Ryder Cup 2018 - as it happened: Team Europe storm back to take lead against USA
Re-live all the thriling action from Le Golf National
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The 2018 Ryder Cup is underway and what a turnaround we've seen. The United States took the early lead with a dominant display in the morning but Europe bounced back in the afternoon foursomes.
The visitors at Le Golf National led 3-1 after the morning fourballs after Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson all impressed on their way to victories over their European foes. But the hosts came roaring back in the afternoon taking all four matches to completely swing the contest and seize the momentum heading into Saturday
Here's how it all unfolded:
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
Preview
What time does it start?
It all gets underway at 12.30pm on Friday morning with the opening fourballs.
Where can I watch it?
The whole tournament is being broadcast on Sky Sports Golf. You can also stream it online via SkyGo. It is also available on NowTV.
For those without access to any of those The Independent will be live blogging the entire weekend.
Who's playing?
Some of the very best golfers on the planet. Tiger Woods leads the American team while new world number one Justin Rose is Europe's leading light.
Who's going to win?
USA Evens
Europe 5/4
Draw 11/1
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren (4UP) vs Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau
And it goes to four. Garcia and Noren won't believe their luck. This new US partnership is disintegrating and it's hard not to feel sorry for DeChambeau on his rookie appearance. He doesn't even come close with a putt to half at six.
Tommy Fleetwood & Francesco Molinari (2UP) vs Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth
Both groups are stuggling at the fifth but Tommy Fleetwood has just rolled in a huge putt from 20ft+ for an unlikely par to increase the lead to two.
Jonathan Liew on that putt:
Hard to underestimate just how important that clutch putt was for Fleetwood and Europe. Put in a bind by his playing partner, Spieth standing hungrily over an eight-footer, and you do that in your first Ryder Cup? Come on, now.
There's little for the Americans too get excited about out there at the moment...
Justin Rose & Henrik Stenson (3UP) vs Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler
It's a poor chip by Stenson from the side of the ninth green and Fowler has a chance to win the hole here but again they let it slip. Rose holes the return and that's an important half at the turn.
Rory McIlroy & Ian Poulter (1UP) vs Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson
More trouble for the Americans here as Watson's drive finds the rough and Simpson's recovery is equally poor. Should be another hole to the good for McIlroy and Poulter here and that would be four in a row!
Tommy Fleetwood & Francesco Molinari (2UP) vs Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth
'Fleetinari' is on fire here. It may have taken Fleetwood a while to get going this morning but he's come out like a sprinter for the foursomes. He has another good chance for birdie thanks to Molinari and he just can't miss. What a pairing this has turned out to be.
Rory McIlroy & Ian Poulter (1UP) vs Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson
Yep, Watson misses the par-putt and the Europeans are now two ahead at the turn after an ominous start.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments