The US Ryder Cup team used a 4-0 morning to take a 5-3 lead after the first day of the Ryder Cup play at Hazeltime in Minnesota on Friday.
The Americans dominated the morning session, but Rory McIlroy was all the rage of the tournament’s first day, staring down hecklers and bowing to the crowd – twice – after burying a 20-foot eagle to win his afternoon match.
“Most of the people out there are respectful and just cheering hard for the U.S team,” McIlroy said. “That’s totally acceptable and that’s exactly what happens in Europe. But still, it’s a hostile environment that the people don’t want you to hole a putt. They don’t want you to hit a good shot. I think when you do hole a putt or hit a good shot, it just makes it that much more satisfying.”
Here’s a breakdown of the morning and afternoon matches:
A.M. Session
Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed def. Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose, 3&2.
Phil Mickelson & Rickie Fowler def. Rory McIlroy and Andy Sullivan, 1 up.
Jimmie Walker & Zach Johnson def. Sergio Garcia & Martin Kayer, 4&2.
Dustin Johnson & Matt Kuchard def.Lee Westwood & Thomas Pieters, 5&4
P.M. Session
Rose & Stenson def. Spieth & Reed, 5&4
Garcia & Rafa Cabrera Bello def. J.B. Holmes & Ryan More 3&2
Brandt Snedeker and Brooks Koepka def. Martin Kaymer & Danny Willett, 5&4,
Thomas Pieters & McIlroy def. Johnson & Johnson, 3&2.
