Ryder Cup day two: USA opens massive lead on Saturday
By Press Association 2021
Shane Lowry
Europe must make a historic comeback to hold onto the Ryder Cup after the United States opened an 11-5 lead at Whistling Straits.
A third consecutive victory for Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia and a spectacular last hole success for Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton kept the opposing team’s slim hopes up, although they will have to surpass the famous “Miracle in Medinah” to retain the trophy.
On this occasion they were trailing 10-6 before the 12 singles, but this time Steve Stricker’s side only needed three and a half points on Sunday to claim the victory.
Shot of the day
Ryder Cup Sergio! ??#TeamEurope #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/SuT5NdxZM3
– Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 25, 2021
Sergio Garcia and Jon Rahm had just lost the 15th to see their lead reduced to one hole against Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger when Garcia produced a stunning approach from the 16th par five to set up a conceded eagle.
Time of the day
While her wellness concerns are understandable, this is not a good look for @BKoepka pic.twitter.com/CW5JROBWRy
– Geoff Shackelford (@GeoffShac) September 25, 2021
Brooks Koepka did his image a disservice by swearing at two referees after failing to get free relief from a bad lie on the 15th, before proving the decision was right from the start by hitting his shot on the green .
Statistics of the day
Teams since 1979 to drag beginners in singles and win the #RyderCup
1993 – United States, 1 return 1995 – Europe, 2 return 1999 – United States, 4 return 2012 – Europe, 4 return
Since 1979, the teams to lead the single entrants are 11-4-1.
– Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) September 25, 2021
Top statistician Justin Ray highlighted the scale of Europe’s task on Sunday.
Quote of the day
“It was a good move and at the right time too. Obviously someone in the crowd shouted, “Come on, you’re going to choke on yourself,” and it was good to prove him wrong, I guess. – Garcia discusses this shot in the 16th in the quartets.
Tweet of the day
Europe brought the wrong Rory pic.twitter.com/gImclCb6Pp
– Jay Rigdon (@ jayrigdon5) September 25, 2021
Social media found the fun side of Rory McIlroy’s struggles, suggesting that Europe should have chosen South Africa-born Rory Sabbatini, who now represents Slovakia and won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics.
And after?
12 singles matches starting at 1704BST with USA requiring points and a half to claim the trophy.
