Ryder Cup Day One
It's the opening day of the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris where Europe look to wrestle back the trophy
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This event has now ended
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06:17
The talking is done. The opening ceremony is finished (just about). The gala dinner has gone down without a hitch. The gates are open and the 42nd Ryder Cup is finally, after the guts of two years of build-up, less than an hour from getting underway.
At 7.10am the first tee shots will be hit in anger by the American pair of Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau in their fourball match against Justin Rose and Jon Rahm.
It's the first day of the greatest event in golf and the sun is just beginning to peek its head above the perfectly manicured, water-ridden Le Golf National in Paris.
I'm Ruaidhrí Croke and I will be with you throughout the day as Europe look to get off to a hot start in their mission to wrestle back the little gold trophy from the United States.
You can get involved by using the 'Contact Us' button at the top of the blog or you can get me on Twitter @Ruaidhri_Croke.
The time has come! Tee-times and pairings are below.
Ryder Cup Day One fourball pairings and tee times (Irish time):
7.10am: Brooks Koepka/Tony Finau v Justin Rose/Jon Rahm
7.25am: Dustin Johnson/Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy/Thorbjorn Olesen
7.40am: Jordan Spieth/Justin Thomas v Paul Casey/Tyrrell Hatton
7.55am: Patrick Reed/Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari/Tommy Fleetwood
For a breakdown of each match you can read Philip Reid and Malachy Clerkin’s analysis from Paris.
Foursome tee times will be: 12.50pm (Irish time), 1.05pm, 1.20pm and 1.35pm with pairings to be announced later this morning.
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06:32
There really are few events in sport quite like the Ryder Cup.
Yes, some of it is contrived and, let’s be honest, playing for a continent just doesn’t sound right. But it’s more about representing the European Tour against the rich, cocky Americans across the pond. It’s about the history and it’s about the best players in the world coming up against each other in the best format of them all – matchplay.
As good as the Majors are there can be times, say for instance the middle few hours on a Thursday afternoon, which can drag about and be a bit boring with three days still to go. At the Ryder Cup there is none of that. From the very first tee shot every drive, iron shot, pitch and putt matters. Every match matters because each is worth an oh-so valuable point.
It’s one of the very few times the players get to play for each other and not solely for themselves in the most selfish of sports that is golf.
Every one of the top 10 players in the world are in Paris this week. Add to that mix a resurgent, Lazarus-like Tiger Woods and we have a recipe for one of the best ever Ryder Cups. The clock is ticking, it’s nearly time.
Strap yourselves in.
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06:36
This is quite the scene. First tee grandstand, Le Golf National. #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/xz8wpIAPiu
— Dave Shedloski (@DaveShedloski) September 28, 2018 -
06:40
The sun is up and that huge first tee is filling up.With almost 8,000 people able to pack into the grandstand behind that tee it is quite the cauldron.
Add to that thick rough down the right and water down the left, closing in at 290 yards, and it all adds up to what will be a very nervy iron off the tee for most players. So much can go wrong with an iron off the tee, will we see any disasters this morning a-la Webb Simpson at Gleneagles four years ago when he topped it and barely reached the fairway?
Earlier this week our golf correspondent took a look at the first tee at Le Golf National and compared it to how the amphitheatres have grown over the years.
The K Club to Paris: How Ryder Cup first tees have grown
With just 30 minutes to go now until the first match, why not immerse yourself in some history and catch up on the pre-event controversy of the 1949 Ryder Cup which saw Irish pioneer Fred Daly make his first appearance on home soil.
A tale of Ireland’s Ryder Cup pioneer and half a ton of meat
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06:47
Still catching up on all that's going on and what the Ryder Cup is all about? Worry not, we have you covered below.
Ryder Cup 2018: What are the tee times? Who is playing? What TV channel is it on?
From Paris you can also read Philip Reid's previewof what could be one of the closest Ryder Cups ever.
Time for heroes in Paris as Ryder Cup talking ends
Finally, last evening's opening ceremony was quite the occasion for many reasons, headed up by David Ginola. Malachy Clerkin went along to see what it was all about.
David Ginola rocks Electric Polo-Neck as Ryder Cup kicks off
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06:56
As opening holes at the Ryder Cup go 'En Avant' at Le Golf National is undoubtedly one of the toughest.
At 419 yards it's no pushover on a chilly Paris morning. Any slightly whiffed iron or three-wood off the first tee will leave a long approach over the water.
A slight hook (like Tiger Woods at the K Club in 2006) and you're wet. A push and you're buried in thick rough down the right - and the rough is seriously thick all around this course.
This could not be any different to Hazeltine two years ago with its motorway-wide fairway and lightning fast greens.
Expect narrow landing areas, thick rough, slow greens and lots and lots of water to make this a hell of a test.
Less than 15 minutes to go until Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau v Justin Rose and Jon Rahm!
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07:02
The first two teams are on the first tee!
FedEx Cup champion Justin Rose has been given the task this morning of leading off for Europe alongside the not-so-rookieish Jon Rahm who is surely just waiting to become a Ryder Cup star.
Up against them we have the current US Open and US PGA champion Brooks Koepka with rookie and captain's pick Tony Finau.
Finau seems like quite the cool character - even when he's popping his dislocated ankles back in at the US Masters Par 3 tournament - but his knees must be knocking this morning as he struggles to get that ball on the tee.
Ryder Cup opening shots do strange things to people. How will these four fare?
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07:08
Ryder Cup checklist
Kerry jersey: ticked off at 7.07am on the first morning.
They really are everywhere.
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07:11
Koepka and Finau have three-irons, Rose and Rahm opt for three-woods.
Finau will take it away first.
Here we go.
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07:15
Finau has just hit an adrenaline-filled three-iron 300 yards down the first where it has bobbled and rolled right to the water's edge. He looks like he will have absolutely no stance from there.
Koepka needs to find the fairway and he does, smacking one down the middle.
Rose takes the fairway wood and also finds the short stuff down the right.
Rahm does a Pouter and calls for the crowd to cheer during his swing! That's some confidence from the rookie but he takes it on board and splits the fairway.
The 2018 Ryder Cup is underway!
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07:21
What a start from Jon Rahm. This is impressive stuff from the rookie in the opening match.
With a wedge for his second he sends it straight over the pin, spinning it back to 12 feet.
Koepka responds with just as good an approach but Rose blows them out of the water!
The FedEx Cup champion has spun a cracker of an approach in to two feet for what should be a gimme birdie!
Finau could only pitch up the fairway and from there he's pitched up to 12 feet. That's him as good as done.
Koepka will need to sink his birdie putt for the half.
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07:28
Back on the first tee Rory McIlroy and Thorbjorn Olesen are ready to go against Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler.
Fowler is up first with a fairway wood and he finds the second cut down the right leaving a lengthy enough approach over the water.
Johnson takes iron and has no problem finding the fairway. He looks so nervous this morning his heart might even be beating.
Now for Olesen who looks full of nerves.
And it shows. He takes a wood and flips it over left where it bounds into the water.
Pressure on McIlroy now to find the fairway.
And he does.
Advantage USA in that one.
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07:30
Back to the first green we go.
The US have not conceded Rose's putt and Finau will go first for the par. He misses left.
Koepka now has the birdie chance to put some pressure on Rose but his putt lips out!
Rose steps straight up and rolls his putt calmly in the middle.
Europe one up!
Brooks Koepka & Tony Finau v Justin Rose & Jon Rahm (Europe 1up through 1)
7.25am: Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy & Thorbjorn Olesen
7.40am: Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas v Paul Casey & Tyrrell Hatton
7.55am: Patrick Reed & Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood
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07:36
Back at the first Fowler found the green first for the Americans, leaving 20 feet or so for the birdie.
Olesen has taken a drop and also finds the green but his putt will be for par.
But it's Johnson who lays down the marker early by knocking a peach in to a few feet.
McIlroy can only send his to 15 feet and will now almost certainly need to make that putt for the half.
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07:37
The opening match have made their way to the second where they face 220 yards all over water to the green.
Rahm pushes his approach slightly leaving a very long birdie putt but he makes a good fist of it by rolling it down to a few feet.
Finau, from a bit closer but still a distance away, rushes his five feet past. He looks quite nervous so far.
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07:38
Rose's tee shot flew through the green a little, settling just in the back fringe. He opts to play a bump and run with the flag out but he also sends it past the pin, leaving about seven feet for the par.
Koepka will now have about 15 feet for birdie to win the hole.
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07:43
Back at the first Olesen misses his par putt while Fowler also misses his birdie effort.
Pressure is on McIlroy for his birdie putt but he can't respond.
But it doesn't matter because Johnson has managed to miss his three-footer for birdie! He's been having serious putting troubles the last few weeks and they are showing already on this first green.
Europe get away with one there and it remains all square.
In the top match Europe stay one up after Koepka failed to make his birdie putt.
Back on the first tee Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are teeing off against Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton.
Scores
Brooks Koepka & Tony Finau v Justin Rose & Jon Rahm (Europe 1up through 2)
Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy & Thorbjorn Olesen (All square through 1)
7.40am: Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas v Paul Casey & Tyrrell Hatton
7.55am: Patrick Reed & Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood
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07:46
From the third match Hatton is the only man to find the fairway with the other three all finding the right rough.
We're now just 10 minutes from Tiger Woods' return to the Ryder Cup!
He'll partner Patrick Reed against Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood.
It's very, very early stages but so far it's advantage blue.
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07:51
Trouble for Rose at the third where he looks to have found the water with his tee shot at the Par 5.
Speaking of water, Casey has also found it with his approach at the first which piles the pressure on Hatton.
But he responds perfectly with a gorgeous approach over the pin which spins back to 10 feet.
But then Spieth steps up and nearly holes his approach!
It lands behind the pin, spins back and lips out! That leaves about four feet for birdie while Thomas faces a much longer effort.
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07:53
At the second McIlroy and Olesen were both a little long with their tee shots but both pitched down nicely to tidy up for par with Olesen the man to get it from six feet which will settle his nerves nicely.
Fowler and Johnson can do no better and that match remains all square through two.
Back at the first tee Tiger Woods is ready to play!
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07:55
Wow, Koepka.
In the top match he split the fairway with a 340 yard drive at the Par 5 before sending a stunning second shot in to five feet! That's for eagle while Rose is in the bunker in three after having to drop from the water.
Rahn, who also found trouble off the tee, will face a pitch from the rough for his third. That probably needs to go in just for the half in eagles...
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07:59
On the first green Hatton's birdie effort slips past and Spieth makes no mistake after that excellent approach. That's the US one up and the first bit of red on the board!
Back on the first tee Woods and Reed both split the fairway.
For Europe Fleetwood hits first and also finds the short stuff while Molinari does the same because does he ever miss the fairway?
All four matches are on the course!
Scores
Brooks Koepka & Tony Finau v Justin Rose & Jon Rahm (Europe 1up through 2)
Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy & Thorbjorn Olesen (All square through 2)
Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas v Paul Casey & Tyrrell Hatton (USA 1 up through 1)
Patrick Reed & Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood
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08:02
Up to the third green we go.
After a lovely bunker shot Finau rattles in his birdie putt to get the four in the bag for the US and give himself some confidence.
From slightly closer Rahm needs to make his putt just to match that four and he does so brilliantly!
That leaves the pressure on Koepka from eight feet for his eagle to get it back to all square...
And he misses!
What a half that is for Europe and they remain one up!
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08:07
At the first Fleetwood finds the middle of the green, leaving 20 feet for birdie.
Molinari starts as he's been playing all year by stuffing one in to six feet and putting the pressure on the US.
And it shows for Reed! He finds the water with his approach while Tiger barely made it onto the green with his. He'll have about 20 feet for the birdie from the fringe.
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08:09
At the second Hatton and Casey both miss decent chances for birdies to win the hole after the US found some trouble.
However, Spieth is again the man to save the day by rolling his par putt in to secure the half and stay one up.
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08:12
At the first Fleetwood's birdie putt slides by, as does Tiger's.
That leaves Molinari for six feet to win the first and the Open champion makes no mistake!
More blue on the board!
Scores
Brooks Koepka & Tony Finau v Justin Rose & Jon Rahm (Europe 1up through 3)
Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy & Thorbjorn Olesen (All square through 2)
Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas v Paul Casey & Tyrrell Hatton (USA 1 up through 2)
Patrick Reed & Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood (Europe 1 up through 1)
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08:15
At the Par 5 third it's a half for McIlroy and Olesen in their match with Johnson and Fowler. That leaves that game all square.
In the top match it's Rahm who is steering the ship for Europe at the moment as Rose struggles a little. The Spaniard finds the middle of the green, leaving 20 feet or so for birdie while Koepka again sends a lovely approach in to 10 feet. Those putts are going to have to start dropping soon.
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08:17
Plenty of tension on the second tee for the final game ... until Tiger steps up.
Fleetwood and Molinari both find the back bunker at the long Par 3 while Reed finds the right rough.
Tiger steps up last and sends an absolute corker in to five feet!
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08:20
In the top match the hole is getting no bigger for Koepka.
With another good look at birdie and a cchance to win the hole he misses left and Europe remain one up after Rose had secured the par with a 10 footer.
In the third match it's advantage Europe at the third where Casey has sent a gorgeous second into the heart of the green at the Par 5 with both Americans missing the putting surface.
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08:27
At the second the pressure is on Molinari or Fleetwood to hole their bunker shots with Tiger in so close for birdie and neither can do so.
Tiger dutifully rattles his putt in for a two and that game goes back to all square.
At the third Casey rolls his eagle putt up to gimme distance. Thomas and Spieth now both have decent looks at four to halve the hole and it's Spieth who gets in there first to halve the hole and keep the US pair one up.
Scores
Brooks Koepka & Tony Finau v Justin Rose & Jon Rahm (Europe 1up through 4)
Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy & Thorbjorn Olesen (All square through 3)
Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas v Paul Casey & Tyrrell Hatton (USA 1 up through 3)
Patrick Reed & Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood (All square through 2)
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08:33
It hasn't been the greatest start from McIlroy but he and Olesen are holding in there against Johnson and Fowler.
Olesen's birdie putt at the fourth somehow manages to stay out on the left and that game remains all square.
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08:40
At the fifth Finau and Koepka could only manage pars, leaving Rose with a decent look at birdie from 12 feet. He starts it out rigfht and it turns back in but misses on the left. Europe remain one up in that one.
For whatever reason the TV coverage is showing us very little, if any, of the McIlroy/Olesen v Johnson/Fowler match so apologies for the lack of updates. It's probably because not too much is happening with the first four holes halved.
At the Par 5 third in the final match Fleetwood was the only one to find the putting surface in two. Reed is on the fringe and will have a decent look at eagle.
And now he can really go for that after a majestic flop shot from Woods which rolles up to a few inches. Pressure on the Europeans now.
Molinari also has to flop his shot over the bunker and he manages to do so brilliantly. He hits it to about three feet and will have that for the half while Fleetwood and Reed both have looks at the eagle.
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08:47
Fleetwood's eagle putt comes up short but Molinari tidies up for birdie.
Reed's eagle pitch slid past left and that hole ends in a half in fours.
Up at the short Par 4 sixth Rahm drove over the green while Rose found the putting surface with his tee shot.
Finau is just off to the left while Koepk'a clattered a fan in the gallery and bounced back to the rough on the left side of the green.
At the fourth Hatton's birdie putt misses right and they have to settle for the half to remain one down after Spieth walked in a 12 footer for par. He seems to have found his putting touch this morning and that's bad news for the Europeans.
Finally, at the fifth, McIlroy's long birdie putt looks in all the way but somehow, somehow, it stays out. It's pars for halves on every hole there.
Scores
Brooks Koepka & Tony Finau v Justin Rose & Jon Rahm (Europe 1up through 5)
Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy & Thorbjorn Olesen (All square through 5)
Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas v Paul Casey & Tyrrell Hatton (1 up through 4)
Patrick Reed & Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood (All square through 3)
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08:49
EAGLE FOR FINAU!
What a shot that was from the American! With a little pitch from the left side of the green he finds the bottom of the cup for an eagle at the short Par 4 and the Americans get that game back to all square after Rahm and Rose both failed to match the two.
Koepka looks a little shaken up in that game after his tee shot caught a female spectator right below the eye. It doesn't look to be too serious but that's sure to rattle you a little.
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08:50So now, all of a sudden we have the US up in one and all square in three.
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08:56
Not exactly what Finau wanted after that eagle. With his next shot off the seventh tee he slices it way right and out of bounds.
Koepka follows it up with a massive hook into the long rough left.
Huge opportunity for the Europeans in that one now.
Back at the fourth Woods also found the long stuff with his tee shot and could only hack back out onto the fairway. From the bunker Reed manages to find the right side of the green but will face a long birdie putt.
The door is open for the Europeans and Fleetwood walks right through with a stunning eight iron to five feet!
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09:03
A super pitch up the green from Reed scares the hole but stays out and Europe go back to one up in the bottom match thanks to a birdie from Fleetwood after that super approach.
Back to the top game we go. From the long rough Koepka can only hack out and his ball scuttles across the fairway into the rough on the other side.
However, Rahm can also only pitch out from the rough after also pulling his drive left.
Rose now must find the green and put the pressure on and he does so. A par will very likely win this hole so the Englishman hitting to 30 feet.
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09:06
Wow, Jordan Spieth.
Talk about finding your putting touch when it's most needed.
At the Par 4 fifth he has walked in a 40 footer for birdie to win the hole and put the Americans two up in that one. Thomas has not holed a single putt yet for half or for the win because he hasn't had to, Spieth has made one on every green.
At the short Par 4 sixth Fowler has come within inches of an eagle two but his ball somehow stays out. And that's enough for Europe to take the half as Olesen sinks a lovely birdie putt. The Dane has really settled now and there is nothing between those two teams.
Scores
Brooks Koepka & Tony Finau v Justin Rose & Jon Rahm (All square through 6)
Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy & Thorbjorn Olesen (All square through 6)
Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas v Paul Casey & Tyrrell Hatton (USA 2 up through 5)
Patrick Reed & Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood (Europe 1 up through 4)
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09:10
It will be a major opportunity missed by Rose and Rahm if they don't win this seventh hole after the US trouble off the tee but they're making hard work of it.
Rahm's par putt misses while Rose's birdie effort slips four feet past. Koepka will now have 15 feet for par to put the pressure on and secure at least a half...
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09:13
But Koepka fails to do so and Rose tidies up for par. So now we have Europe up again in the top match, meaning they're up in two, down in one and all square in one. Already it's twisting and turning and changing by the minute.
Eventually something has to give in the second match and maybe it is just about to. A stunning approach from Olesen at the Par 4 seventh leaves eight feet for birdie. That might just be enough to stop the run of halves and put Europe ahead.
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09:17
At the short Par 4 sixth Spieth has finally allowd Thomas to have a putt and it's for eagle. He gives it a run but it slips past on the right. However, that's fine for the Americans as Spieth had already made the birdie.
Hatton's drive at that hole had almost landed in the hole but chased out to the back of the green. Casey's effort missed the green but he successfully gets up and down for the birdie to halve the hole and keep that game at two ahead for the US.
In other news, there's only one player who hasn't made a birdie so far today. And his name is Rory McIlroy.
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09:20
Back to the fifth green we go.
From 40 feet Tiger's birdie putt looks in all the way but it comes up short and in the jaws.
From closer in Fleetwood races his birdie putt at the hole but it turns left and stays out. That's a half in pars and Europe remain one up.
Stand by for a clip of just how thick the rough is around here and also the struggles McIlroy is having so far.
Scores
Brooks Koepka & Tony Finau v Justin Rose & Jon Rahm (Europe 1 up through 7)
Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy & Thorbjorn Olesen (All square through 6)
Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas v Paul Casey & Tyrrell Hatton (USA 2 up through 6)
Patrick Reed & Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood (Europe 1 up through 5)
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09:20
OH MY...#RyderCup pic.twitter.com/XkbNkRGUWH
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) September 28, 2018 -
09:22
And still nothing gives in that second match.
After that super approach from Olesen his birdie putt starts left and stays left and they halve in pars. The Dane wasn't helped by the fact that McIlroy was out of the hole after his rough trouble, meaning he couldn't have a proper run at his birdie putt.
That's now halves on all seven holes so far for the McIlroy/Olesen v Johnson/Fowler match.
Not exactly setting the world on fire.
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09:24
Vamos Jon Rahm!
Well he's a man who is setting the world on fire in his first ever Ryder Cup!
After finding the green with his tee shot at the Par 3 eighth the man from the Basque Country rattles his birdie putt right in the centre and gives a fist pump that would knock out Anthony Joshua.
Rose and Rahm go two up in the top match meaning Europe are up in two, all square in one and down in one.
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09:30
Finally McIlroy looks to be getting something going.
A super iron in to the Par 3 eighth leaves him with 12 feet for his first birdie of the day and possibly to put Europe one up with Fowler and Johnson both looking at outside chances.
McIlroy and Johnson have been the worst two players by a long way this morning. Who would have thought it?
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09:37
Jordan Spieth is beating Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton on his own and he doesn't even have to use his putter.
At the seventh he's pitched in from the left side of the green to put the USA three up and go to five under through seven holes on his own ball!
Sensational stuff from the man who has just had the worst season of his professional career. Casey and Hatton look as good as dead in the water in that one already but you never know in the Ryder Cup.
Over at the eighth McIlroy's birdie putt rolls by the left edge and once again that foursome halve the hole - that's now eight in a row.
At the sixth Fleetwood made the birdie for Europe before Reed followed suit for the US and Europe remain one up there.
Scores
Brooks Koepka & Tony Finau v Justin Rose & Jon Rahm (Europe 2 up through 8)
Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy & Thorbjorn Olesen (All square through 8)
Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas v Paul Casey & Tyrrell Hatton (USA 3 up through 7)
Patrick Reed & Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood (Europe 1 up through 6)
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09:39
Correction!
McIlroy and Olesen did in fact win the eighth thanks to the par after Fowler and Johnson could only manage a bogey! The Americans are absolutely not clicking this morning. That means Europe are up in three and down in just one!
Scores
Brooks Koepka & Tony Finau v Justin Rose & Jon Rahm (Europe 2 up through 8)
Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy & Thorbjorn Olesen (Europe 1 up through 8)
Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas v Paul Casey & Tyrrell Hatton (USA 3 up through 7)
Patrick Reed & Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood (Europe 1 up through 6)
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09:46
Rahm again makes the birdie at the Par 5 ninth for Europe in the top match but this time it's only good enough for a half after a lovely up and down from Finau in the bunker. Europe remain two up at the turn in that top game.
In the bottom game Reed and Woods need something to happen to get back to level terms and they might be about to provide it at the seventh. Two super approaches in to 10 feet have given them both good looks at birdie.
From the rough Fleetwood can only muscle it up to the right hand side of the green while Molinari also faces a long birdie effort. Advantage USA there.
At the eighth Casey has lipped out for birdie to win the hole meaning they remain three down to Spieth and Thomas.
Meanwhile, at the ninth, Olesen has found the water with his tee shot, putting the pressure on McIlroy who does not respond well by finding the heavy rough on the right. The US could be about to get that one back to all square.
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09:54
McIlroy and Olesen can scrap that ninth hole and move on. McIlroy's tee shot was so buried in the heavy stuff on the right that he could only hack it 20 yards into more of the same while Olesen was in the water. Fowler and Johnson finally win a hole and that match goes back to all square at the turn with some very average golf played so far.
Back to the bottom match at the seventh green. After Molinari failed to make his par, Fleetwood's effort after a medicore enough chip lips out on the right and a par is good enough for the Americans to get that match back to all square.
Europe up in one, down in one and all square in two.
Scores
Brooks Koepka & Tony Finau v Justin Rose & Jon Rahm (Europe 2 up through 9)
Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy & Thorbjorn Olesen (All square through 9)
Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas v Paul Casey & Tyrrell Hatton (USA 3 up through 8)
Patrick Reed & Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood (All square through 7)
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09:55
Koepka is fighting back for the Americans in the top match by sending a superb wedged approach in to a few feet at the 10th for what looks to be a gimme birdie.
However, Rose is refusing to let their two hole lead go without a fight. He sends his second shot over the pin, spinning it back to six feet. That looks to be for the half to remain two up with eight to play.
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10:00
Rahm has just gone and chipped in at the 10th. It's only for a par but it gives Rose a bit more freedom for his birdie putt which he uses perfectly by sending it right into the middle.
That puts the pressure on Koepka from a few feet for his birdie and the half but he makes no mistake.
Great stuff from Europe there to get the half and stay two up.
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10:04
So, nice cushions for Europe in the top match and the USA in the third match while the other two are as close as can be with considerably better quality golf in the bottom match.
Rose and Rahm just need to be solid all the way in now and they're doing exactly that at the 10th. Two lovely shots to 20 feet at the Par 3 are exactly what they need - make the Americans do something special to come back.
At this hole they can't as Finau leaves 40 feet while Koepka flies it over the pin, leaving a short little pitch for his two.
Scores
Brooks Koepka & Tony Finau v Justin Rose & Jon Rahm (Europe 2 up through 10)
Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy & Thorbjorn Olesen (All square through 9)
Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas v Paul Casey & Tyrrell Hatton (USA 3 up through 8)
Patrick Reed & Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood (All square through 7)
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10:09
At the Par 3 eighth all four players in the bottom match have outside looks at birdie after their tee shots but none can find the two. That's a half in threes and they remain all square.
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10:15
Hatton and Casey battle for a half at the ninth and they get it but they remain three down despite being four under on their better ball score.
But there's a change in the way of the Americans!
After Rose and Rahm both failed to find the hole with their birdie putts at the Par 3 11th, Koepka duly stepped up to his short pitch from the back of the green and rolled it right into the middle! That cuts Europe's defecit to one in that game.
And we also have more red on the board. That's because Fowler has followed his birdie at the ninth with another at the 10th to put the US one up.
Suddenly it's looking good for the visitors and we're only a half an hour or so on from when Europe were up in three.
Scores
Brooks Koepka & Tony Finau v Justin Rose & Jon Rahm (Europe 1 up through 11)
Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler v Rory McIlroy & Thorbjorn Olesen (USA 1 up through 10)
Jordan Spieth & Justin Thomas v Paul Casey & Tyrrell Hatton (USA 3 up through 9)
Patrick Reed & Tiger Woods v Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood (All square through 8)
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10:17
It seems like there's a bit of an American wave coming through now so, in the hope that that will change, we're going to make a substitution ourselves.
Johnny Watterson will be with you for the next three hours before we switch up again for the foursomes!
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10:20Thanks Ruaidhri...fleeing just as a wave of red sweeps across. Europe down in two matches, up in one and all level in another. That will change.
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10:28Rose misses the board and falls off to the right into rough at 12 but Rahm hits the belly of the green. Still one up Europe will want to win this top match against Finau and Koepka.
Rose hears it loud and clear and chipping from the up slope of the rough holes ou ton 12. The crowd erupts and Rose fist pumps EVERYBODY. Rose never does that. Europe go 2up thru 12.
Spieth drains a long putt on 10 and the crowd chant USA...USA. Spieth is up for it and cups his ear in encouragement. In that group the US are 3up thru 10 holes. -
10:31Casey and Hatton looking for something. Now 3 down to Spieth and Thomas, Casey hits his iron on 11 close enough to think birdie. Needs things to drop now.
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10:33More red appearing on the scoreboard as Woods and Reed go one up on Fleetwood and Molinari thru 8 holes. Not so long ago Europe were ahead. Now the US are ahead in three holes with just Rose and Rahm toughing it out at the head of the course
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10:34
Everyone is headed to the back nine at the #RyderCup
— Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) September 28, 2018
Stream it here: https://t.co/tmt83Sn92h pic.twitter.com/zcm3XUnajC -
10:36Just been told Europe have not lost on home soil since 1993. Maybe that explains the Icelandic 'Thunder Clap' from the European crowd. Lets bring football to the golf course.
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10:39Casey rolls it in at 11 for birdie to pull Spieth and Thomas back to a 2 holes lead. Spieth gives a wry smile as they walk up to the 12th tee to more loud noise.
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10:41It's not all good news for Europe as over on the 12th Dustin rolls in his putt to give himself and Fowler a two hole lead over McIlroy and Olesen. The US remain up in three on the matches.
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10:44On 13 Rose fails from 15 feet to halve with Finau and Koepka. His effort just takes to much break to the right and dips past the cup. They fall back to one hole up with five to play.
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10:46Colour scoreboard -
BLUE - Rahm/Rose 1up v Finau/Koepka thru 13
RED Johnson/Fowler 2 up v McIlroy/Olesen thru 12
RED Thomas/Spieth 2 up v Casey/Hatton thru 11
RED Woods/Reed 1 up v Fleetwood/Molinari thru 9 -
10:50Reed chips in from off the green on the 10th, which means Fleetwood and Molinari have to also chip in to halve the hole. They are just off the green. Fleetwood? No. Molinari? No. Woods and Reed go two up with 8 to play. All three US teams that are leading are 2 holes up with just Rose and Rahm holding back the red tide, one hole up.
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10:54Casey holes another long putt. Fist pumping all round on the 12th hole as Europe pull it back to just one hole against Spieth and Thomas. The fightback here has begun.
We are waiting for some McIlroy magic and there's no sign. Dustin just hits from off the fairway on 13 to birdie distance. A chance here to go three holes ahead. -
10:55
Narrowing the gap.
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) September 28, 2018
.@Paul_Casey and @TyrrellHatton win Nos. 11 and 12 to get back to 1 down against Spieth and Thomas. https://t.co/sWH0NHjSYa pic.twitter.com/MQx3K8h4t8 -
10:57Dustin drains his putt on the 13th rewarding a great approach. Body language from McIlroy and Olesen not good as they trail by three holes to the USA with just five to play. A betting man would say this one is cooked. Then again it's the Ryder Cup.
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11:00Molinaro comes in from WAY down town at the 11th hole. The in form Italian was just waiting to spark. That 30-40 footer was in all the way - at least the crowd believed so - and pulls Woods and Reed back to just a one hole lead.
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11:09Casey finds the water on his approach to 13. It's time for Hatton to come in. He hits and its a beauty to maybe six feet. It's a run from the Europeans with Casey and Hatton winning the last two holes. Could this to be the third in a row against Spieth and Thomas...here we go. Hatton is in and the others can't follow. It's all square thru 13 holes.
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11:13Molinari is beginning to turn the screw. Himself and Fleetwood trail by one to Woods and Reed thru 11 holes. But the Italian approach leaves him with an excellent biridie chance on 12... all helped by Fleetwood in safe position allowing Molinari to be aggressive.
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11:18Fleetwood misses from 12 feet to win the hole on 12. Molinari from half that distance has to go to win the hole. Not a problem it falls right in the middle of the cup. Back to back birdies from Molinari brings the match to all square against Woods and Reed. Another swing of momentum with Europe winning one, trailing one and level in two.
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11:19
After winning Nos. 11 & 12, @F_Molinari and @TommyFleetwood1 are ALL SQUARE against Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed.https://t.co/EkOF2bfjyr pic.twitter.com/La3L2f3NYP
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) September 28, 2018 -
11:28Rose just holes from 5 feet on 15. It was a big putt as it keep himself and Rahm one hole up with three to play.
McIlory and Olesen are not making any dents in the 3 holes lead of Johnson and Fowler. The US are 3 up with 4 to play and Europe looking for a miracle here. -
11:32What is luck? Finau hitting the wooden sleepers on the 16th and bouncing to four feet. Yep better lucky than good. It's a chance to draw level with Rose and Rahm 30 feet away.
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11:34Bjorn to Rory. The Ryder Cup has started so start playing some golf - 3 down with Olesen thru 14 holes
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11:40Finau finds his two at 16. The sleeper bounce did its job so he and Koepka draw level with Rose and Rahm. That's all square in three matches with McIlroy and Olesen swirling down the plug hole in the fourth. A three birdie finish could pull something out of the fire but Rory doesn't look like he has that in his game at the moment..
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11:44Dustin flies his ball over the pin at the par 3 hole at 17. A short birdie putt here - if McIlroy and Olesen miss from middle distance - would give him and Fowler the match 4 and 2.
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11:47
First points to USA.
The four shake hands on 16 with Johnson and Fowler drawing first blood over McIlroy and Olesen. They don't even ask for Johnson to take his five footer. USA win 4 and 2.
No birdies from McIlroy today. He will be moved or benched for the afternoon. -
11:48
First point goes to Team USA. DJ/Rickie with the 4-and-2 win over Rory/Thunderbear
— Adam Schupak (@AdamSchupak) September 28, 2018 -
11:48PS it is still all square in the other three matches thru 13, 14 and 16.
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11:51Changes again as Spieth and Thomas take the lead thru 15 holes. Just one hole over Casey and Hatton, who came back brilliantly from three holes down at one point.
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11:51
Fascinating swings this morning and a big question: Does Bjorn give Rory the hook this afternoon?
— Brian Wacker (@brianwacker1) September 28, 2018 -
11:53Casey one of only six player to ace in the Ryder Cup. He did it at The K Club in 2006. Rained all weekend if I remember.
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11:55"Its great I knew it was going to be a good time. When one of us was out of the hole the other guy picked him up," Rickie Fowler who, with Dustin Johnson beat McIlroy and Olesen 4&2.
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11:59So Rose/Rahm and Finau/Koepka go up the 18th all square.
Fleetowood misses a five foot putt on 14 to take a one hole lead with Molinari. Doh! You can almost hear him say it. -
12:00
DJ & Rickie win the 1st match of the day for @RyderCupUSA. 🇺🇸#RyderCup #GoUSA pic.twitter.com/rJVojJKC5U
— PGA of America (@PGA) September 28, 2018 -
12:04Rahm leaves it all for Rose to do at the 18th. His drive finds deep rough right which means he probably won't make it over the water with his second. Rose hits the fairway as do Finau and Koepka. All Square.
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12:11Rose finds water with his approach to 18. His iron shot hits the green but runs off the back with a plop. That's not good as an American ball flies into the heart of the green for two. Rahm is on for three. It's advantage USA at the final hole for them to take a 2-0 lead
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12:17Rose goes back to the drop zone at 18 and is on the green for four. Rahm must get his par putt to halve the match with Koepka just a tap in left for par. A fine effort from Rahm but it's a miss.
A poor finish with two bogeys in the last four holes from Europe.
USA goes 2-0 up. -
12:20Scores
Finau/Koepka beat Rose/Rahm 1Up
Johnson/Fowler beat McIlroy/Olesen 4&2
Thomas/Spieth 1 up thru 17 V Casey/Hatton
Molinari/Fleetwood 1 up thru 15 V Woods/Reed -
12:22McIlroy will go out with Poulter this afternoon.
Garcia and Noren are in. Stenson and Rose are partners with Molinari and Fleetwood remaining for the afternoon pairings. Full US pairings shortly. -
12:23Afternoon Foursomes -
Stenson & Rose vs. DJ & Fowler
Rory & Poulter vs. Bubba & Simpson
Sergio & Noren vs. Phil & Bryson
Molinari & Fleetwood vs. JT & Spieth -
12:26Par 3 16th hole. (Europe 1 up)
Fleetwood more safe than close. Molinari just a little better.
Reed to 10 feet and just on the fringe and Tiger head down finds the water. -
12:30Par 4 18th hole. (USA 1 UP)
Sensible and on the green in two from Spieth.
Thomas hits in the water
Casey bunkered and lays up his second
Hatton hits a beauty to inside 10 feet.
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12:33Fleetwood is fist pumping everybody on the 16th. His putt from another parish drops. Even Molinari is grinning like a fool. That's another hole to put Europe 2 up over Woods and Reed with two to play. Advantage Europe.
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12:34Who could not like Tommy Fleetwood with his 70's hair and the personality of a bloke who will have a pint AND a kebab on the way home.
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12:39Spieth can win the match on 18 from 40 feet. Nope. He's two feet away. Hatton can halve the match from 12 feet...nope it falls to the right. Not his best effort. That leaves Spieth with a two foot down hill stab for the match.
It's in and the USA take a 3-0 lead. -
12:43Molinari is in good shape on 17. He has a birdie putt to win the match. A halved hole would win it for Europe 2&1.
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12:47Both Woods and Reed are over the back of the green on 17. They both have to hole their chips as Molinari and Fleetwood are no the green. Tiger...no. Reed...no.
Fleetwood from 30 feet puts it four feet past. Molinari from15 feet has two putts to win the match. But he needs just one for birdie and the match.
At last Europe get a score on the board. It's all over for the morning fourballs with USA leading 3-1 -
12:50SCORE after first session EUROPE 1 USA 3
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12:52"I love it," says Molinari after gaining his first Ryder Cup points.
"There is nothing like it and I can't wait to get out later," says Fleetwood.
He won't have long to wait as the first Foursomes are teeing off - Stenson/Rose and DJ/Fowler -
12:54"We were three up and they made 6 birdies in a row I think. We did a good job," Spieth after beating Rose and Rahm at the last hole in the morning session.
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13:00Hey! Heads up Europe. Two years ago it was a whitewash for the USA after the morning session on Friday...
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13:05Phew no time to breathe here. The first match in the foursomes is all square after the first hole. That's Europe's Stenson/Rose against the same successful morning pairing of Fowler/Johnson.
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13:06Welcome Bubba to the first tee. Welcome Webb Simpson. Welcome Poulter. Pressure is on Rory. We need what they say in rugby "A Performance."
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13:09Nervy Poulter hits his first into the water on the left. You can be sure his fighting spirit is what Europe are looking for this afternoon. British bulldog what! The first hole will test him on that.
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13:13"I think Poulter's energy will help Rory," says former professional Howell.
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13:15Stenson/Rose v Johnson/Fowler half the second hole with bogey's all round. The match is all square.
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13:16
Today was the 5th time that @TigerWoods failed to register a single point on the first day of a #RyderCup :
— National Club Golfer (@NCGMagazine) September 28, 2018
• 1999
• 2002
• 2004
• 2012
• 2018 pic.twitter.com/qzEIhci16v -
13:16
This will be Phil Mickelson's 46th career @rydercup match, tying Nick Faldo for most all-time.
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGC) September 28, 2018 -
13:21Okay so Poulter and McIlroy - in the water off the tee - go a hole down after the first to Bubba and Simpson. Can't really blame partner Rory on that one.
Bryson Dechambeau and Phil an interesting partnership are on the first tee v Garcia and Noren. Hot Spanish blood and Scandie ice. -
13:24Sergio goes to hit his first shot of the day, takes a back swing and then stands away from the ball. Nerves?? He steps up for the second time and splits the fairway with his iron.
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13:27Poulter almost makes amends on the second hole. His pitch from the sand skirts the cup and rolls two feet past. Almost levelled the match there after the watery first hole. Still a hole down to Bubba/Simpson after two.
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13:34Whow Sergio lips out with his putt from off the green on the first hole. That would have putt him and Noren ahead. Not to be. All square after one hole.
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13:36Talking point from the morning..."What's the craic with Tiger's BACK"
He was seen moving GINGERLY. That's enough for a full blown Senate Committee inquiry. -
13:38Molinari is straight down the track at the first hole so that's all of the afternoon foursomes off in the second session, USA 3-1 ahead after this morning.
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13:40Koepka on the intimidating first tee - "I don't think anything is intimidating, because I'm here to play golf. It's not like somebody's about to beat my brains in." Huh, so that's how you want to play it buddy.
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13:43So an exciting few hours ahead as Europe try to close the gap. Ruaidhri Croke will pull you through the afternoon session as
Europe current sit two holes down in 1 match and AS in 3. -
13:44
Thanks Johnny.
So foursomes we have - the thinking man's form of team golf. Historically Europe are much better than the Americans when it comes to the alternate shot but these American pairings look seriously strong today. Europe will be looking for at least two points if not more from these four matches.
To catch up on some of this morning's goings on at the gigantic grandstand around the first tee you can read Malachy Clerkin’s dispatch below.
Storied tension of the Ryder Cup first tee noticeably absent
Let’s get out to the action!
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13:48
Straight to the Par 5 third we go.
After Poulter had put Europe's third shot in to 10 feet it looked like a good chance to get the game back to all square with Webb Simpson facing a good 50 footer for birdie.
But this is matchplay.
Simpson only went and holed his tramliner for the birdie. That put the pressure on McIlroy for the half and he couldn't step up mening Europe go two down after three in that second game.
In the third game Europe are one up after a par for Garcia and Noren at the second was enough to put them ahead against DeChambeau and Mickelson.
Meanwhile, at the first the bottom game have halved the opener although Spieth came within milimetres of draining a 60 foot birdie putt for the win. The Texan's touch on the green is absolutely on today.
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (All square through 4)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (USA 2up through 3)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 1 up through 2)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (All square through 1)
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13:51
Mickelson and DeChambeau is certainly an interesting pairing but Mickelson has had absolutely no form for a while now. At the third he has pulled their tee shot right and into the water. Garcia sends Europe's tee ball down the left where it is in the rough but, crucially, dry.
Without doubt the standout pairing for this morning for Europe was Fleetwood and Molinari and already they're living up to it this afternoon. At the Par 3 second Fleetwood has fired his tee shot in to 20 feet while the US pair of Spieth and Thomas are over the back facing a tough pitch.
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13:55
Poulter and McIlroy need something to happen and it might just be about to at the fourth. After a lovely drive from McIlroy, Poulter has fired a wedge in to 15 feet. McIlroy just needs to see a putt go in the hole, he didn't make any this morning.
In the top match Stenson's approach to the fifth left Rose with a long pitch up the green but he has played it beautifully, rolling it up to gimme distance.
From a similar spot Johnson can only get it up to 10 feet. Fowler will now have that for the half and to keep it at all square.
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13:58
A nice bunker shot from Spieth and a nice putt from Thomas is enough to give the Americans the half in the bottom game after Molinari's birdie effort missed right. That remains all square.
But Europe are now up in two! That's after Fowler failed to make his par putt at the fifth, putting Stenson and Rose one up.
And there is no joy for McIlroy at the fourth after yet another putt slips agonisingly by. He has hit so many putts that look good, it must drive him mad. They remain two down.
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13:59
A nice bunker shot from Spieth and a nice putt from Thomas is enough to give the Americans the half in the bottom game after Molinari's birdie effort missed right. That remains all square.
But Europe are now up in two! That's after Fowler failed to make his par putt at the fifth, putting Stenson and Rose one up.
And there is no joy for McIlroy at the fourth. Yet another birdie putt slips agonisingly past. He has hit so many good putts but they're just not going in, it must drive him mad. They remain two down.
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe 1 up through 5)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (USA 2up through 4)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 1 up through 2)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (All square through 2)
Overall: Europe 1 USA 3
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14:04
Garcia and Noren double their lead.
After Mickelson's tee shot found the water, the best the American pair could manage was a bogey six and that's going to be no good on a Par 5 in any format. Mickelson and DeChambeau refuse to give the Europeans the hole despite Noren and Garcia having two putts for it from 15 feet - to be expected from that pair in fairness. Noren shoves it back in their face by holing for the birdie and Europe now go two up through three against the scientists.
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14:09
Fowler and Johnson are struggling today in the foursomes and finding it much tougher than the fourballs. After missing the green with their drive at the short Par 4 sixth they fail to get up and down for the birdie. That leaves Stenson with 10 feet for a three to put Europe two up.
And he duly does so! Europe already looking good in the alternate shot format, it must be said.
Except, that is, for the second match where over at the fourth Poulter's birdie putt comes up short in the jaws and he and McIlroy have to settle for a par and a half to remain two down.
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14:13
Over to the third green we go and the final match.
Fleetwood found the green in two with an excellent second shot which left Molinari with a long eagle putt. The Italian had a good run at it but sent it five feet past. Not a bother for Fleetwood though as he brushes it in for the birdie.
That puts the pressure on Thomas from slightly closer and he can't respond!
His short putt slips right and stays out meaning Europe go ahead in a third game! More blue on that board!
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe 2 up through 6)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (USA 2up through 5)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 2 up through 3)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe 1 up through 3)
Overall: Europe 1 USA 3
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14:16
Boom! Rory's alive!
Europe need something to happen in the second match and McIlroy has given them every chance by knocking his drive at the short Par 4 sixth into the middle of the green.
The Americans missed the putting surface to the left and Watson's pitch has left 20 feet for birdie. Two putts for the Europeans could do it there.
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe 2 up through 6)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (USA 2 up through 5)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 2 up through 3)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe 1 up through 3)
Overall: Europe 1 USA 3
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14:19
That is a terrible putt from Poulter. He leaves it eight feet short which puts the pressure massively on McIlroy.
It's finally for a birdie and it's to win the hole after Simpson missed the US chance for the three.
He needs this...
And he makes it! Finally!
He follows it with a big fist pump and maybe, just maybe, that will get McIlroy going. That game is back to just a one hole defecit and it is looking oh-so good for Europe so far in this session.
Over at the fourth Garcia and Noren get away with one a little after DeChambeau's birdie putt following a lovely approach from Mickelson misses to the right. Europe remain two up there.
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14:23
More trouble for Fowler and Johnson at the seventh means a par is enough for Rose and Stenson to win a third hole in a row and go three up. They're running away with that one.
This is looking very, very good for Europe so far but, as we saw earlier, it can change so quickly.
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe 3 up through 7)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (USA 1 up through 6)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 2 up through 4)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe 1 up through 3)
Overall: Europe 1 USA 3
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14:28
Spieth and Thomas will not be shaken off easily in what's sure to be a nip and tuck encounter against Fleetwood and Molinari.
After the Italian sent his approach a little long at the Par 4 fourth, Thomas answers with a wedge straight over the pin which spins back to four feet. That could be enough to level that game back up.
Over at the fifth Noren and Garcia are looking good thanks to a beautiful approach from the Swede which has left an eight foot putt for birdie.
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14:34
Yet more good news for Europe over at the seventh where McIlroy and Poulter have got their game back to all square thanks to a lovely pitch from Poulter to secure the par four and the Americans only managing a bogey after finding the deep rough down the right.
Back at the fourth Spieth has made the short putt for the Americans but it turns out that it was only for par after they found trouble off the tee. That's fine for Europe thank you very much as Fleetwood and Molinari also make the par to stay one up.
And it gets even better for the home side. At the eighth Johnson has missed a six footer for birdie to win the hole meaning they stay three down to Stenson and Rose.
And keep the good news coming! After yet more trouble at the fifth for the already pretty disastrous partnership of Mickelson and DeChambeau, Noren and Garcia are again asked to two putt from 12 feet and again they only need one for the win to go three up!
Europe are up in three and all square in on and it's looking very, very good. Look at all the blue on that board.
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe 3 up through 8)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (All square through 7)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 3 up through 5)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe 1 up through 4)
Overall: Europe 1 USA 3
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14:44
The board is fully blue.
At the Par 3 eighth Watson played a nice pitch up to five feet for the US but Simpson's par putt slipped past the right and stayed out.
That left McIlroy with a four footer for par which he duly holed to make it three holes in a row for Europe and turn the board fully blue!
Meanwhile, at the fifth Fleetwood has nailed a 20 footer for par to win the hole and put him and Molinari two up against Spieth and Thomas!
And it gets even better for Europe! At the Par 4 sixth Mickelson and DeChambeau can only manage a bogey and they are now four down to Garcia and Noren.
This is unbelievable stuff for Europe!
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe 3 up through 8)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (Europe 1 up through 8)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 4 up through 6)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe 2 up through 5)
Overall: Europe 1 USA 3
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14:50
After making a complete mess of the Par 5 ninth Rose and Stenson somehow manage to pull a half out of the bag thanks to a superb 10 foot par putt from Rose.
Everything is going Europe's way at the moment. How long will it last?
Back down the fairway Watson's tee shot finds the heavy rough which gives Europe the advantage there at the Par 5, particularly after Poulter split the fairway.
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14:53
Simpson can only punch out of the heavy rough into more rough while McIlroy sends a towering iron to the apron of the green, leaving Poulter with a good look at the pin to pitch up to.
Over at the seventh Garcia and Noren could be about to go give up after another gorgeous approach from the Swede in to eight feet.
The air density must just be too heavy for Bryson in that match today - I'm sure we'll hear about it afterwards anyway.
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14:56
Tommy Fleetwood!
What a Ryder Cup debut this is turning out to be and what a pairing Fleetwood and Molinari are!
At the sixth the Englishman has rolled in yet another birdie putt, this one about 15 feet, to win the hole and put that pairing three up on the Spieth and Thomas dream team.
This session could be over very early - the Americans don't know what has hit them.
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15:03
Sergio Garcia!
This pairing of the Spaniard along with Noren are absolutely pulverising Mickelson and DeChambeau. Garcia has just rattled in yet another birdie putt at the seventh to put that pair FIVE up through the first seven.
Over at the Par 5 ninth Poulter and McIlroy have made a bit of a mess of a good position. Poulter's pitch left McIlroy with eight feet for the birdie which he failed to make meaning they have to settle for par.
But that's enough for the win! From about six feet Watson's par putt doesn't even touch the hole.
The blue wave is getting stronger and stronger.
And over at the 10th it's engulfing Fowler and Johnson. With five feet for the half there Johnson yanks his putt left and it stays out, meaning the top European pairing go four up.
It's getting difficult to believe what we're watching.
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe 4 up through 10)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (Europe 2 up through 9)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 5 up through 7)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe 3 up through 6)
Overall: Europe 1 USA 3
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15:10
Europe need to get the foot down here and kill the Americans altogether.
In the top match Rose is doing exactly that with a superb tee shot at the Par 3 11th right down the barrel of the pin which will leave Stenson with about 12 feet for birdie to, possibly, go five up.
Noren and Garcia certainly aren't letting up. Yet more trouble for the US at the Par 3 eighth leaves the door open for the European pair to roll in a handy par putt to go six up with 10 to play.
Are we heading for some sort of record?
What could be a record is the fact that, so far, the US side have made just one birdie between all four teams in this foursomes session.
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15:15
A slip up for McIlroy and Poulter.
After the Englishman missed the green with their approach at the Par 4 10th McIlroy then made a mess of the pitch shot by playing it into the bunker. However, Poulter has splashed out to kick in distance for the bogey which is enough to half the hole after Watson and Simpson found trouble off the tee.
And over at the 11th the top pairing of Rose and Stenson have gone five up! And that's despite the fact Stenson missed the birdie putt. From five feet Johnson missed a putt for the half for the second hole in a row and this is just getting ridiculous now.
It's hard to see the US side getting anything at all out of this.
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe 5 up through 11)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (Europe 2 up through 10)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 6 up through 8)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe 3 up through 7)
Overall: Europe 1 USA 3
Projected at end of session: Europe 5 USA 3
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15:19
Watson and Simpson are finally showing a bit of fight for the US.
At the Par 3 11th Poulter stuffed a lovely tee shot in to five feet but Watson went and stuck it inside him!
Big pressure on McIlroy now to get in for the birdie and ensure they don't lose this hole.
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15:23
And McIlroy can't do so.
His putt misses on the right and leaves the door open for Simpson to sink his birdie putt and cut the gap to one hole. That's America's biggest chance of salvaging anything from this session and McIlroy and Poulter must ensure they don't do so.
Back at the eighth Spieth and Thomas have also cut the gap with a birdie.
Is this the start of a US resurgence?
In other news, Garcia and Noren have just won the ninth to go out in seven up...
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe 5 up through 11)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (Europe 1 up through 11)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 7 up through 9)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe 2 up through 8)
Overall: Europe 1 USA 3
Projected at end of session: Europe 5 USA 3
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15:24
The record foursomes win in the Ryder Cup is 7&6 which has been done three times.
Garcia and Noren are well on course to break that.
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15:29
Johnson and Fowler hit back.
Finally the American pair in the top match with a hole - with a par - and the gap there is cut to four.
Ever so slightly the US have chipped away at the gap in three of the four games in the last 20 minutes or so.
The closest of those games is that of McIlroy and Poulter.
After McIlroy found the first cut with his tee shot at the Par 4 12th Poulter sends a beautiful approach in to the heart of the green, leaving his partner with 20 feet for birdie.
From 20 yards closer and off the fairway Watson's effort gets caught on the wind and shoots left into a bad lie in the rough with absolutely no green to work with. Advantage Europe there.
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15:31
In the bottom game Spieth and Thomas are struggling at the Par 5 ninth.
After a poor pitch for Spieth with their third came up short of the green, Thomas followed it with another poor pitch which leaves eight feet for par while Fleetwood will have a decent look at birdie.
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15:36
PHIL MICKELSON AND BRYSON DECHAMBEAU HAVE WON A HOLE!
After Noren's drive found water at the 10th a par is good enough for the US pair to win their first hole of the day and cut the gap to six.
But back at the ninth there's much better news for the Europeans. Fleetwood's birdie putt missed on the right but it didn't matter as Spieth also shoved his par putt right meaning the Europeans regain their three hole lead.
In the second game McIlroy's effort at birdie at the 12th turns left and misses which allows the US to get out of jail after Simpson played a great pitch from the left of the green. But Watson fails to make the par putt!
That's a win for Europe with a par there to regain their two hole lead and put Europe into the driving seat even more.
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe 4 up through 12)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (Europe 2 up through 12)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 6 up through 10)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe 3 up through 9)
Overall: Europe 1 USA 3
Projected at end of session: Europe 5 USA 3
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15:42
Fowler and Johnson are just beginning to creep back in the top game.
Johnson has finally started finding the hole and he does so from 15 feet at the 13th to make it back-to-back wins for the US and cut the defecit to three.
At the 13th Poulter's tee shot heads down the right towards the water. It bounces towards it and may have gone in, we're not sure just yet. With just two holes in that game it's imperative the Europeans keep the mistakes off the card.
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15:45
From the middle of the fairway Simpson sends a gorgeous approach right over the pin to 20 feet.
Poulter's shot somehow managed to hang on to the bank but has left McIlroy with a nightmare shot with the ball way below his feet and buried.
But he muscles a superb approach up and onto the green to about 15 feet! What a shot that was!
Over at the 11th Mickelson and DeChambeau are just chipping away at Europe's big lead now. A par there gives them a second hole in a row and that lead is reduced to five.
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15:49
Spieth looks to have used up all of his putts this morning.
At the 10th another one slips past the left edge and Europe increase their lead to four thanks to their par.
Back to Poulter and McIlroy.
Watson's birdie effort slid past the right edge which leaves Poulter with 15 feet to send them three up. This would be huge and exactly the stage for Poulter to do it on!
And of course he does it!
What a birdie that was from where Poulter's tee shot ended. That is an absolute dagger to the heart of the Americans and it puts Europe three up with five to play.
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe 3 up through 13)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (Europe 3 up through 13)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 5 up through 11)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe 4 up through 10)
Overall: Europe 1 USA 3
Projected at end of session: Europe 5 USA 3
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15:54
Rose and Stenson simply have to hold on in this top match.
At the Par 5 14th they're over the back in two with a routine enough up and down for birdie while Fowler and Johnson have about eight feet for their birdie.
Stenson sends a high pitch down the length of the green where it checks up beautifully and rolls out to a few feet! What a shot that was.
That's enough for the birdie but it's matched by Johnson who is really starting to find the hole now. Europe remain three up with four to play.
Over at the Par 3 11th Spieth and Thomas are in great shape to cut the defecit after Molinari flared his tee shot way right into the gallery while Spieth stuck his in to a few feet. Still, you never know what could happen - that pair's putting has been far from impressive so far.
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16:00
DeChambeau flubs a chip from the rough to the left of the 12th green which allows Europe to pick up another hole there and Garcia and Noren go six up with six to play.
Over at the 11th Thomas dutifully rolls in the birdie putt after Spieth's excellent tee shot and Fleetwood and Molinari's lead is cut to three.
But just look at this board now.
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe 3 up through 14)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (Europe 3 up through 13)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 6 up through 12)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe 3 up through 11)
Overall: Europe 1 USA 3
Projected at end of session: Europe 5 USA 3
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16:05
The top match has reached the trecherous Par 4 15th.
From the middle of the fairway Fowler finds the back of the green leaving a long birdie look.
Stenson pushes his approach right and it looks water-bound all the way but somehow it lands on the fringe and stays there!
What a stroke of luck that is and Europe now look well-placed to make that game dormie.
Speaking of dormie, Poulter come within milimetres of making that game dormie but his birdie putt at the Par 5 14th horseshoed out!
That lets Watson and Simpson off the hook with a par and leaves McIlroy and Poulter three up with four to play - four of the most difficult holes you'll find anywhere.
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16:08
At the 13th Garcia has found water down the right and they could well lose that hole. However, at dormie six up they have a few to spare.
Back to the 15th we go and the top match.
With 60 feet for birdie Johnson is only really trying to lag it down there and hope the Europeans make a mistake.
However, he fails to put it stone dead, leaving Fowler with five feet back for the par.
Now Rose, coming from 40 feet away and on the fringe has this for the match...
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16:09
His effort misses left but it's a par and Fowler now must hole to extend the match.
Which he does. So Europe go to the 16th dormie three up.
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe 3 up through 15)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (Europe 3 up through 14)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 6 up through 12)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe 3 up through 11)
Overall: Europe 1 USA 3
Projected at end of session: Europe 5 USA 3
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16:12
This is borderline unfair.
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 28, 2018
Jeez, @McIlroyRory. 👏 #LiveUnderPar pic.twitter.com/HPkks9xKfs -
16:14
At the 12th the final match half in par fours which leaves Europe three up there with six to play.
Back to McIlroy and Poulter at the 15th. From the middle of the fairway, with the wind whipping from right to left across the water, McIlroy switches clubs and it's the right choice as he holds it up against the wind, sending it to the back of the green and leaving 40 feet for Poulter for the birdie.
From 20 yards closer it's Simpson to go for the US. He's one club short, as opposed to McIlroy's one club long, but it carries over the water and leaves a slightly closer look at birdie.
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16:16
At the 13th two putts is enough for DeChambeau and Mickelson to get it back to five down with five to play after Garcia had found the water from the tee.
But it looks like the top game could be about to deliver the first point!
At the Par 3 16th Fowler's tee shot finishes about 50 feet below the hole before Stenson sends his in to half the distance. Unless Johnson holes that raker the Europeans will have two putts for the match.
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16:18
Europe get the first point on the board in the foursomes!
Johnson can't make the birdie, Rose lags it up to a few feet and that's that!
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe win 3&2)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (Europe 3 up through 14)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe 5 up through 13)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe 3 up through 12)
Overall: Europe 2 USA 3
Projected at end of session: Europe 5 USA 3
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16:21Back to the 15th we go and Poulter with a long birdie effort. He leaves it about five feet short but from there McIlroy makes no mistake for the par which is good enough for the half and puts the Europeans dormie three up!
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16:30
It's two more blue points on the board!
McIlroy's tee shot to 15 feet on the Par 3 16th is enough for the US to concede after Simpson's approach flew over the green. McIlroy and Poulter win 4&2.
That levels the scores up and seconds later Noren lags a long putt up to a few inches at the 14th to secure the half and give Europe a 5&4 win over DeChambeau and Mickelson.
Over at the 13th a par is enough for Molinari and Fleetwood to go four up with five to play and soon enough we may well have the first ever European whitewash in Ryder Cup foursomes.
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe win 3&2)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (Europe win 4&2)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe win 5&4)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe 4 up through 13)
Overall: Europe 4 USA 3
Projected at end of session: Europe 5 USA 3
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16:33
Back down the 14th fairway we go where Molinari is lining up the green in two at this Par 5. With a fairway wood in hand he sends a high draw up to the back of the green, leaving Fleetwood a lengthy chip back down the green.
Spieth and Thomas need a miracle now and Spieth takes the pin on with their second from the fairway but it finds the front bunker.
This game isn't over yet but it's most likely not far from being.
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16:38
From the back of the green Fleetwood knocks a lovely pitch down to about eight feet, leaving that for birdie for Molinari.
From the bunker Thomas plays a lovely splash shot out to nine feet or so meaning the US will be up first. Miss that and Europe will have a putt for the match to complete the whitewash.
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16:39
And Spieth fails to do so.
That sums up this nightmare afternoon for the Americans.
Molinari now has eight feet for the match and a historic whitewash...
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16:41
IT'S THERE!
EUROPE COMPLETE A FIRST EVER WHITEWASH IN RYDER CUP FOURSOMES!
Scores
Henrik Stenson & Justin Rose v Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler (Europe win 3&2)
Ian Poulter & Rory McIlroy v Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (Europe win 4&2)
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren v Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau (Europe win 5&4)
Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood v Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth (Europe win 5&4)
Overall: Europe 5 USA 3
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16:48
So, that's that.
What an opening day we've had. From America looking well and truly in the driving seat after winning the first three fourball matches, Europe went and won the next five matches in a row with Molinari and Fleetwood's point in the bottom match surely the big momentum-builder.
That pairing in particular are the highlight of the day with Fleetwood proving how much of a class act he is on his Ryder Cup debut by picking up two points against a quartet of Patrick Reed, Tiger Woods, Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.
After a nightmare morning session McIlroy turned it around alongside Poulter in the afternoon and surely now they won't be split up and could play both sessions together tomorrow.
Garcia vindicated his pick by hammering Mickelson and DeChambeau alongside Noren while Rose and Stenson do what they almost always do and that's win.
A magnificent afternoon for Europe and waves of momentum to take into tomorrow.
Speaking of tomorrow, I will be with you bright and early from 6.30am for more drama with the American side determined to fight back.
Philip Reid and Malachy Clerkin's reports and reaction will be online soon and in The Irish Times tomorrow.
We're only a third of the way through and there's still lots of golf to go.
Thanks for reading, see you tomorrow!