The U.S. Ryder Cup Team will feel as if they are kissing their sister when wearing a tie.
The Americans missed out on winning three of four matches during the Friday afternoon fourball session. This is the first time in Ryder Cup history that this has happened. They are now in a huge deficit.
The Europeans, who had swept the morning foursome with a score of 4-0, made three clutch putts on 18 to convert potential losses into ties. Viktor Hovland made a birdie from 26 feet to tie the match in the first session. Jon Rahm, in the group after him, drilled a 33 foot birdie to save a tie. Justin Rose finished off the comeback with a birdie from 9 feet. Justin Rose had been 2 holes down and only two holes left. Team Europe ended up with a lead of 6 1/2-1 1/2.
Matt Fitzpatrick stated, “We talked a lot about it being not over until it is over. And the boys achieved that in those three matches.” “They got something out it, when it could have gone either way. It makes a huge difference.”
Fitzpatrick won the only match which did not end in a draw almost by himself. The Englishman, who entered the Ryder Cup in the competition with a chip of his shoulder on his shoulders, showed his mettle. He had lost five of his previous matches in two Cups. No longer.
Fitzpatrick performed a putting display during the afternoon fourball with teammate Rory McIlroy on Friday. Fitzpatrick hadn’t played a fourball game in his two previous Cup appearances. He made the most of this opportunity.
He said: “You make it out to be an amazing thing you want to be a part of, thinking you’ll have a really good shot at it. And obviously, I never got a real go at it.” “So, that’s always a bit disappointing.”
Fitzpatrick & McIlroy dominated Xander Schauffele & Collin Morikawa with 5 and 3 wins.
