Day 2 Round-Up Golf: Ryder Cup

CHEERING It's been a remarkable opening

session for the United States. Right at it, baby. Not too brilliant this

morning, but this afternoon, much better. He's redeemed himself, the

young fellow. Take a bow, Rory McIlroy and Team Europe, who have

already produced something of a minor miracle in Minnesota, dragging

themselves back into contention on a quite pulsating opening day in this

41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National. Because after a morning

mauling in the foursomes by a fired up American team and their

supporters, the first session whitewashing this great event since

1975, what a response it was from Darren Clarke's men. Led by the

talismanic Rory McIlroy here at the 16th, with that eagle, yes, America

leads 5-3 but arguably this moment has given Europe the overnight

momentum. Even before I hit that putt I wanted to put an exclamation

point on that session forums. Honestly I thought about the

celebration before I hit the putt. It's a hostile environment out there

and I want everyone that's watching out there to know how much it means

to us, how much it means to me personally and others as a team and

we're not going down without a fight. There was certainly a large

question about Europe's chances after the red wash in the morning

but blue was the colour that dominated the afternoon fourballs,

Europe claiming three of the four matches including a significant

first defeat of America's top pair. The USA led by two but it might have

been a lot worse for Europe. An emphatic reply to a pretty trying

morning. How did you deal with the whitewash at lunchtime? We were all

disappointed. We were hoping for a lot better than that this morning

but the guys just had a tough morning and our condo parts played

really well. But that happens in Match Play. -- counterparts played

really well. At the start of the European were supposed to be better

for some players and America is supposed to be better fourballs

players but that's the Ryder Cup. We knew the Europeans would play well

this week and they really played well all day. They played better

this afternoon. A lot of close matches even though the scores don't

indicate it. A lot of birdies by the Europeans this afternoon. We had to

come back hard again tomorrow morning. So date two starts with

ultimate shot foursomes matches and for Europe all four pairings Conte

Nawrocki and all four are untried in this format. Michael Roy and Thomas

Pieters need to build on Berrett afternoon success yesterday, taking

on five-time major winner Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler. Red-hot

putter Brandt Snedeker and big hitting Brooks Koepka team up

against Henrik Stenson, who takes Rocky Matthew Fitzpatrick in his

charge. The Sheffield man has had to make today -- has had to wait until

today for his debut. It's Justin Rose who will offer him guidance

today against Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson, who won that opener

together. Whilst Reed and Spieth, smarting from a first defeat in five

to God have the successful Spanish duo of Garcia and Cabrera-Bello in

their sights. Rickie Fowler's first Ryder Cup win at his ninth attempt

has clearly had a positive effect. He set off superbly in the top

match, draining the birdie putt at the 1st two cheers. Could the

Belgian match it? Oh, yes, what was that you are saying everyone? The

European captain has picked a good year and Phil Mickelson knows it.

Pieters already as fired up as his partner Rory McIlroy it appears on

Darren Clarke's own course leaders in Boris -- embracing that rule,

taking one up lead in the top match. Rickie Fowler, who had hugged

trouble yesterday, found the sand not to his liking again at the 4th,

a mistake that would see top pair allow McIlroy and Pieters to go two

in front and worst was to follow for the Californian at the 5th,

shortened to a driveable par-4, out came the big stick and way out into

the distance when Europe thereafter. Ian Nicholls and offers the

consoling arm, three down now. In the last match out, Jordan Spieth

was ominously warming up the putter. A second birdie on two holes. They

barge in front of Spaniards Garcia and Cabrera-Bello, one up. Another

iceman, Henrik Stenson's putter was as cool as his nickname. The second

par putt sliding by today it and the Swede and Sheffield on Matt

Fitzpatrick two down against Snedeker and Koepka. Richard Kruse

all Sachsen for Europe but it's America with eyes on a first win in

eight years who lead in two matches, European blue the dominant colour in

the top one. All square in the other. Like the record 55,000 crowd

here at Hazeltine, our commentators are engrossed in it all.

COMMENTATOR: I'm very impressed with this young

fellow, Ryder Cup debut. Taken to it like a veteran.

Oh no. Sadly, too long, found the water. At the 3rd, Jordan Spieth. To

win the hole. Lovely putts this morning, all the Americans. What a

start from Reed and Spieth is, birdie, birdie, birdie, the opening

three holes, and they are two up. A little stream to the left. They've

dropped out to hear. They are playing their third shot to the

short par-4, the American team tied for two.

Oh, very nice. Very nice indeed. They still have a chance of sneaking

a half. Walking down the seventh green you can see how money people

were out watching, there were 50,000 here yesterday all cheering for the

American side, mostly cheering for the American side and if Rickie

cannot listen they'll get another cheer. Rickie Fowler on the seventh,

this do win the hole. This for a birdie. Despite visiting water the

Europeans have a chance for a half. Rory looking a little anxious.

Fingers crossed this before half. They visited the water off the tee.

Thomas Pieters has this for the four. A testy, nervy, tickling one.

Beautifully done, right in the heart of the cup. What a beauty. They

remain three up. He's into this, he's into this. The opening match,

McIlroy and Pieters, three up after the opening seven holes. Snedeker

and Koepka a couple up after six. The third match all square at the

bottom much advantage Reed and Spieth, playing some wonderful

foursomes golf. It's a bit different, P. He hasn't

got -- Peter. He hasn't got to play one out of there, ended up in the

fellow's pocket. I remember once someone hit it into someone's bra!

This is quite a good little hit from here. He can afford to be bold.

Hanging over the top of the flag. Spin, no spin, rather unlucky. I've

seen Mickelson spin back from there. This is a delicate one, right at the

8th, horrible downhill lie. Cheerio. Almost further away than he started.

He meant to pitch it at least twice on the fringe. Off the back foot for

Reed. Oh, another birdie, four birdies in the opening five for the

Americans. What a little chip for Reed and Spieth, looking like they

might go three up. Get in there. What a duo these two have been. Now,

Sergio has this putt to half the hole, what a blow if he could, could

he? Has he? It's their wonderful retort from Garcia. Eighth green,

this is a par put for Phil Mickelson. It's very slow. As to

give this a whack. They are urging it, they are urging it, oh, my

goodness, what a par, what a par! That year will ring around the golf

course. Getting their! -- that she will ring around the golf course.

Get in there. What annoys, it's like being in Ibrox. Down the slope at

the 7th format Fitzpatrick. Could do with one. Come on, come on. He's

done it, you little beauty! A little confidence booster. A tricky one for

a half. Well done. McIlroy for a half. Will there be such a cheer if

this goes in? Well done, McIlroy. Rather subdued, not quite so

raucous. Well done. McIlroy and Pieters remain three up. A massive

putt for Brooks Koepka, Mr half the hole. So Europe sneak a hole, the

United States want up after seven holes. Terrific stuff, it really is

-- the United States are one up. You lap the second day, the foursomes, a

morning's play, you can see McIlroy and Pieters up, one much all square,

the other two, America just ahead. Cabrera-Bello two down, third shot

at the par-5 six. They just clipped the top of the bunker, tried to get

it out too far. It's caught the top of the bunker, killed it. Spieth.

Third shot at the six. They are in the driving seat here.

CHEERING Could have done better with a hop

forward but on the green in three. At the back of the ninth, Rickie

Fowler to get one back. This for a birdie down the slope. Can he read

it? Can he read it? Oh, my, oh, my, my. Therein for a par. Not quite

online. Garcia, fourth shot at the six.

Opponent on the green in three. Must get down in two. To have any chance.

This for a half at the 9th four Rory McIlroy. Oh, no, oh, no, that came

from nowhere. For the first bogey. Europe now only two up.

Rafa Cabrera-Bello at the six, for a par, if this goes in, which it...

Reed, two putts to win the hole, I'm sure he can cosy it up. Or can he?

Christopher Columbus, he's left his partner a snorter there. Chris Wood,

second shot to the seventh hole. Tricky little shot. The poll was an

far on the green. He's played it nicely, nice -- the hole wasn't far

on the green. He played it nicely, good shot. Two putts for it. Making

him work for it. Reed and Spieth go three up. Looking strong. Zach

Johnson at the sevens, long putt. Third shot. Up to the hole side,

that's very well judged from such long-range.

APPLAUSE Justin Rose now to win the hole here

at the 7th. Could just do with a little bit of magic. Is there a bit

of magic about? There is. There is! Well done, Rose. One up.

Well, after a lot of toing and froing this is where Rory tee shot

finished at the 10th and it looks like you can probably get a club on

it but not the most inviting shot for Thomas Pieters. The Americans,

15 feet away. Where has it gone? Oh! A little Brucie bonus there, after

the two tee shots it looked like it could be two lost balls but

eventually they find the green in two. What a break. There's the

scores on the doors at the moment. Europe up in two, the United States

up in two. Very close. We've seen some most entertaining golf. It's

been a real adventure when they hit the tee shot, it's a long one with a

big swing from left to right. Difficult to lay stone dead. Run it

out, Rory, run it out. Trying its best. Pretty good from there so they

have that for a par. APPLAUSE

81 yards left for Spieth, a wayward drive from Reed at the 7th hole. It

looks like he had a gap to go through straight at the pin. What

stopped from Spieth. These two are absolutely on fire this morning. A

miracle par for the Europeans. Mickelson has this for a birdie

three to win the hole, on number ten.

What a raw there's going to be if this goes in, and it has. The United

States win the ninth and tenth holes. Europe one up now, a tenuous

They were in command half an hour ago.

Go on, Sergio, this for a birdie, a little down the slope. He's coaxing

it, he's coaxed it right into the centre of the cup for a timely

birdie three. APPLAUSE

Almost equidistant away from the Americans, but just Rory to go

first. They could do with a nice putt at this stage will stop is it?

Is it? Just as the boat was starting to rock, they lost the last two

holes, a lovely birdie from Rory. He acknowledges the crowd. What a great

shot that is. APPLAUSE

This for the Americans' fifth birdie in seven holes. Patrick Reed makes

it. They stay three up against Garcia and Cabrera-Bello. What golf

from these two. 5-under through seven holes, a great putt from

McIlroy. Can Mickelson follow him in for a half to remain one up? At the

11th hole. Oh! He can't. Just drifted off at the last second. Two

up for the Europeans. Rose at ten, good tee shot from

Chris Wood, one of this pair, downhill to this front left pin

position today. The Americans miles down there at the tee. Oh, good shot

from Rose, applying a little bit of pressure for the American pair.

Third shot on the 11th, par-5 for Fitzpatrick. Getting one out of the

rough. That's beautifully played by Matt Fitzpatrick, Stone cold dead.

Good birdie. Pieters, for a par, here at the 12th.

Pretty good bunker shot from Brooks Koepka but Snedeker has this to

halve the hole, the Europeans in for four. That is not like Snedeker.

Back to all square. Fowler, top match, he and Mickelson. Putts it

in. Back to one, McIlroy and Pieters. Six holes left. Tiger Woods

on the left, just wandering along with Spieth. Tiger looks a big man

now. I remember when he was very thin. Wood to win the hole here at

the 10th. In! Ever-changing leaderboard.

Europe up in two, the US now only up in one. How well Reed and Spieth

have played, three up. Snedeker has driven it into the left rough,

Koepka at the 12th. What on earth was that? He's missed the pond. That

was a shank. A Lucy locket, the old cab rank. Would you believe it?

Write off the pike. Have a look at the other end, watch it shoot out to

the left. Over there she goes and watch it go, baby. Hit something and

ricocheted back, shot of the day. The Americans pin high Wright, 35-40

feet, a wonderful monster drive from McIlroy. A pitch from 97 for Pieters

and this is a real birdie chance. Oh, beautiful pitch. Stay there. A

chance for the Europeans. Well, a good try from Snedeker. Complete

shank from Koepka. Got lucky, finished playable. Snedeker onto

here, this for a par. The Europeans not in for five yet. And they are

not in for five yet. Well, both pairs trying to lose this hole. 35

feet for Mickelson. Pushing retirements this group, they are

allowed three hours and four minutes and that's just about up and they

are putting still. A few minutes' were left in that one. -- work left

in that one. This is where Fitzpatrick's tee shot ended up,

well wide of the green. This will call for some touch, skill and luck.

And he's got all three will. What they touch. -- what a touch. That

will going shot of the day, or be in your list of the best shots of the

day. Halved the last hole in pars, the Europeans want up. Put on the

14th here for McIlroy to regain the two hole lead, the Americans not in

yet. A bit of work left and that's way, way, way right. The chance for

Americans to get a half. The US has just played beautifully this

morning. About 5-under. Keep the momentum going, keep the pressure on

Europe growing. And that's the right side, a big moment for Europe to

kind of sees a hole back. Mickelson left Fowler much to do. This for a

half. Well, that was very tacky, very unlike the American team. It

wasn't all that far away, I suppose, but three putts. What a gift for

McIlroy and Pieters. Snedeker at the 13th, this to win the hole to get

one ahead. He does. Well done. CHEERING

Who said golf was a quiet and gentle game? CROWD: USA. Rory, out of the

right rough. Just won the last hole to go two up. Watching it closely.

Very solid shot. Slope of the Green taking it right to the hole, 20 feet

for birdie, put the pressure on the US team. Now Garcia to halve the

hole. This has been a little bit of a messy one. Some people thought the

US might have given this, but they didn't. And that's the reason. The

win for the US, they go marching on four up.

CHEERING Justin Rose here, 250 yard par-3,

one of the prettiest swings in golf, tries to hoist this high up into the

air. Soft. Beautiful shot. This is going to end up being a hat of a

shock -- a heck of a shot, putting a lot of pressure on the United

States. They are two up in the match. Stenson, good tee shot,

Fitzpatrick from a good sport, clean, look at the green.

He likes it, he likes it. He loves it. Koepka, this is where Snedeker's

tee shot ended. . Can he fired it under the trees, miss the branches.

Under the bunker. Miracle shot coming up. It has, indeed. That's a

brilliant result. I don't know quite how he did that without mirrors,

smoke, etc, but he did. Chris Wood to win the hole here at the 13th.

Oh, shaked the edge. A bit of match play strategy needed here. You're

two up, you don't want to race this four or five feet by. You're running

out of holes. They've got a four, five footer for a par. Don't leave

your partner too much to do. And don't bother with that, I'll just do

it for you. Thank you very much, partner. Zach Johnson, tester here,

to have the hole. Oh, dear. Huge miss. Huge miss. They go three down

in their match. Europe is quickly gaining control of this match. After

that miss of Zach Johnson, that is the situation. :

All to play for in the other two. The bottom match seems, certainly

for US to be a certainty. Stenson, right rough. Second shot on the

right rough. Looking at it very intensely. Hoping for it to sit.

Wow, wow. This is really turning into a huge match for both teams.

Snedeker, a little deeper into the trees here. US can't do anything too

foolish. I think he caught it a little heavy. Oh, wow, right in the

middle of the green. Just outside Henrik by 20, 25 feet. This is a

heck of a match. This is a huge match for both teams. McIlroy. He

has good eyesight. To see the hole from that distance. He needs it

within three or four feet. O in, of course! Judgment of distance. Well,

it's pretty good, but not there. Koepka, at the 15th.

Looking good. Oh, yes. Well, he's had a few holes where he has been

up-and-down. Had a shank, a couple of wild tee shots. Beautiful putt

there. They are a good team. They set the crowd going, too. Everybody

happy! Fitzpatrick, this for a half. Ah, bad luck. Good three for the US.

They now go two up. Rickie Fowler, clearly needs this

putt or the match is over. Low right. Never really had a chance.

Very good win. Excellent golf from McIlroy and Pieters. The Europeans

3-under-par for their round. Very good foursomes. In fact, excellent.

Jimmy Walker here for birdie. Really need something to make it happen.

Beautiful putt. Wow! Snedeker and Brooks are giving life to the US.

This is great stuff. Absolutely vital putt here for the

European point of view, to half the 14th. Is oh, it just slipped pass

for Chris Wood. McIlroy and Pieters take the first

point for the morning foursomes. Four and two. Rose and Wood two up

against Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson. Rory must be delighted?

Definitely. You want to set the for the rest of the team. When they saw

us up early, that's exactly what we were trying to do. Get up early on

them, put blue on the board. Luckily, Darren had a lot of faith

in us to send us out first. We delivered for him. Great interaction

between you and the crowd all the way round. What is it like to be

playing in this cauldron? Unbelievable. It's a great

atmosphere. It seems like we are playing it in the right spirit. It's

really competitive on the golf course, but still respectful. So,

obviously happy with how everything has went. Hopefully, we can get

ourselves back together and regroup and go out and win a point again

this afternoon. Fitzpatrick has the same yardage as their opponents. 259

yards. Oh! I'm afraid, with two down, looking like going three down,

this match could be over. Pressure, do you think? I think it was a

little bit more club than he had. He was trying to give it a little

extra. Just trying to give it a little extra and came over. Reed.

Oh, hit a great putt, just hit the left edge. Europe survives this

hole, stays three down. Snedeker, US team, short of the

green. Two up, trying to close the match out on this hole. Chipped it

ever so slightly. Running out about five feet short of the hole.

After a visit to the water this is a putt for the European side from

Fitzpatrick to save their par. Oh. The match over I feel.

Solid win for the US. This Koepka and Snedeker team is a monster. They

have a lot of momentum on their side. McIlroy and Pieters winners.

Snedeker and Koepka just finishing off there at the 16th. The other two

matches still alive. Europe favourite in one. United States

favourite in the other. Can anybody turn the match around? The Americans

have laid up and Justin Rose is going to have a go at this par-5

green. There can only be one place. There can only be one place. Oh,

dear. Interesting strategy there, Justin Rose. Two up and went for the

green with his second. Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson in a nail biter and

gaining momentum with some Europe miss-Kews. Staring it down.

Beautiful. Steady right there. Great shot by USA. Gained momentum in this

match. You can hear the crowd -- miss-cued. This doesn't look easy.

The US with back-to-back bogeys. They're struggling right now. They

are spraying it all over the place. From the rough, in the trees. He

were in control of this match, three holes ago. Jordan Spieth needs to do

something good here. Trying to skip it. Wow, the US... They are losing

the grip of this match, quickly. Had to keep it under the branches. The

pin at the front of the green. It stayed in the water. Up the hill, a

little from the right. You beauty. You little beauty.

APPLAUSE For a par, the US still have a putt

for a birdie. They are clinging on with their fingernails in a piece of

glass. Europe, two putts. They can win this hole and cut in another

hole. Beautiful putt by Sergio. The US third straight bogey. They are

reeling right now. They need to get back their confidence.

Beautiful save by Europe for par. Zach Johnson here, Team USA. A putt

to win the hole and go one down, with two left. We will hear a loud

eruption if this goes in. Boom, the US. One down, with two to go. This

match has changed quickly in the last couple of holes. We shall see

in the next 45 minutes or so. Don't go away, don't go away. These last

two matches, all sorts of things could happen. So important what

happens here and the result of the match. The US will be happy with

2-2. Can Europe sneak something out? Who knows. Two down. They are on the

16th. He has to play a little gem of a shot here. Nice contact. Very nice

contact. Don't spin too much. Inside the Americans with a much easier

putt than Reed, up the slope. This match is getting tighter and

tighter. Europe is getting a little momentum each time. Chris Wood had a

chance at the 17th to close the match out, but it was just a half.

Both tee shots have found this right side and first to play is Zach

Johnson. They are lucky off the tee. Looks like a pretty good right to a

right rough to a pretty good pin. Clearly, the ball jumped. He's

hoping it gets down quickly, and it did not. Cometh the moment, cometh

the man. He has this to win the hole. To get within one. Has he, has

he? He has you know, he jolly well has. Ha-ha. My goodness, pumped up.

Reed and Spieth one up, two holes left to play.

Justin Rose, from the right side. Just trying to get this thing in the

middle of the green. Wow, great shot. Classy player. Major Champion,

Rider Cup winner. Justin Rose knows how to hit those shots. Jordan

Spieth, for a birdie here. Put immense pressure on. He likes it. He

likes it. No, there's no way. There is no way. There is no way. What

just happened! Zach Johnson hit his second shot over the back of the

green for the United States. Jimmy Walker chipped about 15 foot by. Two

putts here would mean a victory for Europe. Up the hill and down the

other side for Chris Wood. That's going to be good. That's going to be

good enough. Well, it was a brave fight from the US side coming back.

The Europeans sneak home. One up victors. What a match. What a match.

This to tie up the last. He hasn't. He Jolly well has, you know. Well

done. Match all square. 16 and 17 victories. How did Spieth stay out.

Right in the heart of the Cup. All square. This is a massive, massive

point. Oh, don't go away. This is getting more and more exciting

there. Is how it stands. Two victories for Europe, one for United

States. The score 6-5. The final pairing going up the last all

square. Let's hear from Justin Rose. Three he up you are comfortable

thinking when can we close it out and have lunch. When it's back to

one, they have hope none their step. A half point for them is more than a

half point. That's a psychological advantage if they get something out

of the match. It was important to close it out. I saw Tiger earlier

today, around 7.00am, he said - they have to win this match. It's a huge,

huge match. Right now, a half is not really good enough for them. They

need a full point. Tiger Woods got a beady eye on what is happening on up

here. The Americans hit it over the back right of the green. Still

there, in an awkward spot. They have played two. This is for a three from

the centre of the green for Cabrera Bello. That's a pretty darn good

effort. Doesn't want to leave his putter too much work to do. They get

a chance. Singing quartet from the first two. Lovely Rye ams to sing.

Jordan is taking dead aim at this shot. He is definitely seeing this

go in. Sit, sit, sit. A little testy. Testy. Wow, this match

couldn't get even more tense. It seems to on every shot. Just came

out a little hot. Huge, huge putt for US. They cannot afford to lose a

full point on this match. Great putt by Patrick Reed. Big shy

of relief from the US squad. There are cheers, but mostly just a sigh

of relief. This to steal something. I daren't watch. I'm going to

listen. Well done, Sergio. Well done, Sergio. A hard match. What a

match. What a match. Incredible. Well done by Europe. They fought and

fought. Even when they were four down they kept fighting. The US lost

their game. They made three bogeys in a row. A half point for both

teams. But Europe definitely won that match. Cinderella couldn't

write a story like it. Fantastic this morning. McIlroy and Pieters

played wonderful golf against Fowler and Mickelson. Snedeker and Koepka

played well against Stenson and Fitzpatrick. The last two matches

they were amazing. Do you remember the US were ahead 4-0. I don't think

anyone else They kept throw does. Ing darts at us. We made an amazing

birdie on 12 to have the hole. Thanks to my partner's putt. We

just, we saw a little window. Just a little window they gave us. We

grabbed that moment. We came back strong and they actually had tole

fight hard to not lose the match. It was a great, it was a very well

played match. Fantastic comeback from the Spaniards. Rory seems to

havelet Ian Poulter vibe out there. He has it going? Poulter must have

been talking to him an awful lot. He's just such a confident player

right now. The his result last week goes that way. Rory, he is a

brilliant young man. He just loves it so much. So proud to be

representing Europe and playing the way he. Is for him to be leading off

Europe today, him and Thomas Pieters going this afternoon, befitting of

how he is fitting this morning. A veteran of three rider Cups, Hunter,

how influential you reckon that Rory McIlroy, the man we have been

talking about, is becoming in this contest? No doubt Rory is the new

leader of Team Europe for the future. He is playing unbelievable

You saw it yesterday. On The Eagle putt to finish off the match. That

emotion, that swagger, that yness, that is something you have to have

when you are on away soil. He is the leader of this team. The

US has to defeat him this afternoon. If they don't, I think they will

lose the session and will lose control of the Ryder Cup.

Interesting. This morning, an extraordinary session from Europe's

point of view. In that last match, the Spaniards recovering from four

down to get that half point. How does that play for US morale? That

was a huge, it was a half point, a win for Europe. Being four down. The

way they played. The way US started hitting it everywhere was not even

in some holes, late. That is a huge win for Europe. They feel so good

about themselves. US need to take control. Win matches early. If Rory

wins again, first off, the US is in trouble. Let us confirm the order of

this afternoon's fourballs. This is the thinking of captains Clarke and

Love. Dustin Johnson and Koepka team up taking on the established Rory

McIlroy and Thomas Pieters who won two out of two. Chris Wood and his

12th Ryder Cup partner, Danny Willis and Ryan Moore and JB Holmes have

something to proof this after noon. Matt Kuchar might give the momentum

player Phil Mickelson licence to attack against Martin Kaymer and

Sergio Garcia. The Spaniard is one of five Europeans who will be

playing all five matches. These two combinations lock horns for a third

time at Hazeltine. It's honours even between them in matches so far. Reed

and Spieth come off both a chasening half this morning and defeat in this

format yesterday to Europe's Olympians, Rose and Stenson. So

leading the line again, four time Major winner, Rory McIlroy who lost

none of his intensity over a working lunch. To the second hole, Westwood

and Willetts scramling here. Master Champion shird third shot. In from

off the green. An unlikely birdie. Such is the quality of this contest,

good enough for a half to remain all square against Moore and Holmes.

40-year-old Henrik Stenson, warming up perhaps for another superb

afternoon against the USA's go to pairing of Reed and Spieth. At the

1st that birdie lands the all-important first blow for Europe.

Up ahead, Belgium's Thomas Pieters drove the short 311 par-4 5th hole.

A monster this time with putter in hand. A brilliant eagle he is

already a Ryder Cup diamond. Two up with McIlroy. Phil Mickelson, his

third shot to the 3rd hole. That would make the breakthrough against

Kaymer and Garcia. One up, US. When the Spaniard missed from close-range

for par at the next, Garcia would gift his opponents another hole. The

eight time Rider Cuppa and German farter in now two down in that

match. With only one point separating the teams, this is a

positive start for Europe in the afternoon as they seek to close that

gap. Up in the top and bottom matches so far. The United States

are ahead in the third and all square in the other. What an

afternoon session in prospect ahead of tomorrow's singles. 7th tee, Rory

McIlroy. 410 yard par-4. Water left and right. He's going out with the

big stick. Oh, the big stick, going left. He's going to have to see it

quick. There's water there. He's sneaked past it. OK. Tiger Woods

looking on. Wondering what he is thinking - will I ever get back and

do this again, or has it all passed by? It would be sad if it has. I

would like to see him in full flow once more. Just a little hand and

arm shudder. Oh, yes. Stopped a whisker too soon. Good shot.

Kuchar has a great start to this afternoon's session. Trying to add

another birdie to his three or four he has had. Oh, he's got it going.

He's got it going. Kuchar has the putter home for Team USA. With the

US in tight, Pieters was a tad aggressive on his first putt, ending

up three putting leaving Rory basically by himself with a birdie

putt here. Oh. This can be a silly game at times.

That is why he's Rory McIlroy and the heart of Europe right now. What

a great job. Some people think he doesn't putt very well - it comes

and goes! There you see a Bird's Eye view of this 7th green. McIlroy had

the worst tee shot. He's the one so far who got the birdie. This to

halve the hole. Well done. Well done, indeed. Koepka holes a nice

putt. McIlroy and Pieters, two up. Holmes has driven in the water.

Here's Moore. Ryan Moore, oh, that doesn't look...

Has he gone miles left, away from the water on the right? No, well,

that's... Almost a chargeable offence. Third shot for Justin Rose.

His part partner, Stenson, is not in. Best he could do is a four. The

Americans are close, three, four feet away. He's hooked too high and

too wide and too clumsy. Conceded. Rose and Stenson go all square.

Koepka, for par. Really need this. You can't give three putts and

bogeys away. Wow. Wow. Oh, the US just... Just keeps giving up holes

to Europe. Pieters for three. That's just too easy. These guys are way

too good to give them pars for wins. Rory, Rory has been great this week.

He has really led Team Europe. Bird's Eye view of the proceedings

here at Hazeltine. Patrick Reed, third shot at the 6th.

Oh. It's heading for the hole. Could it? No! Oh, come on, come on. Steady

on, you'll have thrombosis. Some are with you. You don't have to

encourage them too much. This for the half.

Reed and Spieth go into the lead for the first time in this match.

Westwood coming up the green, running nicely. Will it reach? Yes,

it will. Oh, what a bonus. Yes, you beauty. Your partner knocked it over

the green and thought that was rather amusing, you thought nothing

was funny and you knocked in a monster. Willett and Westwood, one

up. 312 yard drive for McIlroy at this huge 478 par, yard par 9th.

Uphill second. Wind a little right to left. So little of it. He likes

it. Oh, what a shot from McIlroy. That's just majestic. More like a

beer festival, isn't it. Songs ring out, cheers and shouts and tears of

joy and anything else you can think of. It's all here. Octoberfest. Garp

gash, over the water at the 7th. Just all about judging the distance.

Oh, just scraped over. Oh, what a shot. Go in. My goodness me. They

are stepping up the pace here at Hazeltine.

After that magnificent second shot here at the 9th, McIlroy to win the

hole. Beautiful. Every shot a gem. Captain Clarke, fum bling with his

glasses, sweaty hands, moves forward to say - well done. They do play

rough these boys sometimes. Sergio's putt was conceded, only about a

foot. Lovely second shot for a half. Matt Kuchar. Oh. Too hard. Didn't

take the borrow. The Europeans get one back. Only one down, now. That

is how they stand at the moment. 2-2. Those bottom two matches, only

one hole in it. Justin has come out of the trees and found the green.

Not very close to the flag. McIlroy, got a good look at the pin position.

Urging it up and on, and he's done a pretty good job, 10, 12 feet away.

Koepka, after another biggie, down the middle of the fairway. Just to

pitch it to this back right position. McIlroy already 10, 12

feet away. Looking good. Stay there. Great shot from Brooks Koepka.

Second to the 7th. Out of that rough. Helping him there. Not

getting too much backspin. Beautiful shot. The standard of play this

afternoon is breath taking. JB Holmes, one down, second to 9. Long

uphill par-4, 478 yards. These boys reducing it... That's an absolute

cracker from Holmes. Good lord. They're just knocking the pin out.

Incredible golf. Brooks Koepka had his birdie putt

conceded, such was the quality of the approach. McIlroy has this for a

half. Ah, boy, he is on fire, Rory McIlroy. Four up. He's going to pull

a muscle in that right shoulder. It's just a matter of time.

Westwood, up the slope here, at the 9th. Not a bad angle to putt it

from. A little bit up the slope. This for a birdie 3. Oh. Thought it

wasn't going to make it. But it made it comfortably. Wonderful second to

the 7th from Patrick Reed. This tap in for a birdie. Shouldn't be a

problem. And isn't. This partnership, 6 under for the

opening seven holes and two up. Not too shabby. Huge tee shot. A

towering iron into this long 9th for Holmes. The Americans are back to

all square. Gorgeous day for playing golf. We have seen some exceptional

stuff. Let's look at the scoreboard. Pieters and McIlroy in complete

command of the opening match, four up. Playing delightful golf. Second

match all square. The bottom at the moment going to the Americans. It's

very tight. Reed having a shot at the 8th.

Oh, another marvellous iron shot. 180 yards.

Rory just far enough back to put spin on this. A tight front pin over

the bunker. The breeze is helping. He has to land it very precisely.

Oh. Got lucky there. Got very lucky. Pitched off the little down slope.

Wasn't what he was trying to do. A tricky length of bunkers. Has he

got it? He has. A terrific shot. 35, 40 yards are never easy particularly

when you have to land it on a small landing area. Excellent.

For a birdie at the 8th, Justin Rose, he needs it. Americans in

close. Koepka and Johnson currently four

down. This is for their birdie. If they miss this and Rory holes

they'll be five down, so it's vital. Yes. Brilliant up and down, nudges

it in, heaping pressure on. Back to the big hitters.

Crucial putt from Johnson, but McIlroy has this to remain four up.

With seven to play. Oh, well. I can sniff a comeback now.

Reed at the 8th, all the others have missed. This to go three up. Oh,

yes, he is playing some sensational golf this afternoon.

CHEERING This guy is along for the ride.

Westwood at ten, long-range birdie attempt. This would certainly be a

bit of a surprise. He knew that was then, 12 feet out. A lovely surprise

for Lee Westwood. Dustin Johnson, he liked the sound

of it and no wonder. Covering the flag all the way. We need something

to happen and three down. Holmes, oh, my, good grief. So

concerned at giving it a chance he has mis-hit, so Willett and Westwood

stride up to the 11th tee one up. Couldn't get any closer. Just

watched this leaderboard, three up and want up, in the opening two

matches for Europe and three up and one up for the United States. The

United States leading 6.5-5.5, terrific stuff. McIlroy's search

shot, the Americans in the driving seat. A little flip over the corner.

Up she goes, will it stop? No. APPLAUSE

Now Mickelson, the ageing of the eight. -- gladiator. Once more into

the Coliseum. It's getting closer, it's in.

CHEERING And the cheers ring out and the sums

remain upright. Saved again. -- the thumbs remain upright. Saved again.

To win the 12th. Dustin Johnson. It's done, what a brilliant three,

very few threes got at the 12th. The Americans win 11th and 12th, back in

this match. Garcia, you saw Mickelson holed his tramline, this

is to halve the tense. -- tenth. The Americans go two up after that

birdie. Thomas Pieters. He and McIlroy have lost the last couple of

holes. Needs some good, clean hitting. That will do, for a start.

Check on the scoreboard. Well, it all seems to be rather different

from the scores would suggest. It's very much even Stephen, but the

Europeans appear to be just struggling a wee bit at the moment.

America in the ascendancy. Pieters for a birdie. He is putted nicely so

far today. How about that? It was desperately

needed. Oh, that hurt. One of these days... Oh, again, beautiful putt.

This to halve the hole. Too much pace. Kirkpatrick misses it and

there's a huge turnaround there. -- Koepka misses it. Five holes left to

play. Sergio, with a putt to win here on the 11th. He's had great

touch all week. Oh, wow. Just needed a bit more.

Thomas Pieters, second of the 14th. Splinter. Pardon? Way right. A few

more of those will shut them up. JB Holmes, one down, tee shot at the

13th. Two against one. CHEERING

Beauty. Pieters to win the hole. He's done

it, he's played quite splendidly today. A wonderful way with tee

shots, but what a debut. Four up, he and McIlroy, four up and full.

Garcia at the 12th. Third shot. CHEERING

Happy days. He's missed a couple of tiddlers, but then out of the blue

touch of magic. DJ, after a mammoth drive. Taking dead aim, 76 yards to

the hole. Left it a little right, it's going to spin back down to the

hole. Beautiful shot. Study now, study. Great shot the United States.

They need this hole. Phil Mickelson here to answer that long birdie putt

by Sergio. Good role, good effort, but off.

Europe now just one down in that match, getting very tight.

DJ with the putt to extend the match. Right to left, uphill. Nice,

solid putt. CHEERING

Yeo -- US three down, three to go. You can hear chants of USA. You've

got to keep that magic going. Back to the 13th, Holmes, this putt for a

two just to get the match back to all square. Thank you very much.

CHEERING Brooks lifts out the fairway here,

par-5, incredible setting. 20 or 30 deep here on this hole. Very

aggressive. A high cut, going right through the middle of the green.

Looking good. Great shot by Brooks. Big roar from the US, the hometown

fans here. Matt Kuchar here on the 13th par-3.

Backward pin. Along putt. The camera has a lot of work left to do so he

must have nuzzled this up there. We've seen the past few days this

putt will run away from you rather quickly, so speed is of the utmost.

Settle, settle. Do it! Oh, boy! CHEERING

Matt Kuchar with a bomb. Oh, no, what just happened there? After

Kuchar's bomb, and dance and celebration of all sorts, Sergio

with a putt to halve the hole. Up and over the crown, rolling,

rolling, rolling. Very good effort, very good effort, but not quite good

enough. US takes that hole undergoes two up. -- and goes two up. Koepka,

two great shots, middle of the green, eagle shot. The match is

getting very interesting now. Nestling at up there right by the

hole, that won't be a Amy, but the US definitely in command on this

one. -- it won't be a gimme. Nicholson, second to the 14th.

Four up, with four to play. If this finds the bottom of the cup it's two

up with two to play for the United States. Perfectly played par-5 from

Koepka. They marched to the 17th. NACRO one -- CROWD: USA. Come on,

Stenson. Him and -- they've hold very little but finally finds the

bottom of the cup. Well done, Henrik . Phil Mickelson to birdie putt

here, about four feet. Been really awesome this afternoon,

really feeding off one another. The flag on the 17th is eight from the

right, not too tucked away. Covering the flag all the way, a

crackerjack from Thomas Pieters. Kaymer for the half on 14th. A

beautiful wedge shot in here. He wants to stop the momentum of the

US. CHEERING

US goes three up, with four to go. The 13th, a difficult par gimme and

Rose has holed nothing so far today. Is it his moment? -- it's a

difficult par-3. Something to cheer about, found the cup.

Neither of the Americans can make a birdie now so a couple of putts from

Pieters and the match is over. One is enough. Three one victors. A

vital point for the European side. A little stumble in the middle of the

back nine but other than that Pieters and McIlroy looking

extremely solid stop what a great day for Thomas Pieters. Six and a

half a six and a half. This to halve the 13th. That's no good. So Rose's

beautiful putt means 13th, the Americans just one up. After a bit

of a struggle towards the end, McIlroy and Pieters win three one.

The bottom two matches looking like they're going the American's way. A

great book for rooms in -- great putt for Rose. Just one behind.

Let's hear from Rory McIlroy. What a star he's been. I'll ask about the

atmosphere, how have you found it? It's been tough. You have to keep

your focus and concentration at all times and sometimes not letters --

let it affect you but at the same time when you play a good shot or

hole putt, you want to let them do that, so as much as they are giving

is, we are trying to give it straight back at them. Phil

Mickelson here, great try, right down the middle of the fairway for

stop his specialty, like a little half wedge, punchy, big divot,

coming in low. Stops. Right where he wanted it. Great stuff by Phil.

Danny Willett, a great drive. Metal wood, a mighty swing, looks like he

found it out to the right, trying to watch it, see where it goes. A heck

of a shot. That was beautiful. APPLAUSE

Phil Mickelson here for birdie. This match has turned into a must have

for the United States with Europe tying it up at six and a half. Phil

and Kuchar have been a great pairing today. Phil seems energised, been

rolling a really nice. Boom, another one. Great job by Phil. Great birdie

there. CHEERING

He's holed some in the Ryder cups in the past, if this doesn't find the

bottom of the cup, this match is over. Big swing from right to left.

He's done it. The Americans three up, with three to play. Europe has

won the last two holes, they're getting a lot of steam in this

match. They're definitely thinking of stealing a point from the US.

Henrik, beautiful shot. Stay there, baby, stay. Easy, it's a good shot,

good place to become a good place to putt from. Danny Willett, after a

great metal, hit this greening two, an eagle putt to win the hole out

right and go up 14 Europe. Tracking, it looks like a great touch.

Excellent putt. Probably won't be conceded in circumstances like this.

Great putt. Sometimes during a stroke play tournament you have a

critical moment and in the Ryder Cup just on the odd occasion as one of

these. Rose has left his marker two feet short of the cup and has to

keep it inside that. This is for 34 Stenson, a massive putt. -- it for a

three, four sensed -- it's three, for Stenson. The US reeling a little

bit, lost the last two holes. A great wedge shot here, hoping to

capitalise. Get the US backed up two. Boom. Patrick Green was saying

there was no doubt about that, trying to get the crowd pumped up.

Phone a friend, what an effort, what an effort. Just when he needed to

make one, he does. Two up. It's running out for Europe. With JB

Holmes, birdie conceded. Wow, these are Ryder Cup putts if I've ever

seen them. Solids stroke, good putt, that's what you want to see from

these guys. Great stuff. From both teams. Aiming everything down the

left, he's got a left-to-right shot, he's got a bit too much club here.

Car Britain, landed softly. This could be spectacular. It's coming

down like a wedge, what a shot, a couple of shots from Kaymer and

Sergio Garcia there. 15th, five on three from the left from the water.

It's a beauty. Lovely shot. Took some of the backspin off but he's

putting down the slope from there. Out in 29 today. On his own balls,

Reed. It's a tickly putt down the hill and across the grain for

Garcia. Pace so important. Running a bit, slowing up nicely. Write to the

hole side. That's a gem. APPLAUSE

Ryan Moore, birdie putt, this for a two, just on the very edge of the

shadow. Tickles it down the hill. Looking good. Oh, would you believe

it? Just short of pace. He was left alone but managed to get a three.

Kuchar has had eight birdies so far. Another bit of magic coming up here,

this to win the match. No, the match goes on. The Americans have made

their par, Danny Willett missed from about ten feet. This is to halve the

17th. Critical putt the match all square. Oh, Lee, Lee, they lose the

hole to par. The Americans charge, one up. Nicholson. -- Mickelson.

Knows a two and the match is over. Very nice indeed. That's a cracking

shot, it really is. Takes the pressure off his partner.

CHEERING So the momentum swinging American's

way at the moment, still a bit of golf left. This to win the hole. And

he's done it. What a man he has been today.

CHEERING The pendulum swinging American's

way. It guarantees them half a point, three up, three to play. Oh,

beautiful. The veteran of many campaigns, once more into the

breach, dear friends come of this for victory. It's there. Very well

played indeed. 21. To the 18th. Westwood. His partner is on the

green. Beautiful shot to the bunker. Can he make up for a couple of

mistakes he's made, short putts missed? Yes, he can. He certainly

can. CHEERING

Almost a concession. Patrick Reed, he's played sparkling golf all day.

Out in 29 and he's whipped that straight into the hands of the

green, I fancy. Glorious shot. That was a shot, into the pin. JB just

goes in. Is it going to reach? No. So Europe's have two putts to

salvage a half here. Willett first. He's left. Westwood -- he's left

Westwood to do the work. Stenson must have a good lie to play this

shot. Stenson, what a shot! CHEERING

Smarter than the average bear, boo-boo. Pressure, pressure,

pressure. Keep your head still, close your eyes, slowly back.

CHEERING Well, America win one up. Oh, my

goodness. It will break the heart of anybody. Reed putting 43. Can he

match Stenson? No. Well, the match goes on. The beat goes on. Victory

for Europe, two Victor Ruiz for the United States, the US are two up

with two holes to play. 9-under for his own ball today after 16 holes.

Patrick Reed. A lovely shot. He's played some

delightful shots today. Much to ponder for Darren Clarke.

Justin Rose playing one of those fancy little shots from the edge of

the green and trundling up to the side of the hole for a safe three.

Oh, look out! Oh, what a good try. What a splendid try. But it didn't

drop. Those two putts to win the match. A mere formality, one would

think. He's certainly not going to charge this down the hill, just let

it tickled down the hill. That will do, thank you very much. Thank you

very much for the game. CHEERING

A sad end for Europe. They had their chances but they've lost a couple of

very important points. It makes tomorrow's worked very difficult.

HAZEL IRVINE: You got yourself within one point at

lunchtime. Is there a sense of deflation at the way it's gone this

afternoon. We'd been hoping for a lot better but the teams have come

back from further behind so the guys will be disappointed that they

didn't do a little bit better this afternoon but it's not over yet.

Amount is not as high as the one faced in joiner, you are right. How

do you pick up your team and what will be the message this evening?

With the team here, they don't need picking up. They will know and

understand they have a challenge tomorrow but I'm sure they'll be up

for it. I won't have to do too much lifting tonight. With we saw some

wonder golf today, but how quickly the overall storyline has changed,

with every passing session. How do you read it? After going 4-0 down in

the opening session, Europe had their backs to the walls and today

they ebbed back until it became six and a half points -- 6.5-5.5 and you

thought the afternoon play would be critical. Rory Arnold Pieters played

wonderful golf, the last few matches were critical and it looks nip and

tuck. Eventually we lost all three. I don't know how it happened. The

Americans played wonderful golf, particularly Patrick Reed, superb.

Disappointing to be three points behind going into the single. I

didn't expect that but there was a mountain to climb after a poor

start. One or two of the guys who played all four matches began to

look ragged. It will be interesting to see how the fatigue begins to

play in tomorrow's singles. This is the fascination. We have right off

the back the match we all wanted to see, Patrick Reed against map --

Rory Rory McIlroy. Rory has been superb, Patrick Reed won the match

virtually single-handed. Fatigue will be a factor. Europe have to be

on their money. They can't let anything slip away because the US

only need five points. Five European players will have played all five

matches, which I spoke to Darren Clarke about an two for the United

States, Reed and Spieth, and they are our first. Davis Love is the man

who was in charge at Medina and he's seen his team lose from four points

behind. He is naturally cautious, a little, here? That's quite good for

Europe and I see them fairly even Stevens. What Davis Love would like

to see one of its best players against someone not quite in form.

Europe need to have one of those days and this time the European side

isn't quite as strong as the US. They have a mountain to climb but it

is possible because we've seen it They have a mountain to climb but it

is possible because we've seen it happen before. Isil Ian Poulter

walking past and he said hey, we are in a better position than we were in

mid-ISO he still believes, that's for sure. You can see the singles

matches on Sunday evening from 11pm, the final 12 singles matches and it

will be repeated on Monday evening from BBC Two. It will be live on

Radio Five Live from four o'clock on Sunday. So much to look forward to.

The United States, 9.5-6.5 in front, I'm not sure if we're quite in

miracle country but Europe certainly need to produce some magic in

Minnesota. In a word, is the comeback possible with six rookies

in this side and the way things have gone so far? If they win here it

will be a greater thing than winning in a diner. It was a tough day but

it's always possible, a Ryder Cup always brings up something special.

It certainly will and I hope you will share it with us. In the

meantime we will draw breath and get ready for 12 pulsating singles

matches. From is all here at Hazeltine National, it's goodbye.

# You love it # You love it when I lose control

# You'll love it when I get you on my own

# You love it when I lose control JOHNNY CASH: # You can run on for