won the other two matches which means they are creeping steadily forward with their score: USA 11, Europe 5.
Twenty-four year old Collin Morikawa is the most experienced of the six rookies in the American team. And he is certainly not afraid of holing putts. The twice Major winner is having a dream week in Wisconsin. But can the Americans hold their nerve to score another few points – 3½ to be precise – to win the 43rd Ryder Cup trophy on home soil? We’ll have to wait a few more hours to find out. The Sunday singles begin at 11.04 in the morning in Wisconsin. All I can say is just relax, sit back and enjoy what is sure to be an extremely nailbiting affair!
Wendy Hoad
© MAIN PHOTOGRAPH: England’s Paul Casey in action at Whistling Straits. MINIS (l-r): Viktor Hofland (Norway), Sergio Garcia (Spain), Jordan Spieth (USA) and Brooks Koepka (USA). BELOW: The crowds are gathering at Whistling Straits.