DeChambeau and Woods have finally made a birdie. After 10 holes. Tiger sinks his put from 15 yards and Fleetwood is unable to match it.
Over in the anchor match, Thomas still seems to be letting that missed sitter on the last hole bother him, as he’s driven off target from the tee.
On the 13th, Europe recover from losing the previous hole to go back to 2UP after Rose sinks his seven-footer to win the hole. America missed the fairway.
McIlroy got the ball on the dancefloor from the bunker and Poulter delivered the moves to land his par shot from 10 foot.
But Thomas and Spieth were already well placed with the former close in for a birdie putt. However Thomas contrived to somehow push it wide. Boost for Europe.
This match is nip and tuck and it’s America who reduce the deficit on the par-four 12th.
Johnson set it up with a lovely approach shot to leave Koepka with two putts from eight feet after Rose saw his 10-foot putt sail past for bogey.
Think that emoji from the PGA of America sums things up perfectly.
Thank heavens for Molinari and Fleetwood though eh? These two are a pleasure to watch right now, and are piling on the misery for Woods and DeChambeau.
DeChambeau, who has been having somewhat of a mare this week, does at least manage to get the ball out of the bunker and onto the ninth green.
But Fleetwood sinks his three foot putt and that’s 5UP for Europe.
Back to the action then and McIlroy and Poulter are struggling out there after winning the first two holes of the anchor match.
This time it’s McIlroy who drops Europe in it with a short one to the hole and Thomas then shows him how it’s done. That’s four out of the last five holes for the Americans.
With Watson and Simpson currently enjoying a healthy lead, that’s given opportunity for this gif to be pushed out on social.
I just feel that after going big with the Stars and Stripes in the background, the little diddy flag lets things down slightly. No? Maybe just me.
History beckons for Moliwood?
No European pairing has ever gone 4-0. Can ‘Moliwood’ change that?
Well they’ve just gone 4UP after eight after Fleetwood sunk his effort from two feet. Woods meanwhile will be left cursing himself after his fluffed short-range putt let in the Europeans there. Are last weekend’s exertions catching up with Tiger?
Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari have been enjoying their time together Credit: Carl Recine/Reuters
2UP Rose/Stenson Johnson/Koepka (11)
Garcia/Noren v Watson/Simpson 4UP (9)
4UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Woods/DeChambeau (8)
Poulter/McIlroy v Spieth/Thomas (7) 1UP
Putting woes for Johnson
The flatstick is not Johnson’s friend this week is it? He misses a par putt on the tenth as Rose gratefully taps in to win the hole and put Europe 2UP in that match
2UP Rose/Stenson Johnson/Koepka (10)
Garcia/Noren v Watson/Simpson 4UP (8)
3UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Woods/DeChambeau (7)
Poulter/McIlroy v Spieth/Thomas (6) 1UP
Watson and Simpson on the move
Noren having a tricky time out there this afternoon, while Watson seems to be hitting his stride. A fine shot onto the par-three eighth puts America in while Noren hoicks his tee shot into the long grass.
Then Simpson sinks a 10-footer for birdie. There’s a punch in the air to acknowledge a strong American lead.
1UP Rose/Stenson Johnson/Koepka (9)
Garcia/Noren v Watson/Simpson 4UP (8)
3UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Woods/DeChambeau (7)
Poulter/McIlroy v Spieth/Thomas (6) 1UP
Europe move three ahead
These foursomes don’t half go quicker do they?
‘Moliwood’ doing the business again as they move 3UP. Molinari found the green from the rough to put Fleetwood in and pile the pressure on the Americans. DeChambeau couldn’t drain his effort from distance for the half.
Another stat for ya….
If Fleetwood wins his match this afternoon, he’ll be the first rookie to win his first four Ryder Cup matches since Larry Nelson in 1979.
1UP Rose/Stenson Johnson/Koepka (8)
Garcia/Noren v Watson/Simpson 3UP (7)
3UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Woods/DeChambeau (6)
Poulter/McIlroy A/S Spieth/Thomas (6)
Stat attack alert
For all your stat nerds out there…
USA have never led going into the final day when playing in Europe since 1981.
They’ll have to wait another four years to break this record.
Spieth gets US level heading to the sixth
After a sluggish start, Spieth and Thomas are coming back in this anchor match. A 25-foot birdie putt gives America their second straight hole after Poulter can’t manage to chip in. It was not that far away though.
Spieth got USA level Credit: Charles Platiau/Reuters
1UP Rose/Stenson Johnson/Koepka (8)
Garcia/Noren v Watson/Simpson 2UP (6)
3UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Woods/DeChambeau (5)
Poulter/McIlroy A/S Spieth/Thomas (5)
Take with one hand, give with the other
Just as I was saying America were on the up… a gift for Europe.
Rose chips to about a foot for a par on the eighth. Johnson then misjudges his effort from off the green, leaving Koepka with a nasty one which he fails to make.
1UP Rose/Stenson Johnson/Koepka (8)
Garcia/Noren v Watson/Simpson 2UP (6)
2UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Woods/DeChambeau (5)
1UP Poulter/McIlroy v Spieth/Thomas (4)
Solid couple of minutes for the Americans
Poulter and McIlroy in all sorts of trouble at the fourth. They’ve failed to get on the green with their fourth shot with McIlroy missing the double bogey attempt. That’s one back for the Americans.
Bubba Watson also dribbles in his effort from about six feet on the sixth after Noren slides his birdie effort wide from 20 feet.
A change in fortunes for Rory McIlroy Credit: Charles Platiau/Reuters
1UP Rose/Stenson Johnson/Koepka (7)
Garcia/Noren v Watson/Simpson 2UP (6)
2UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Woods/DeChambeau (5)
1UP Poulter/McIlroy v Spieth/Thomas (4)
Noren calms his nerves
Watson misses his putt for par on 5. That opens the door for Noren who halves comfortably to win the hole. That’s one back for Europe, with Garcia the first to congratulate his pal.
Rose/Stenson A/S Johnson/Koepka (6)
Garcia/Noren v Watson/Simpson 1UP (5)
2UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Woods/DeChambeau (4)
2UP Poulter/McIlroy v Spieth/Thomas (3)
Update time
Quick switch on the desk so here’s the latest update of how things stand
Rose/Stenson A/S Johnson/Koepka (6)
Garcia/Noren v Watson/Simpson 2UP (4)
2UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Woods/DeChambeau (3)
2UP Poulter/McIlroy v Spieth/Thomas (3)
Europe reasserting their authority
Worrying signs for the Americans in the bottom match, Thomas and Spieth have now lost the bottom two matches to pars.
Good try from Stenson at the fifth but the putt slides by and the top match remains all-square.
Woods and DeChambeau in all kinds of bother at the par-five third, and lose the hole to par to fall two down against Molinari and Fleetwood. Better news of the US on the next hole as Watson and Simpson move 2UP thur four.
Where we stand…
Garcia and the US trade blows
Crisp pitch from Garcia from a dicey spot at the par-five third, out of the trampled rough, over a bunker and it skips up to within birdie range. Noren converts, but the birdie four is matched by Watson and Simpson who remain one up.
The US star pair of Spieth and Thomas bogey the first, to put McIlroy and Poulter 1up.
Rory back in business
DeChambeau’s putt lips out, that’s two in two holes. Sweet approach shot from McIlroy at the first right into the heart of the green as Thomas finds the bunker right. Spieth will be short-sighted from there.
McIlroy has rediscovered his form after a miserable fourballs session yesterday.
Rory and the Postman
Rory and Poulter are on the first tee. Lovely tee shot from Poulter, threads an iron down the left side which gives Rory a great angle into the front right flag.
Fleetwood tries to keep one under the wind but it comes up a little short, tricky chip coming up for Molinari. Woods looking more like his old self, that is right at it at the par three second. Leaves DeChambeau an uphill birdie putt from 10 feet.
Madness at the second
Much more like it from the US, Koepka hits an excellent long iron shot to find the par-five third in two.
Back over at the second there is more madness, Simpson finds the water from the drop zone and Garcia’s shot from the same spot just about hangs onto the green. Watson finds the green from the drop zone and Simpson drains a 25 foot putt for a triple bogey six, before Noren duffs his chip. The hole is halved in triple-bogey sixes which must be a first in Ryder Cup history.
Fine approach from Woods to 20-feet or so at the first, but it is not a patch on Fleetwood’s who stuffs one in to five feet or so. Europe’s dream team of Molinari and Fleetwood are off to flier again.
Cardinal sin from Europe at 2
Bubba Watson trying to draw one in a the daunting par-three second, but he is leaning on it. Leaves it right and the ball stalls in the breeze and plops into the water short of the green.
Advantange Europe…but that is a cardinal sin from Noren who follows Watson into the drink. Noren has a very steep angle of attack into the ball, and that one span up into the wind.
Big Cat on the first tee…
A change of partner for Tiger Woods which I imagine he will be pleased about…Patrick Reed was all over the golf course this morning. Woods is alongside the studious and scientific Bryson DeChambeau.
Any hope of a US turn around?
Finally some red on the board with Johnson and Koepka 1UP thru three on Stenson and Rose…and Webb Simpson has just drained a birdie putt on the first that goes unmatched by Garcia. Simpson and Watson now 1UP.
How’s your balance?
What an escape from Rose after Stenson left him right up against the sleepers. Improvises brilliantly and runs one up to around eight feet, that putt will be for a half as Dustin lags one down for a par four.
Actually shorter than eight feet for Stenson, more like five, but he plays a little too much break and the putt misses left.
Foursomes Match No.1
The tried and trusted pairing of Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose against Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka – there will be some long drives in this game.
Dustin to tee off on the first meaning he will be driving on all the odd numbered holes – fairway found with an iron.
Rose with the honour for Europe, but he slightly pushes his tee shot and the ball settles down in the primary rough on the right hand side.
A reminder of how we stand after the morning session:
The other three matches this afternoon are:
Garcia/Noren v Watson/Simpson
Molinari/Fleetwood v Woods/DeChambeau
How things stand
Spieth and Thomas win 2&1
Poulter lays the face wise open and goes for the full flop shot. Little control from the rough, but that is a fine effort from there as it runs 20 feet or so past the whole.
Rahm chips to within gimme range again from the back apron, that’s Europe down in four.
At least they have made Thomas putt – this for the match. Maybe about eight feet, but it is a tricky one to read from above the hole.
It looked a little shy of pace…but with it’s last roll it drops in the right edge. That’s another point delivered by best friends Spieth and Thomas – the US are still alive.
Approaches to 17
Poulter is looking at his yardage book…he obviously fancies having a cut at the green. Holds the face open a little too much a loses the ball well out to the right.
Spieth barely advances the ball 30 or 40 yards, almost a semi-top. Better from Rahm who uses all his strength to run one right up the gut of the green. It eventually settles on the back edge.
Thomas is in the mayor’s office though, and takes full advantage. Beautifully crafted iron shot, right over the flag and that will be a 10 foot birdie putt.
Tee shots on 17
Strong par four this one that turns ever so slightly from right to left – and Poulter, Rahm and Spieth have all pulled their drives into the rough down the left flank. Rahm in the best shape. Justin Thomas in good position on the cut stuff and should he find the green America could close this out.
US remain 1UP…two to go
Rahm from the back edge, just in the second cut of rough. Just a question of whether he elects to use loft or not with his chip. He doesn’t – hoods the face of an eight-iron or so and runs one down to gimme range, that’s Europe in for a par three.
Horrible stroke from Spieth, who leaves his birdie try a good eight inches short. Wayne Riley describes it as a ‘little yippy’ which sounds a touch harsh.
No such problems for Poulter who pours in a six-foot birdie putt and piles the pressure on Thomas.
The 2017 USPGA champion is up to the task however, though his putt needs all of the hole. In off the left edge for a half in birdie twos.
The 16th….
Poulter has hit a tremendous shot in the par-three 16th, eyeing one up and down that checks up around six feet from the hole. Rahm – who has been notably out of sorts – goes long and left, but no matter.
Magnificent response from Thomas, who gets one inside Poulter’s shot, and Spieth follows him in. A slight pull perhaps, but it kicks off the mound to the left of the green and runs up to around eight feet. The US will have two chances for birdie.
This is how we stand
To the dangerous 15th…
Spieth and Thomas are the US’s one hope this morning, and they are one up with four to play. 15 is perilous par-four however, but the Americans negotiate it well – fairway and green for Thomas and a well-paced lag to the hole for par.
Problems for Europe, but Poulter holes a six-footer for the half to stay one down. He is such a natural and confident putter from short range, wraps them in firmly.
It’s the third point of the day for Europe!
It’s 8-3 Europe! Reed endures another horror show and Woods can’t bail him out. A highly-charged Molinari absolutely bossed that hole, and Europe win the match 4&3.
Garcia/McIlroy beat Koepka/Finau 2&1
Casey/Hatton beat Johnson/Fowler 3&2
Molinari/Fleetwood beat Reed/Woods 4&3
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth 1UP (14)
USA cling on in the anchor
Big roar from Rahm after sinking a putt for birdie on the 14th. Boy, he is pumped. Thomas then matches him to halve the hole and cups his ear in defiance. The Americans remain one up in what is a must-win match.
Garcia/McIlroy beat Koepka/Finau 2&1
Casey/Hatton beat Johnson/Fowler3&2
3UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (14)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth 1UP (14)
Seven matches in a row for Europe
What a run they’re on. They could yet make it nine in the next few minutes.
Garcia/McIlroy beat Koepka/Finau 2&1
Casey/Hatton beat Johnson/Fowler 3&2
3UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (14)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth 1UP (13)
Second point of the day!
Fowler can’t make a tricky birdie putt, which means the 16th is halved, leaving Casey and Hatton with an unassailable lead of three.
Europe lead 7-3! Brilliantly controlled performance from the European pair.
Garcia/McIlroy beat Koepka/Finau 2&1
Casey/Hatton beat Johnson/Fowler 3&2
3UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (14)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth 1UP (13)
Ding ding ding! First point of the day
Oh yes! The biggest roar of the day greets a wondrous 25-feet putt from Garcia that has electrified Le Golf National. Koepka misses his attempted birdie and that is the hole and the point for Europe! The first of the day.
Europe take a 6-3 lead!
Over on the third meanwhile, Woods has just missed a sitter from close in, and that match is slipping away from the Americans. In truth, he and Reed have been pretty ropey for most of this morning. Fleetwood can’t quite make them pay, as his attempted putt drifts wide. So the 14th will be halved.
Garcia/McIlroy beat Koepka/Finau 2&1
3UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (15)
3UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (14)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth 1UP (13)
On we go
What a shot from Johnson! He keeps the second alive with a superb 25-foot putt to halve the 15th. Hatton is furious at himself for missing a putt that would have won that match.
1UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (16)
3UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (15)
3UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (13)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth 1UP (13)
Fourth still alive
Europe fighting back in the anchor, as Rahm replies with a birdie and tells the crowd to make some noise. It means America’s lead is halved to one with five still to play in that one.
1UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (16)
3UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (14)
3UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (13)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth 1UP (13)
Daylight robbery?
Close but no cigar for Koepka who had a tricky 25-footer to take a must-win 16th hole for the US. Finau makes it though from around 15 feet and the US are right back in this! They’ve clawed back a deficit of four three holes ago and the gap now stands at just one. That would be an almighty steal if the US were to avoid losing.
1UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (16)
3UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (14)
3UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (13)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth 2UP (12)
Ebbs and flows
Woods makes a fist of the 13th but Molinari and Fleetwood press home their advantage and take the hole to restore their lead to three.
Meanwhile Casey and Hatton have been the pair of the day so far, and they are closing in on a point after extending their lead to three with four to play.
Over in the first, Europe are wobbling a little as despite a magnificent wedge from Garcia and a choked putt from Koepka, Finau puffs out his cheeks and flicks away a close-range putt to claim the hole.
And the fourth looks to be heading USA’s way, as Thomas nervelessly puts from about six feet to extend their lead to two with six to play. Poulter and Rahm are fading a little there.
2UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (15)
3UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (14)
3UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (13)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth 2UP (12)
Oh dear
Reed has had an absolute shocker this morning, and screams an obscenity after thwacking his tee shot into the water. It’ll be up to Woods to try and salvage the hole.
3UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (14)
2UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (13)
2UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (12)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth 1UP (11)
USA fighting back
Garcia fails to match Koepka’s birdie putt, so USA reduce the deficit to three and keep themselves in with a (very small) chance of pinching that match.
Over on the anchor, another beautiful Spieth birdie sees the USA wrestle the lead there.
But there’s better news for Europe in the third, as Molinari beautifully guides a putt to double Europe’s lead with six to play.
Meanwhile Johnson’s well and truly arrived at the party now, wedging a gorgeous set-up shot and flicking away the putt. Hatton does brilliantly to match it and halve the hole.
3UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (14)
2UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (13)
2UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (12)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth (11) 1UP
Opportunity missed
Chance for Europe to regain their clean-sweep lead, but Poulter shovels a birdie putt a few feet wide. The 11th hole of the fourth will be halved.
4UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (13)
2UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (12)
1UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (11)
Poulter/Rahm A/S Thomas/Spieth (10)
Slow burn
There really is something so special about sports being given the time to simmer and then come to the boil. Five-setters, Test matches and of course Ryder Cup fourballs.
It feels as though things are about to get really interesting.
So nearly a moment of history
Incredible effort by Molinari that is agonisingly close to a hole in one. In the end it rolls just wide of the cup. Molinari’s reward is a five-foot putt that restores Europe’s lead in the third. That’s the pick of the matches so far.
Meanwhile Thomas and Ian Poulter halve the 10th of the fourth, and that one remains all square.
Finau then duffs another birdie chance, and Europe remain four up in the first with just five to play. USA can’t catch a break in that one.
The 12th of the second is also halved, so Europe remain two up there with six to play. Squeaky bum time.
4UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (13)
2UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (12)
1UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (11)
Poulter/Rahm A/S Thomas/Spieth (10)
Turning point?
Woods sinks a simple birdie putt to claim the 10th and level the third. He and Reed are in the groove now.
Thomas then halves the ninth of the fourth and that too is even Stevens heading into the back nine.
Little specks of red are starting to appear on the scorecard.
4UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (12)
2UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (11)
Molinari/Fleetwood A/S Reed/Woods (10)
Poulter/Rahm A/S Thomas/Spieth (9)
Hey mister DJ
Johnson finally makes an impact on today’s play with a tidy birdie to claim the 11th and reduce America’s deficit to two in the second.
The US are just starting to eat away at Europe’s lead a little bit. A fascinating day thus far.
4UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (12)
2UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (11)
1UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (9)
Poulter/Rahm A/S Thomas/Spieth (8)
Marching on
Rory is absolutely loving this – he and Garcia embrace warmly and seem to share a joke after another solid round. This time Finau answers the birdie with one of his own, but the US remain four down in that one with just six holes to play. Europe edging towards the first hole of the day.
4UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (12)
3UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (10)
1UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (9)
Poulter/Rahm A/S Thomas/Spieth (8)
Pantomime villain
Reed comes alive after producing his first birdie of the day, shushing the crowd in celebration having putted calmly to halve the ninth hole of the third match. It means Europe remain ahead by one as they head for the back nine.
4UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (11)
3UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (10)
1UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (9)
Poulter/Rahm A/S Thomas/Spieth (8)
Woods’ music taste revealed
Thanks to our eagle-eared man on the ground Tom Morgan.
After 21 years as the biggest thing in golf, Tiger Woods is outdated only by his music taste.
The megastar prepared for the tee today by cranking up a medley of 90s and early 2000s RnB on his mobile phone loudspeaker.
Woods’ setlist included the 1992 hit Changes by Tupac, Nelly’s 2001 track No 1, and the 2002 song Dilemma, again by Nelly, featuring American singer Kelly Rowland.
Ian Poulter, who was hitting balls next to him, didn’t appear to be a fan as he plugged in his own earphones. Woods’ attire was hardly fashion forward too. The American wore his baseball cap underneath a woolly hat as temperatures dipped to 7C.
Crumb of comfort
The chemistry between Garcia and McIlroy is lovely to see – they both look like they’re having an absolute blast.
Meanwhile, a strong hole from Spieth sees him and Thomas take the eighth of the fourth match to level that one up. A precious small victory for the US.
4UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (11)
3UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (9)
1UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (8)
Poulter/Rahm A/S Thomas/Spieth (8)
Europe closing in on first point of the day
So nearly a sensational jumped putt from about 15th for McIlroy that just misses. Amazing noise from the crowd as they tried to will the ball in. No matter, Garcia then nails the putt from closer range, curling the ball into the pin beautifully for birdie. Finau then misses the putt from only a few feet and Europe pinch the hole. That was a big choke from Finau! Europe are four up with seven to go in the first.
4UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (11)
3UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (9)
1UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (8)
1UP Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth (7)
In a Florida office, somebody is frantically going through disused desks searching for those embossed ‘US Ryder Cup Task Force’ clipboards
— James Corrigan (@jcorrigangolf) September 29, 2018
Clean sweep?
The Postman delivers again! Poulter roars with delight and beats his chest after sinking a 20 feet putt to take the lead for Europe in the fourth. Oh wow, he and the crowd loved that.
The scoreboard is a sea of blue – Europe ahead in all four matches.
3UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (10)
3UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (9)
1UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (8)
1UP Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth (7)
This just in
Our Golf Correspondent James Corrigan writes in from France with this despatch:
Far too early to call this, but a number of American journalists here already starting the inquest and asking why Furyk did not go with the obvious parternships – Koepka/Johnson, Thomas/Fowler, Reed/Spieth to name three. Think there’s more to it than that, but their point is understandable.
At last
Big relief for Woods as he curls in a peach of a 12-foot putt to take the hole for the US. That’s his and Reed’s first birdie of the day. Europe’s lead in that third match is reduced to one.
3UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (9)
3UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (8)
1UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (7)
Poulter/Rahm A/S Thomas/Spieth (6)
Hitman Hatton
Oh he enjoyed that. Hatton has had a mixed day but he extends Europe’s lead in match two with a 25ft-putt. Cue a massive fist pump.
In better news for the US, Koepka and Finau reduce Garcia and McIlroy’s lead to three with a desperately-needed eight-foot birdie from Koepka.
Europe still firmly in control though, and as it stands are on course to pick up a record 7.5 points for consecutive sessions.
3UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (9)
3UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (8)
2UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (6)
Poulter/Rahm A/S Thomas/Spieth (6)
Defiance
Amazing that Woods and Reed haven’t produced a single birdie between them today, and the run continues as the pair both miss makeable puts on the sixth. The hole is halved, as is the the seventh of the second with Johnson unable to convert a 15-foot putt.
The US are also pegged back in the sixth over in the fourth match as Poulter nails a tricky putt to cancel out some more clinical work from Spieth.
Still no red on the board.
4UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (8)
2UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (7)
2UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (6)
Poulter/Rahm A/S Thomas/Spieth (6)
Europe with all the momentum
Fleetwood misses a 10-feet birdie to let Woods and Reed off the hook and halve the hole.
Koepka then salvages par and another half for the US after Finau had made an absolute horlicks of a pretty regulation drive from the fairway.
There’s no respite in the second though as Casey produces another birdie from a bout 30 feet. Johnson is far closer but can’t match the European, and that’s the hole for the hosts.
And then it gets even better for Europe, as McIlroy buries a 35-yard putt on the eighth for his fourth birdie in eight holes! He is on fire today, and after Finau drags a six-footer wide, Europe move four up in the first.
4UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (8)
2UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (6)
2UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (5)
Poulter/Rahm A/S Thomas/Spieth (5)
Credit: Getty Images
Not happening for Tiger
He drags a chip well wide, and looks on pensively. He then undercooks his attempted putt and to be honest looks as though he’d rather be anywhere else than at Le Golf National.
Meanwhile, Rahm is finding his footing and helps Europe halve the third in the fourth match to stay in touch. He and Poulter are then handed an absolute gift by a missed Spieth putt to take the fourth hole and level that match.
3UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (6)
1UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (5)
2UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (4)
Poulter/Rahm A/S Thomas/Spieth (4)
Rory on song
Koepka’s nightamre, coupled with a missed Finau putt, allows McIlroy to extend Europe’s lead in the first match to three with six played.
The scoreboard is making for pleasant reading for Europe right now.
3UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (6)
1UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (5)
2UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (4)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth 1UP (2)
Reed struggling
Much to the delight of the European supporters, ‘Captain America’ is having a bit of a shocker today. The chemistry between him and Woods looks pretty much non-existent.
Koepka is also having an off day, and is shaking his head in disgust after another errant shot that leaves his ball wedged in the rough.
Meanwhile Hatton punches the air in delight as his partner Casey delivers a birdie putt. Fowler responds in kind to halve the hole.
2UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (5)
1UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (5)
2UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (4)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth 1UP (2)
Europe in charge
What a moment that is, absolute delight for McIlroy and Europe! Finau thinks he’s won the hole for the US with a brilliant putt, but McIlroy guides a beauty perfectly into the cup to halve the hole. Superb stuff.
Elsewhere, Woods gets out of the rough but Molinari’s putt is enough to take the hole and extend Europe’s lead in the third.
Things then get even better for Europe as Casey birdies from about 10 feet to give them the lead in the first.
2UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (5)
1UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (4)
2UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (3)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth 1UP (2)
Spieth is cooking
Woods is in real bother after miscuing a dreadful drive deep into the rough. It’s so bad that he implores an official to give him some help.
In better news for the US, they pick up their first hole in a while as Spieth produces probably the shot of the day to tee off to within four feet of the cup. He puts the birdie to take the point after Rahm’s nightmare continued with another wayward shot into the drink. Poulter can’t bail him out this time.
2UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (4)
Casey/Hatton A/S Johnson/Fowler (3)
1UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (2)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth 1UP (1)
It gets better for Europe
And it’s an absolute gift, as Finau and Koepka miss par putts to double Garcia and McIlroy’s lead.
2UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (3)
Casey/Hatton A/S Johnson/Fowler (3)
1UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (2)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth (1)
Tommy lad
Oh yes! Fleetwood is well and truly in the groove now, nailing a 25ft putt to claim the second hole of the third match.
Poulter/Rahm and Thomas/Spieth split their first hole meanwhile (Rahm has started very ropily in that one), as do Casey/Hatton and Johnson/Fowler. Really impressive response from Fowler there as he almost pulls off an eagle after a brilliant tee shot.
1UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (3)
Casey/Hatton A/S Johnson/Fowler (3)
1UP Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods (2)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth (1)
Europe one up
Great work from McIlroy to dig out a tricky looking jump shot and take Europe to a birdie in the third hole of the first match. They’re back in front.
Finau meanwhile is having a bit of a stinker in that one. After a steady tee shot he overcooks a chip into the long grass.
Woods then misses a makeable putt to halve the first hole of the third match.
1UP Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau (3)
Casey/Hatton A/S Johnson/Fowler (2)
Molinari/Fleetwood A/S Reed/Woods (1)
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth
The fourth and final match gets under way
Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth.
Poulter and Rahm will be so, so up for this.
Fowler recovers
After another wretched Johnson shot, Fowler bails his partner out with a stunning approach and then nerveless putt. It secures the second hole of the third for USA and in so doing levels that match.
Garcia/McIlroy A/S Koepka/Finau (2)
Casey/Hatton A/S Johnson/Fowler (2)
Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods
These early-morning images are absolutely beautiful
Credit: Getty Images
Tiger starts
A zen Woods blocks out all the noise around him, and nails his tee shot plum onto the fairway after Reed’s slightly iffy opener. Fleetwood is similarly impressive, but a nervy-looking Molinari drags his shot only a few inches from the water.
Credit: Getty Images
Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods
The third match of the day is about to get under way, and it’s the most blockbuster battle of the schedule.
The budding bromance ‘Moliwood’ against Woods and Captain America Patrick Reed. Both Americans look freezing in their wooly hats.
Europe ahead
Fowler and Johnson endure a nightmare opening round, both shanking shots into the water and looking really uncomfortable. Casey/Hatton are gifted the hole to put Europe in front in match two.
Over in match 1, Finau is way off with his attempted birdie putt, and after Koepka also duffs his attempt, the hole is halved.
Garcia/McIlroy A/S Koepka/Finau (2)
1UP Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler (1)
Level pegging
In the first hole of the first match, McIlroy and Finau both miss tricky birdie puts before a disappointed Koepka does likewise. Garcia is then so close to making a 12ft putt but his shot just doesn’t have the juice to roll in.
The first hole is halved.
Garcia/McIlroy A/S Koepka/Finau (1)
Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler
Credit: Getty Images
Match two starts
It’s a really lovely, crisp morning incidentally, with the sun just breaking through. Lots of wooly hats on show as the spectators – and Finau – do their best to keep warm.
Meanwhile the second match gets underway – Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler. It’s a ropey start for Fowler who pulls his shot too far left and ends up in the drink. Johnson almost follows his partner there, but his drive just stops short of trickling away.
Crumbs, Hatton then pulls his shot way left and into the water for Europe.
Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau
Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler
Off and running
Koepka and Finau both find the fairway, as do Garcia and Rory.
We’re underway.
Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau
Here we go
Boos for Koepka and Finau, a huge roar for Garcia and McIlroy.
And we’re back
Morning all,
Hope you all had a pleasant Friday evening and your alarms have worked to wake you up for this. Because after Europe’s thrilling foursomes whitewash yesterday afternoon, the Ryder Cup resumes this morning with the hosts leading 5-3.
First up, it’s the second fourballs, with USA captain Jim Furyk keeping faith with the same pairs from yesterday morning. There is though a slight tweak to the team’s order, as Thomas and Spieth take over the anchor role from Reed and Woods. It may seem a long time ago now, but Spieth was in sensational form yesterday morning.
For Europe, Ryder Cup veterans Garcia and Poulter replace Olesen and Rose, as they look to turn the screw on the US and build a big lead going into the final day.
Europe enjoyed a magical afternoon on Friday Credit: REUTERS
The morning’s line-up in full is:
7.10am: Garcia/McIlroy v Koepka/Finau
7.25am: Casey/Hatton v Johnson/Fowler
7.40am: Molinari/Fleetwood v Reed/Woods
7.55am: Poulter/Rahm v Thomas/Spieth
And a reminder of yesterday’s results:
Fourballs
Rose/Rahm lost to Koepka/Finau 1UP
McIlroy/Olesen lost to Johnson/Fowler 4&2
Casey/Hatton lost to Spieth/Thomas 1UP F
Fleetwood/Molinari beat Reed/Woods 3&1
The ‘dream team’ of Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari will be reunited on Saturday Credit: Getty Images
Foursomes
Stenson/Rose beat Johnson/Fowler 3&2
McIlroy/Poulter beat Watson/Simpson 4&2
Garcia/Noren beat Mickelson/DeChambeau 5&4
Molinari/Fleetwood beat Thomas/Spieth 5&4
And this is what Europe captain Thomas Bjorn had to say about his team’s heroics yesterday:
“It’s hard to say it’s not right at the top as a session, but then you’ve got to look at the other way and say the morning session wasn’t at the top. That’s the way it is.
“When you have a clean sweep, that is something that is pretty special to all those players that were out on that golf course. But you know, we experienced it against us in Hazeltine the first morning, and that’s not a nice thing.
“I’ve been around long enough to know that on Saturday morning, it could be completely different again.
“I thought it was a nice response and a brilliant afternoon. It doesn’t excite me any more than that as I know what’s ahead of us for the next two days.”
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