Spanish rally brings Europe closer in Ryder Cup

“I enjoy watching the sport and just like most previous matches, the Ryder Cup normally comes down to a putt or two”.

Europe captain Darren Clarke, left, and United States captain Davis Love III pose with the Ryder at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn.

“Obviously the incident that has happened has created a bit of a furore, but Danny is the Masters champion”.

There is rarely a shortage of drama in the Ryder Cup – and that’s before it gets started.

The Americans have accrued little more than scar tissue against Europe. “But, by and large, it was probably what we expected”.

Mickelson was lampooned that week for practicing on an adjacent course as he tried to adjust to the golf ball used by Woods. Who am I to make that putt? He is now an internet sensation.

Rory McIlroy’s eagle on the 16th hole on Friday evening, closed the gap to 5-3 at the end of Friday’s four-balls.

Meanwhile Rory McIlroy and Andy Sullivan take on Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler, Sergio Garcia and Martin Kaymer play Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson, and Thomas Pieters and Lee Westwood go head to head with Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar.

“To this point it doesn’t hurt me when I’m playing golf”, he said. “Most of the people out there are respectful and are just cheering really hard for the US team”. Kaymer says he is known more for his winning putt at Medinah than his two majors. They don’t want you to hit a good shot.

But Rose has hit back to make it clear that Europe have some special talents of their own in the visiting dressing room.

Not surprisingly, the Americans see things a little differently.

PGA Championship victor Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson came from one down after 11 holes to beat Spaniard Sergio Garcia and Germany’s Martin Kaymer 4&2 before Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler delivered the most surprising point of the morning for the Americans. I felt both of us, for a couple of old guys, we finished really strong today. “There’s a lot of people telling you how bad you are but not how great you are and we need that“, he added. You can start out following your favorite players and easily change to watch the others matches letting the excitement of the day lead you. Garcia and Cabrera Bello didn’t converse much about their shots Friday, but they will have to in alternate shot.

The Ryder Cup takes place over three days and includes foursomes, four ball and singles matches.

“I’m not as low as a handicap as I would like, but I can surf decent enough”, he said.

Reed was thrilled to be in the first match out, saying: “I’m pumped”. I asked her how she was, and she said, ‘I’m fine.