Day 1 Round-Up Golf: Ryder Cup

There is nothing quite like this in world sport. The opening morning of

the 31st Ryder Cup in Minnesota. This is golf with the volume and

emotion levels cranked up to maximum level. The Europeans have dominated

this contest winning eight of the past ten matches in the last three

in a row. Incredibly, the United States of America have uncorked

champagne only once this century and tens of thousands of their fans are

desperate to quench an eight year purse. This biennial contest is

always worth the wait. -- eight-year first.

It takes some nerves just to walk out of a first three and Darren

Clarke of Northern Ireland has done that as a player and as European

captain. His great friend skippers the US, Davis love, having been on

the losing end of that European miracle at Medinah four years ago.

Both teams are determined to play the match in a spirit that would

honour the memory of golfing legend, Palmer, who passed away at the

Beacon. Six different nationalities, five major winners including

top-ranked Rory McIlroy and six rookies. No European team has won

away from home with so many rookies in the side. The 12 strong US team

starts as favourites. 11 time Ryder Cup winner Phil Mickelson 15 major

winners in their line-up. Only he and JB Holmes have ever been on a

winning US team before. There was plenty of excitement on a misty

morning in Minneapolis. Peter Alliss watching it all unfold. Thank you,

Hazel. He is Justin Rose about the lodge

the first shot of this year's Ryder Cup matches. You can just about pick

out the fairway with visibility of 400 yards, maybe 350. You can see

they're how gloomy it is. And he has found it. Nice opening tee shot from

Justin Rose. For the United States, Patrick Reed oblivious to the chill

of the wind. He strikes one away, and that's good.

So four foursomes or alternate short managers getting is underway just

after 7:30am. Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed renewing the successful

partnership from Gleneagles. So, too, Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson,

both combinations unbeaten to get the last time. Phil Mickelson teams

up with Rickie Fowler to face Rory McIlroy, who takes, the rookie Andy

Sullivan under his wing. The all major winning partnership or Jimmy

Walker and Zach Johnson faced Ryder Cup heroes Sergio Garcia of Spain

and Martin Kaymer Germany, whilst the power and precision combo of

Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar take aim at the experienced Lee Westwood

and first timer, Thomas Pieters of Belgium. In the top match, Jordan

Spieth, the double major winner warming up his putter at the 2nd

door, that is a birdie and a one up lead on Stenson and Rose. His

partner Patrick Reed was an instant Ryder Cup hero as top US point

scorer last time. He put them two up at the next. That is back-to-back

birdies for America. Meanwhile, in the second match Rory McIlroy drew

first blood with Andy Sullivan for Europe winning the fourth in part

after a miss by Mickelson on the green. And a nervous start forth in

time bettering Lee Westwood missing this one at the 2nd consecutive

bogeys with Thomas Pieters, so unsettling start for Europe at the

bottom of the order. So the US two up in the top and bottom matches,

and in commentary with a total of 23 Ryder Cup appearances between them,

Mark James, Ken Brown, Peter Alliss and Hunter Mahan. Rather fortuitous,

I feel. Jordan Spieth with a second shot to

the seventh. That is a beautiful shot. Not easy

to get to that back pain and he has played a delightful one there,

Spieth. A couple under for the opening six holes and two up. Rickie

Fowler, fifth shot on the sixth. I don't think they're favourites at

this hole. Certainly not now. Now Justin Rose putting, him and Stenson

in serious trouble. They have played six holes and they are two down,

they might go three down here, with a long putt for a birdie. And that

is a good-looking putt. Not in, though. Patrick Reed with the putt

to go three up. McIlroy, his third shot, and the opening one up,

looking like going to up with the Americans having all sorts of

problems coming up to this par-5. That could well be a concession. Not

sure quite yet. Patrick Reed with the putt the go three up, and he has

done it. Lovely start for Spieth and Patrick Reed. Three up against

Stenson and Justin Rose. Great stuff. Even Stevens at the moment,

but early days. Sullivan has pushed his tee shot, with a good little

pitch across the little inlet, under and around the branches, sliced

across, it fell short, and it could be in the hazard. It just clipped

the grass. The open champion. Dustin Johnson. Putt foray birdie at the

5th. And it finally hopped straight into the bottom of the cup. One of

these moments with things turning in favour of the United States. Phil

Mickelson with his second shot to the seventh. His tee shot just

around the corner of the fairway. Simple pitch up, the flag, to the

back of the green. APPLAUSE

Westwood, this is a massive putt, this, for a birdie. Has he had it?

Johnson and Matt Kuchar three up after five holes and the first two.

And a big iron to this ninth green, 475 yards. Jordan Spieth to play.

It is going right, he needs a bit of luck, and he doesn't get much. The

seventh green and Rickie Fowler's partnership with 3-putts from here

to win the hole. CHEERING

The Americans get one back. From one down. Spieth and Patrick Reed three

up, Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar also three um, and Europe one up

with McIlroy and Sullivan just losing the seventh. So it is nip and

tuck at the moment, America slightly ahead. A twitchy looking par-3 8th.

Playing 189 yards. He is liking it, his liking, that is a cracking shot,

absolutely delightful. And the locals are loving it, and there are

plenty of them out here. The open champion, Stenson, slightly uphill,

this second shot to the ninth, his opponent is in the right-hand

bunker. He did what he needed to do, he

finds the putting surface. McIlroy's tee shot ending up in the bunker,

some of them coming out, fairly simple, if you can get it to stop,

but it didn't. It goes on, eight feet, ten feet past. Attach scrappy

from the Europeans. Here he is, Mr Tiger Woods, one of the assistant

captains, calling into Davis Love III, what is going on? Hopes to be

back playing in the next three weeks. That would be nice to see.

Now, McIlroy. Very important middle putt. Sloppy to lose a short-haul to

a three, sloppy. Here is how it looks. McIlroy and Sullivan just

losing the eighth. All square after a fast start. The United States up

in two and Europe up in one, and the other match, all square. One of

these putts that can sway a match. He has got his routine in this

situation. He put his partner in the sand. Didn't play a very good bunker

shot. Can he sync this long putt for a four? Not far away. Now, Garcia.

Him and Martin Kaymer, one up. Play the

beautiful second shot very close, and look at this one, even better.

That's the way to do it! The Americans are taking a bogey at this

ninth, so two putts from this European side to win the hole. They

win the hole with a par, and go two down. Zach Johnson, this, to halve

the hole. Garcia pitches it can absolutely stone dead. It sneaks in

the right edge, at pace. The seven hole, halved in three. Garcia and

Kaymer one up. Westwood trying to cut from the corner of the dogleg

and has gone to the right. Don't go over there. That is miles to the

right. It looks like he's in the water. That is poor. Two shot at the

short eighth, Garcia in 15 feet, and this looks good. Though, it is good.

Two lovely shots. The Europeans here at the 9th have

played three and thereabout four feet away. Fowler is chipping just

off the green, this is their third shot with the match all square. It

is running well, slowing up, running well, in. Would you believe it? The

crowd go ballistic. There's Abraham Lincoln. Well, well, well. Mickelson

and Fowler go one up. This to win the eighth hole for Zach Johnson.

What a lip out. That came out faster than it went in. All sorts of

trouble at the 7th for the Europeans with Westwood heading to the water.

This is their fifth shot, so this, for a bogey. The Americans in decent

shape. They don't want to go four down, that is for sure.

Patrick Reed, what they half, rattled into the back of the cup. It

was a half in four. It didn't look like it. Spieth and Reed stay two

up. This from Dustin Johnson to win the hole. This, to go five up. Not

looking good, is it? It turned right into the bottom of the cup and the

locals are going wild with the cheers flying round the course. Five

up after eight holes. A bit of a break for Stenson and

Rose, finishing between the bunkers. It is a par-5, this is their third.

This is their third. It was almost a gobbler.

Walker, this worry half at the 9th. Can you follow him on? Yes, he can.

What a great putt. The Europeans remain one up, though. Plenty of

chat between the two Americans. They know it is up a little then down a

little, this for their birdie at the par-5 11th. The Europeans in a

little closer. It makes it, it's in. Great Park -- great putt from

Spieth. Crucial putt for Stenson. Sometimes

he tries to be a little firm if it is make or break. You beauty. Half

in four the remain two down. -- they remain.

Very awkward shot left for Martin Kaymer. You can see the pin down in

the valley, next to the water. Got to pick it fine draw it. Nice

strike. Nice strike. One of the shots of the day. Beautifully

controlled. So difficult to get the contact just right. Thomas Pieters

at the long par-4 9th, this for par, five down, not too much pressure on

them at the moment. Well done. APPLAUSE

You know what it is like to be a captain, Mark. There is a lot going

on. He's looking calm, but his brain is spinning. Kuchar foray half,

Pieters in from 12 feet for a par, to stay five up at the turn. They

have got one back. A little light at the end of the tunnel for Westwood

and Pieters. If you can turn one of these matches round it is huge in

the momentum of the match. Sullivan for par at 11. The Americans can't

do better than bogey, and he has made it. Great stuff from Andy

Sullivan. The match, all square. Come on, Sergio, let's see one of

your magic ones that just tumbles into the front of the cup. Is it

that quick? Oh! Garcia and Kaymer remain one up, but

an opportunity. The Europeans are not made their par. This is for

Reed's rep R. You wouldn't have guessed about that. They have halve

the hole in bogeys. A good break for the Europeans, but Spieth and Reed

remain two up. There is a situation, the Americans two up and four up,

with a tenuous lead for Garcia and Kaymer. McIlroy and Sullivan all

square, with Mickelson and Fowler, so all to play for. Garcia at 11. A

lot of trouble looking up there. That is right of right. Good grief.

We almost ran out of red paint, then! That was on the rainbow,

wasn't it? It would be too bad there, but he has short sighted

himself for the pin. It's back right. The pin nine yards on in the

centre of the green, but still, 240 yards, this par-3. It is a massive

hit with almost certainly his longest iron, Justin Rose.

That was just pure Alun Pugh. Absolutely on the button. -- purer

than pure. Sullivan pitching a yard short of this green and rolling back

to him. This is a little damp, this area. Not an easy chip. He's played

it pretty well. Use the slope to kill it. Pity well played from

McIlroy. Staring at the offending piece of turf. Tricky pitch for

Kaymer with Garcia's wayward second. He has short-sighted himself, the

pin on the right, not much room to play with and not the easiest live.

Very well played by Martin Kaymer. This is pressure. This is to halve

the hole, and to remain all square. Come on, Andy, well done, two in a

row. That really will boost his confidence. Great pitch from Kaymer.

At 11. This, to win the hole for birdie. It just slid across the face

of the hole. They hang on to the one hole lead.

Big D concentrating hard with his fingers crossed. 240 yards. What an

irony, released that down the breeze, and Andy Sullivan has

suddenly found a bit of confidence. From their angle it looks like he's

gone in the hole. Have you got one of those outfits, Ken? I only wear

them when I go down the pub! They flew out on my flight. I tell you

what, they do like a beer. In 43 on this par-3 13th, good tee shot from

Sullivan, and Michael were, this, to win the hole. Might be a bit of

noise if this goes in, even though we are in a foreign country. I say!

A bit partisan, old chap! Very good putt. The plot thickens. Zach

Johnson with the putt to win the hole and even the match. Beautiful

putt. It felt like Sergio and Martin Kaymer had control this match but

the US back all square. Sullivan, in the light rough, not a great deal of

rough, this is rather surprising. He and McIlroy, one up. He's suddenly,

live. He got rid of those early nerves, and playing nicely,

Sullivan. Zach Johnson with the hybrid at 13. Looking good, trying

to find it, trying to find it, beautiful shot. Lots of great shots

from this par-3 today. Putting the pressure on Europe. The US already

in with four, McIlroy his game right now. That is always going in. This

group is really on fire. Great golf, great golf from these two. McIlroy

is really warming up. It is nice to see. The atmosphere now is getting

really good. Walker to win the hole. That Is big

putt there. A lot of momentum for the US right now. One up on the last

two holes. Turning the tide. A lot of missed opportunities. A check on

the leaderboard: This is where McIlroy's shot from

the trees ended up. Sullivan, a little chip. Oh, it's away. He's had

a few chip shots and I'm afraid, none of them have been very good.

He's done it again - oh, he hasn't! Oh, it looked so, so good. That's a

five, a sloppy five. If that's conceded, the United States have a

four-footer or so to win the hole. Yes, well done. You should win holes

of this length of pars. That's what's happened. Back to one.

Right in the middle. Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar are playing really

great golf right now. Captain Clarke. Lee Westwood, this to halve

the hole. That's missed. So his morning of

misery continues. Five down. Looking a little long. Solid shot.

30 feet for birdie. Came in low, trying to get it to

come back. Solid shot. It needs to turn and it will. Yes!

The United States are putting quite beautifully. In the last hour,

they've holed a ton of putts, beautifully struck.

Rose needs something to happen. That's not it. Good try, but not

enough. It's in! US gets the first point of

the Ryder Cup. Huge crowds, huge roars. First blood to the United

States and it must be said, Europe, so far, have not holed many putts.

Play has been a little bit untidy. It's been tense and exciting. We're

three quarters of the way through the opening foursomes. So far, the

mood swings towards the United States.

Beautiful shot. Putting a lot of pressure on Europe right now.

Big crowds on this hole. Beautiful shot from Phil. Wow! US trying to

get a clean sweep this morning, if they can.

It's right in the middle. Beautiful putt by Matt Kuchar. Playing so

solid. Solid win for the US. The United States already safely in with

two points on the board. Two matches still out on the course, Garcia and

Kaymer two down to Walker and Johnson.

The American team play very solid. They got off to a good start. To

come back from two down early you have to make a few, that pretty much

sums it up. Looking real good... Oh, my word!

That was cruel. That was absolutely cruel. That putt had no choice but

to go in. This is brutal. Great try by Andy Sullivan.

Oh, he dubbed it. That's not his favourite shot. I must say Europe

are creeking and groaning on this opening morning. They're doing their

very best to help the United States into a healthy morning lead.

Pours it in the middle. The US ties it up with two to go. Big roars, a

lot of people here on the 16th hole. Trying to break. Stays just high.

Great putt. Good touch. Easy par for the US.

Sergio, can we have a touch of magic? No, no, no, no, no, no, no.

Pick it up, let's move on. Zblt United States overwhelming

Europe at the moment. The crowd likes it. Oh, wow! The US

has a lot of momentum on their side right now.

The crowd are playing a huge part in this morning. They've really come

alive. It was dull and misty this morning, chilly.

This has to be a good one. And it isn't. This is a very sad collapse.

Doing nothing for the confidence of the Europeans at this moment.

Lovely line. Solid shot. Put the pressure on Europe.

It looks a bit of a lost cause unless this goes in. He's holed

longer ones than this. A good effort but a lost cause. Pick

them up, move on. The United States two putts to win

the match. Needs a ripper. Not bad. A chance

for McIlroy maybe to hole one. What a morning.

Zach Johnson, a very sound putter. Two putts to win. Should be no

trouble. Particularly when you only take one! Another point for the

United States. It will take all Darren Clarke's charm and whimsy to

get his team ready for this afternoon's four balls.

Just short. That's a four for the US. They will have to wait and see

if they get the full point or the half point.

No. 4-0 to America. A tremendous start by them. The crowd have given

them a huge boost. At this moment, Europe's chins are on their chests.

Confirmation, 4-0 to the United States. At moments, it looked as if

it was going to be very different from that. But it must be said,

Europe's players were very untidy, at times. The United States holed

more putts and that's the result. What a turn around in your match

first of all. Well, you look at the birdies that those two made on the

toughest par three, that 13th hole, 250-yard par three, amazing birdie.

They came back birdied the next hole. Had a lot of momentum. But I

thought we showed a lot of heart to hang in there. We won the next three

holes and the match. The European guys weren't quite at the top of

their game this morning. The American guys played better. They

played very well. Hopefully this afternoon the roles will be reversed

and the Europeans will go out and make some putts and get some

momentum. What a start for the United States. The first time in 40

years a whitewash from the first session. How much can you take from

this morning? A lot. We can take a lot from this morning. It feels good

for people to play well. We came into this Ryder Cup with an

amazingly relaxed and focussed attitude. We've had Great Leadership

from Davis. Great Leadership from Stricker and Furyk and Tigerer. The

guys are extremely talented and they're sick of losing. Am I

surprised at 4-0, of course, I am. The thoughts of the vice captain and

a smiling Hunter Mahan is with me. The US has struggled with the

foursome, just one point from two sessions at Gleneagles. How have you

turned it round this time? All the groups that I saw were very

familiar. They're guys that have played a lot together, especially

the last couple of days, but even in president's cups and previous Ryder

Cups. Everyone is super familiar with one another, comfortable with

one another. They can just go out and play. I'm sure Davis Love can

build the momentum, but how will it spark changes in the thinking of

Darren Clarke. Not much he can do this afternoon. He needs to get the

new guys out there to play. After this afternoon, there could be a lot

of big changes for tomorrow. He has to look at the scoreboard, I mean

the US only needs 10-and-a-half points to win. They can smell it. He

may have a lot of changes to make. He needs to go with his best guys.

You seem very happy about it, so far, not surprising. A fantastic

start for America. One hour's turn around between the morning foursome

and afternoon four balls. This is how they line up. Deja vu about the

top match. Spieth and Reed will hope. So -- hope so. The American

duo unbeaten now in four matches together.

Brandt Snedeker was at Medinah. First taste of the drama for Brooks

Koepka. They take on Martin Kaymer and green jacket winner and

debutante Danny Willett. That red hot all Texan pairing of

Reed and Spieth hadn't cooled off by even one degree. Reed ramming this

home for birdie at the first. One up and Rosetta and Stenson immediate --

Rose and Stenson immediately under pressure again. A confident start

from Rafa. He set up birdie. Europe and Spain one up on Holmes and

Moore. Danny Willett's build up to the match has been chael enging, but

this was a settler. First hole halved in birdie. At the next,

Koepka's partner, Brandt Snedeker, who's yet to win even a half point

for his team, knocked this into birdie range and took it. US go one

up in this match. This morning everything was going in on the

greens for Jordan Spieth, but not that one. Missed for par. Rose and

Stenson all square now. To the bottom of the order, last match,

Europe one up, but the new US Open champion, Dustin Johnson, drains a

15 footer to go all square with McIlroy and Pieters. Talk about

muscling in on the action, Brooks Koepka reduced the long par five

630-yard third to two blows and two putts for birdie. Now two up on

Kaymer and Willett. So all square in two matches. Honours evenly spread

in the others. Europe desperately need to find some momentum in this

session. It's going high. Oh, beautiful shot.

Just like he planned. The US will have to make birdie just to tie this

hole. Liking it. Very solid shot. 12 feet

for birdie on the sixth. This for a half. Garcia-Cabrera

Bello go two up. This morning's drubbing by the

United States, this afternoon it's pretty even Stephens. Lovely

conditions for playing golf. Elegant looking, simple swing of

Thomas Pieters. If you pitch it by the flag, you

land on a down slope. Yes. At last, the Europeans have

holed very few putts today on this opening day's play here at the Ryder

Cup. There was a good one. He's rolling them nicely. He's done

it again. He really is a little fire ball.

Needs a little hop, skip and a roll. It does. Beautiful shot.

He doesn't want any extra work to do. That will do very nicely! A win

for Europe. That eases a little of the present pain.

There's a calmness that's come over Team Europe this afternoon. They've

got a bit of confidence. Great shot down the fairway, sounds like. Yeah,

beautiful. Perfect. Rafael Cabrera Bello off to a good

start this afternoon. Perfect distance. Beautiful shot.

Willett surveyed this putt from every angle. This to win the hole.

Another one lips out. The Europeans have not been putting well.

Beautiful shot out of the rough. Not much of an angle. Very aggressive,

right at the hole. Oh, what happened there? That was

not in the programme. I have no idea what happened there. Just a little

accident in the hitting area. They love it.

But his partner thinking, "What on earth are you doing to me? "

Simple little pitch, or is it? Yes, delightful.

Looks good. Oh, yes! One of Europe's rookies playing at this moment very

nicely. A lot of lip-out this afternoon.

Guys hitting the putt a little too hard. No Stenson here at the

seventh. This is the top match in the

afternoon four balls. Can he do it? He can. Europe one up.

Kuchar has putted and missed from more or less the same line.

He's done it. He knew it was in. He and his new partner go two up.

Justin Rose safely on the green. Gave his partner information on the

wind on this shot. I think he will be dialled in.

Solid strike. Very high ball hitter. Watching it. Beautiful shot and Oh!

Hello! Gorgeous. For a second it looked as if it was

going in for a one. But a cast iron two. Don't bodger to bring your

putter. -- bother. He's done that

beautifully. Well, both the players from the US

left the long putts right on the edge of the hole. They're now two

down. Pouring it in the middle. One of the

best putters on the Tour. He's showing why.

Very casually just nudged in. Now three up.

Situation looking much better for the Europeans after this morning's

debacle. As we keep saying, lots of holes to be played. At this moment

it's 3-1. Hit it crisply. Likes it, I fancy.

That's why. That is why! Beautifully struck.

Oh, yes, beautifully played too. A real chance for McIlroy and Pieters

to go four up. Daddy's home. Daddy's home

apparently. He's probably watching the golf. Great shot from Koepka.

He's taking to this like a duck to water.

This to win the hole and go four up. All the way. Well done, the rookies,

the new boys, doing very well. At this moment. Going nicely. Gaining

more confidence. Sergio Garcia with a tricky third shot at the 9th. This

can be awkward. That is nicely played, beautifully played! And the

Americans have had a bit of bad luck and missed a few putts. That was

beautiful, wasn't it? Played absolutely perfect.

Good, long iron into this ninth for Holmes, Leicester match Garcia's

chip in birdie. And they turn, four down. -- this to match.

Uphill at the 9th, Brooks Koepka. That long iron, high into the air.

The flight on that, majestic stroke from Koepka. Garcia put a few free

problems, trying to hoik this up in the air. Lovely shot from surgery.

-- from Sergio Garcia. Keeping the pressure on. Danny Willett at long

range from nine for a birdie. Koepka is unfairly close. He is giving that

a fair hit, dead straight, great putt from Danny Willett. Really,

from nowhere. Up a little slope here on the green

for Ryan Moore. Decent length putt, and Ryan Moore is the man who brings

the cheers back. In the 43. -- in for three after a magnificent iron

shot. Right to live, get the pace up, but it dived, so Europe get a

hole bag. Three up with nine holes to play.

Garcia, to halve the hole. The Americans finally getting a birdie

but Garcia follows them in for a birdie. Doesn't want to go to him

too much. A couple of great birdies in a row for Sergio Garcia. Darren

is discussing something, a much better afternoon for Europe. This

morning must have been rather difficult to watch. Brandt Snedeker,

this to win the hole, and he's done it, so they are back to four up, he

and Koepka against Willett and Kaymer. Next to play is Stenson.

-- what a shot. Massive tee shot from McIlroy around the corner of

the dogleg at the tent. And pitching on to the green. You can feel the

Europeans' confidence rising. Not quite stone dead, but what a shot.

Koepka at the 11th. Still learning his trade on the European Tour. In

the far east and through Europe, and learning it well. Nice shot, there.

Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy close, and this, for a birdie, and by Jove,

he's done it. APPLAUSE

McIlroy for a half. At the end of it all, he has half in three. Four up.

Sixth on this par-44-speed. His playing partner's got a 15-18 footer

for par, but Stenson has this for the win and may do it.

Europe have their four. This is to halve the hole.

Three up, Rose and Stenson. Only six to play. What does the leaderboard

pillars? Europe still up in three matches but considerably up in those

three matches. The United States up in one, well up, four up. Martin

Kaymer and Danny Willett can't do much about it. They are up against

it. Justin Rose at the 13th, a par-3. Him and Stenson are three up.

Nice bounce, nice kick, nice bounce, fortunes are favouring Europe a bit

this afternoon. Exactly the opposite of this morning. 215 yards, the pin

tucked to the left of the green, and water to the left of that. Nice

bounce for Rose. His playing partner can freely go at the pin now.

Henrik Stenson, what the shot. Remember all those wonderful shots

he played? Just had another one there. Koepka sailing along nicely

with Snedeker. Running sweetly. It just goes by three or four feet,

further than you think. This is a dangerous flag to flirt with, they

are three down, the Europeans in quite tight on this par-3, so not

much margin for error. He kind of liked it. He kind of likes it, what

a shot, 215 yards, and he almost cans it. What a bounce on that.

Martin Kaymer, and this, to halve the 11th. Koepka already in for his

birdie. The Americans are 7-under par for the opening 11, and five up,

impressive stuff. Snake get going and is five up, Martin Kaymer must

be wondering what is going on and must be suffering a bit from shell

shock at the moment. The other three European matches going well. Stenson

after that beautiful, beautiful tee shot at the 13th, this for a birdie,

this foray two. Yes, firm and straight, lovely putt.

DJ playing his third on the 11th from the right rough, needs to get

something going quickly here. Beautiful shot, right to the hole,

stopping in about five feet. The US, hoping to get one back here. Jordan

Spieth to halve the hole. Stenson on for a delightful two. I thought that

was almost a foregone conclusion, but no. Stenson and Rose when the

hole, to go four up. I think that the call of nature may have

interrupted the caddy, there. Taking the poster with him. -- the putter.

Patrick in the third bunker on the other side, really getting onto this

hole, not sure how his life is but he can be aggressive with this shot.

-- how his lie is. There it is, good shot, good shot. McIlroy with that

first putt running seven feet by. He is up to it. Good putting when you

do things like that. It annoys your opponents. Justin Rose, monster

drive, beautiful angle to this hole, a little bit downwind, trying to

come in, nice and high, slowing it down. Beautiful shot. Trying to

close the door on Team USA and get the point for Team Europe. Johnson,

to win the hole, and does. Gets one back. Back to three. Europe up in

three, still. Snedeker and Koepka well up on Kaymer and Danny Willett,

the closing holes coming up. The crowd have been taken completely out

of this Ryder Cup. Patrick needs this. Good try. Europe in full

control and needing a couple of putts to close this matchup. Europe

has absolutely manhandled the US this afternoon. He's doing great

with his putter. He has really put it on the US, Stenson. The crowd

have suddenly gone very quiet indeed. Just rolling this up to the

hole side. Don't do anything foolish. That looks pretty tidy.

Just you watch this. If you want to see poetry mood in motion, the

feathers turning into the ring, drifting around, and here comes

somebody after my dinner. I'll see them. Justin Rose, to win the match.

Rattled it right in the back of the hole. Thank you very much. Stenson

and Rose, back to form. Not brilliant this morning but this

afternoon, much better. Five and four victory. The first points of

the afternoon for Europe, a five and four victory for Rose and Stenson.

Let's hear from them. We played well in the morning, we just didn't make

the putts, and in the afternoon the continued, and we got on a good run.

From the sixth, almost three birdies in a row, putting you two up. Can

you describe the level he was playing at early on particularly? I

was scratching around for birdies, and Henrik was doing it in his

flashy fashion but when he gets going with the iron, is a joy to

watch. A couple of drastic shots and a couple of cute putts upon mine,

and that is where we began to get some momentum and we never looked

back. It was a good performance. Looking pretty strong today, we kept

hitting good shots. So far, we have not seen any balls playing from

bunkers run the green putting up very quickly. Will this one do, I

wonder? It is running beautifully. That is a delightful shot. Ryan

Moore with a birdie putt here. Good putt, he likes it, he likes it, he

likes it, boom! The US gives the crowd something to yell about. He

has a putt here, Garcia, some length, to halve the hole. Maybe

coming back to life. McIlroy with a tee shot at 13, the

others all on the green, and he looks to have gone left. He

couldn't, he wouldn't, he has. What a time to leave your partner. In a

bit of bother, but he can swim, clearly.

Seve would have been proud of that one. He is making his eighth

appearance to recall Seve's appearances in the Ryder Cup. Danny

Willett with his second at the 14th. Sadly, five down. No stop at all,

good shot, but just... Where did that go wrong? Thomas Pieters has

this to win the hole. It is very speedy. Just thick of it down,

you're are well ahead at the moment. Don't do anything silly. That is

running... In. The rookie came good, he done good. Well, well, well. Well

done. Four. I say! This has got to go in from Willett. Playing one of

those fancy shots. No. Good night Vienna, thanks for the game. Best of

luck in the next round, and all that stuff. Five and four victory for the

United States. There you have it, Rose and Stenson win the five and

four,... If they'll play like that, then that is what is going to

happen. It is unfortunate, but the guys have had a great afternoon by

the looks of the board. Martin, tough day at the office given the

events of this morning as well. Definitely, it was a tough day. When

you have been here you have got to try your very best to try to

contribute something for the team, but it didn't really happen today.

It is not only about me, it's about the hole team. Unfortunately, I was

trying really hard but the putts didn't go in for me today. It was

nice playing with Danny. I wish that I could of done a little better to

give him his first match. But tomorrow, you will get your point.

Ryan Moore, with about 30 feet. He needs this putt. He needs this right

now. Gave it a good read. Rolling. Looks good, it has got a great line,

and boom! Wow! Crowd is erupting, great stuff from him. Great stuff

from the rookie. Cabrera-Bello, to halve the hole. Tickling it down the

hill. It slinks by, so the US win the hole. Wonderful effort therefrom

Ryan Moore. Matt Kuchar can still birdie this. Good putt, good try,

still looking for that first birdie. He is posing. Just needed one more.

A touch of good fortune there, Sergio, my boy. Thomas Pieters now

for par. This will be some far. -- par. Rather sloppy, losing that hold

to a four. Dustin Johnson, nice, it could be very nice. Four outstanding

birdie chances. The United States need them more than the European

side do. Thomas Pieters, up the hill, with the bit of movement. --

little bit of. Charles for the US. -- Chance for. This is of huge

importance. Just a little movement from the right. It is about marrying

that pace up with the line. CHEERING

He had just enough pace to hold the line, so the United States win the

15th, just two down with three to play. Back to the relative

tranquillity of Garcia. This putt to win the match. Big swing, right to

left, it is creeping closer. That is tidy. Make the others do the work.

He has had two wonderful putts in the last two three holes. One of

them was this sort of length. They will raise the roof if this goes in.

This, to keep the match alive. Oh, no, sir. Thanks for the game.

Another point for Europe. A brilliant day for Rafa

Cabrera-Bello. A rookie playing along with Sergio, and they win

three and two. Rory with a long iron, him and Pieters, two up, one

of his opponents is on the green, not too close to the hole, but has

Rory played one of his super fans, plummeting down from a blue sky? And

yes, he has. -- super irons. That was absolutely superb. DJ with a

medium to short iron into this par-5. Mod ball.

Well, if it had any mud on it, it is washed off now. He's a great friend

of mine and an unbelievable player. I think you saw that today. Every

time I was a little bit off, he stepped up and he did great. I think

we felt extremely comfortable. We have played a lot of golf together.

And it was great to be able to do that. Kuchar coming down the hill,

this is quick. If he overdoes it by a whisker, he will be eight, nine

feet by. What a lovely putt. It didn't go in, but it was damn near.

Some worried looking places. Kuchar has missed his putt, and what can

Rory do? To quit down, if it falls in, is a bonus, and it does. He has

redeemed himself, that is fantastic. Don't blow a gasket, don't break a

read, don't do anything! Closes out with an eagle three Faure three and

victory. Well done. My goodness. It is worth seeing again. A tricky run

down the slope. And it just tickles in, wobbling left and right and then

write the left, but what a way to finish. What a comeback by Europe

after a dreadful morning's performance. This afternoon, some

sparkling play, to get back within just two points of a difference.

Let's hear what captain Darren Clarke thinks of it all. An emphatic

reply to a trying morning. How did you deal with the whitewash at

lunchtime? We were all disappointed. I am not going to go fly. But the

guys just had a tough morning and then we played really well. But that

happens. Historically, the Europeans are supposed to be better for some

players and they are better for ballplayers, but that was turned on

it's head, but that is the Ryder Cup. The consensus was we had to

just try and chip away. It was really just chipping away at the

lead. Even if we were 2.5 and 1.5, or even 2-2, just to get some points

on the board and some momentum, but I don't think we could have done any

better this afternoon, than to win 3-1, and we will be going into our

locker room happier than they will tonight. Davis, how do you assess

what has been a topsy-turvy day? We knew that the Europeans would play

well this week. We played better this morning, they played better

this afternoon. Lots of close matches. Lots of birdies by the

Europeans this afternoon. And said the comeback out hot again tomorrow

morning. It has been a sobering afternoon for the US team and

galleries, and some big statements made by Europeans. What is your

reading of it all? Europe got grounded a little bit in the

morning, then they went out and got a couple of Leeds early. You could

see on the scoreboard, the blue, and to see that going, then it just kind

of filter down. Henrik was unbelievable today. Can you second

guess the reaction to this in the respective team rooms? What will be

happening, do you fancy, and those? B1 will take a deep breath. It's

such an emotional day for both teams. There's a lot of golf left.

You have got this focus on the next shot and the next match. It is going

to take a long time and we have got to pace ourselves. We thoroughly

enjoyed it, I am sure that everyone at home has. And we get it at all

over again tomorrow, on day two. This is how they will be lining

up... The last two remaining European

beauties are being blooded tomorrow morning. And from what you saw

today, how is that going to play out tomorrow morning? Four rookies

coming out for Europe. They played, Rafa and Thomas Muller also for Team

Europe. I love these pairings. I think it is going to be tough for

both teams. It is going to give down to the 17, 18. The big success story

for the US today from your perspective was what? Just getting

off to a good start. It is pretty rare for the US to do that. They got

back confidence, going into tomorrow, and it is just about

hitting their next shot and not getting too far ahead of themselves.

We will be cherry picking the best parts of day two for you at

half-past midnight and it will be repeated at a more gentle hour on

Sunday morning. Live coverage on Radio 5Live throughout the day. What

a start to the 41st Ryder Cup here in Minnesota, played hard, but

played in great spirits, as befitting the memory of the King,

Arnold Palmer, with both teams the to honour his memory after he passed

away the weekend. Add all these golfing superstars owe so much to

the original game change. Good night. There have been golfers with

a more elegant swing. Golfers who have won more than his seven Majors,

but there is only one Arnold Palmer. He took golf to places and people as

never before. He had a presence, especially at Augusta. He won the

Masters four times. He came and played in the open at a time when

not agree American did. These were pioneering days in the televising of

tournaments. Arnold Palmer was simply box office. A fighter, he

loved the drama and tension of the moment. He was one of the big three.

They push the bounds of golf way back. He was a team player. He never

played on a losing Ryder Cup team. He remained to his dying day

respected by the players of today. A dear, dear friend.