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
Molinari & Fleetwood vs Woods & Reed (2UP)
And now the final American pair make their move. Patrick Reed gets his chance to antagonise the home crowd as he chips in for birdie on twelve and neither Molinari or Fleetwood can retaliate.
Casey & Hatton vs Spieth & Thomas (1UP)
Could Casey really lead this pair to the unlikeliest of comebacks? Tyrrell Hatton hasn't managed to contribute much but Casey's approach on twelve leaves just a short tap-in for birdie and suddenly they're only one hole adrift.
McIlroy & Olesen v Johnson & Fowler (3UP)
This one's pretty much over. McIlroy and Olesen have never got going today and you get the impression that Dustin Johnson's birdie on thirteen has closed this one out.
Rose & Rahm (1UP) vs Koepka & Finau
Koepka and Finau both miss wildly off the tee on the long par-5 fourteenth which has given Rahm and Rose some valuable breathing room. Both Americans recover to get near the green in two but their third shots are still some way from the hole and it's a big opportunity for Rahm and Rose here.
Molinari & Fleetwood vs Woods & Reed (1UP)
Finally something happens for Molinari! Just as it looked as though this match might be getting away the Italian drains a 20ft birdie putt on the par-3 eleventh and the lead is back to one.
Rose & Rahm (1UP) vs Koepka & Finau
That's a huge chance missed there for Rahm and Rose. They only needed a birdie on the par-5 but Rahm's putt spins all the way around the lip of the hole and somehow stays out. If they don't win this match, that's the moment it got away.
Casey & Hatton vs Spieth & Thomas (A/S)
And now Tyrrell Hatton steps up on the twelfth. His approach from the fairway drops sits like a stone by the pin and it's a routine birdie-putt to win the hole. Casey and Hatton have now won three holes in a row against the American major champions. What a turnaround.
McIlroy & Olesen v Johnson & Fowler (3UP)
McIlroy is getting disgruntled down on the fourteenth as his approach fades away from the hole but Olesen makes a marvellous recovery to give himself a good birdie chance.
Molinari & Fleetwood vs Woods & Reed (A/S)
And Molinari does it again. What a hole the twelfth is turning out to be for the Europeans. The Italian's approach stops dead and, although Tommy Fleetwood's birdie putt glides by, Molinari never looked like missing. Woods and Reed are off the boil and the match is all square.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments