New | Europe rallies in Ryder Cup after US sweeps opening foursomes
Europe storms back in afternoon play to end the day trailing 5-3
Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson inspired a bold fightback by holders Europe in Friday afternoon’s fourball matches before the United States ended a gripping first day at the Ryder Cup with a 5-3 lead.
Badly bruised after being swept 4-0 by the Americans in the morning’s foursomes at Hazeltine National, the Europeans showed great strength of character as they won the second session 3-1 with some sparkling golf in dazzling afternoon sunshine.
England’s Olympic champion Rose and British Open winner Stenson, who went 3-0 together at Gleneagles two years ago, set the tone at the top of the order with a commanding 5&4 victory over American young guns Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed.
The United States swept Europe 4-0 in the opening alternate shot foursomes matches, only the third time the US squad has whitewashed their European rivals in the first session.
Phil Micklelson and Rickie Fowler won three of the last four holes to claim a 1-up victory over world number three Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and England’s Andy Sullivan in the biggest late switch of the morning.
PGA Championship winner Jimmy Walker and two-time major champion Zach Johnson were trailing for 10 holes in a row but captured the final five in a 4-and-2 comeback triumph over Spain’s Sergio Garcia and Germany’s Martin Kaymer.
