RYDER CUP ESSENTIAL

SHOT OF THE DAY

RORY McILROY’S astonishing iron shot to the 13th green in the foursomes. The ball was way below his feet (right) and almost in the water, but the Ulsterman hit a beauty to give Ian Poulter a putt for birdie.

PUTT OF THE DAY Y

JORDAN SPIETH was on fire with the putter first thing, but the manner in which Poulter capitalised on McIlroy’s brilliance on the 13th was a hugely significant moment, the European pair moving three up as a consequence.

MOMENT OF THE DAY THE birdie McIlroy and Poulter secured on the sixth in their foursomes match. McIlroy was

having a terrible day until then. It was a turning point for Thomas Bjorn’s team.

SHANK OF THE DAY

JUSTIN ROSE’S risky approach to the 18th proved hugely costly, the world’s No 2 player going for glory on the island green only to end up in the water. The Americans took full advantage by winning the match.

BIGGEST CALL OF THE DAY

BJORN’S decision to send out McIlroy in the afternoon. Rory was having a nightmare, not only failing to win a hole in the morning session but failing to sink a single birdie. Europe’s captain maintained his trust in McIlroy’s ability and it paid off.

FLOP OF THE DAY PHIL MICKELSON came here as the most experienced player in Ryder Cup history, but had a shocking afternoon in the foursomes. He watched anxiously as his opening tee shot flirted with the water and never looked terribly happy. LUCKIEST MOMENT OF THE DAY TONY FINAU’S bonkers tee shot at the 16th in the fourballs. He appeared to be heading into the water only for the ball to bounce high off the wooden sleepers and land some three feet from the hole. Finau sank the putt for what proved to be a crucial birdie.