Feature by Anand Datla
September 27, 2014: The 40th Ryder Cup got off to a blistering start on Friday, with Europe holding fort against the resolute Americans. The first salvos have been fired and the hosts have managed to hold their own against a determined battalion of visitors.
For the first time since the K Club in 2006, Europe are leading the Ryder Cup at the end of the first day. The hosts enjoyed a two point lead, courtesy a solid afternoon in the foursomes. Europe won three points in the second session after splitting honours in the morning fourballs.
Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson did the star turn for Europe, winning both of their points on the day. Rory McIlroy is yet to win a point, after Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley dealt a pyschological blow by going 1Up on McIlroy and Sergio Garcia.
Rickie Fowler is still searching for a first taste of Ryder Cup success – his career in the team event is accounted for by 4 halves and a defeat. Fowler and his partner, Jimmy Walker returned with two halves to show for their work on Friday.
Patrick Reed had the Americans jiving to his tune on Friday, leaving a trail of worried Europeans in the wake of his 4 birdies in the morning session. It was the most by any player on the course during the day, as he helped America clinch a valuable victory over Ian Poulter and Stephen Gallacher.
Speaking of birdies, the Europens made 15 of them in the fourball session. The Americans were not too far behind, having nailed 14 of them in an equal retort. In the end it was a marginal affair, as the teams stayed even midway through the first day – with the Americans taking 15 holes to Europe’s 14.
Europe, who took three points in the afternoon, were clearly the dominant force. The hosts were 14–under in the foursomes, compared to a meagre three-under for the Americans. Team Europe made 19 birdies compared to 13 by the visiting team. Paul McGinley’s men won 20 holes, compared to only 13 for Tom Watson’s boys.
Lee Westwood continued to layer his Ryder Cup story with continued success. His tally is now 22 points from his 38 matches in the event, having won 19 of those contests.
Interestingly, Rory McIlroy is yet to miss a session in his Ryder Cup career. He was playing his 12th session in a row on Saturday while we were posting this feature for you.
