USA counters Europe fightback to stretch lead
Americans surge closer to reclaim title with a 9-3 score
The United States seized a commanding 9-3 lead over Europe at the Ryder Cup yesterday, dominating morning foursomes once more to surge ever closer to reclaiming the coveted title.
The Americans won a third consecutive session 3-1 at Whistling Straits for their largest lead since 1975 despite Europe making a charge in each match, adding to the notion of a “Wake by the Lake” on the Lake Michigan shoreline.
Two-time major winners Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa beat England’s Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton 2&1 while Tokyo Olympic champion Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay rallied to beat England’s Lee Westwood and Matthew Fitzpatrick 2&1.
Johnson and Schauffele each improved to 3-0.
“I felt like I’ve just played solid, not trying to do anything too crazy, just keep the ball in play,” Johnson said. “We played solid. We got off to a great start.
“We’re just trying to win each session and keep that lead.”
Top-ranked Jon Rahm, unbeaten in three matches, and Sergio Garcia, the all-time Ryder Cup points leader, rallied after losing the first three holes to beat Americans Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger 3&1.
Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia rallied after losing the first three holes to beat Americans Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger 3&1.
‘Means a lot’
“It means a lot,” Rahm said. “We know it’s a long race. We knew we had three to make up from the start. We played unbelievable from six on. We took advantage of the breaks we had.”
But Europe rookies Viktor Hovland and Bernd Wiesberger went 14 holes without trailing until fading at the finish as Americans Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth charged late to win 2-up. “We expect to go out and play well,” Spieth said. “Our team is playing great and I’m proud of them.”