By Rahul Banerji
Europe had a mountain to climb after the US steamrolled the defending champions 6-2 on the opening day of the 43rd Ryder Cup in Friday’s matches.
The visitors had just the one win, in the opening foursomes as putting was very often the difference victory and defeat and the hosts had raced to a 3-1 lead by the end of the first round of matches.
Even the links-style course and strong winds at Whistling Straits made little difference in Europe’s fortunes as the afternoon fourballs provided then with little respite.
US veteran and world number two Dustin Johnson led the way winning both his matches, with Collin Morikawa in the morning and Xander Schauffele in the afternoon.
Both rookies benefitted from Johnson’s experience of four previous Ryder Cups and both matches were done and dusted even before the 18th hole.
The USA dominated the morning allowing just one win for Europe, the Spanish pairing of Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia taking the opening foursomes against Jordan Speith and Justin Thomas.
That was the last win Europe captain Padraig Harrington would see from his 12 good men and Steve Stricker’s combination then went on a tear, winning five of the next seven matches.
Two four-ball matches were shared, giving the visiting team their second point,
It was the biggest opening day points haul for the US since the Ryder Cup format was widened to include all of Europe against just Britain and Ireland in the oast.
Record lead
Though the second half of the day saw closer competition, the difference once again was the putter as USA fought back in both matches they won after trailing for part of the way.
The first four-ball match was the first of the day to reach the 18th hole, Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler tying Rahm and Tyrell Hatton.
Rahm was the day’s only unbeaten player for Europe with a win and a draw.
Saturday will be a repeat of the first day’s matches, opening with the foursomes in the morning and the four-balls to follow.
Unless Europe manage a massive swing in fortunes, Team USA look well set to regain the Ryder Cup they last won five years ago at Hazeltine.
Ryder Cup Day 1 scores
Foursome results: USA 3, Europe 1
Jordan Speith and Justin Thomas (USA) lost to Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm 3&1
Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa (USA) bt Paul Casey and Viktor Hovland 3&2
Daniel Berger and Brooks Koepka (USA) bt Lee Westwood and Matthew Fitzpatrick 2&1
Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele (USA) bt Rory McIllroy and Ian Poulter 5&3
Fourball results: USA 3, Europe 1
Dustin Johnson and Xander Schauffele (USA) bt Paul Casey and Bernd Wiesberger 2&1
Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler (USA) tied Rory McIllroy and Shane Lowry
Tony Finau and Harris English (USA) bt Paul Casey and Bernd Wiesberged 4&3
Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay (USA) tied Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland
Also read: 43rd Ryder Cup: Ready reckoner for a potential nail-biter
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