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2nd October 2016
03:57pm BST
The pendulum quickly swung the other way late in the afternoon however as three matches which the Europeans were more than capable of taking points from seemed to instantly fall out of their grasp.
Westwood, who had been in fine form throughout the afternoon, missed two clutch putts on 17 & 18 as he and Danny Willett fell at the final hurdle against J.B. Holmes and Ryan Moore. Martin Kaymer and Garcia also fell apart late in the round and despite some top-class ball-striking, they just couldn’t hole the putts required to get it done.
The only real positive that Darren Clarke could take from the afternoon was yet another fine performance from McIlroy and Pieters who have become a real force in the European side, beating another American powerhouse in the form of Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka to remain unbeaten in their campaign so far.
McIlroy has embraced his role as the inspirational light for the Europeans. It’s not just the fact that he’s at the top of his game right now. Tee-to-green he’s been typically flawless while his putting is better than we’ve ever seen it. But it’s the passion he’s demonstrating that makes his play such a joy to watch.
It’s almost reminiscent of Ian Poulter at Medinah four years ago. No good shot is played without him letting out an emotional roar. No clutch putt is sank without him exhibiting a Tigeresque fist-pump. This is as fired-up as we’ve ever seen Rory McIlroy. He’s there to win, and he’s leading by example.
Pieters has also been something of a revelation over the last three days. Although many people questioned Darren Clarke's choice when he selected him as a wildcard pick a few weeks ago, he’s repaid his faith in the only way he knows how; by making birdies. He’s gelled perfectly with McIlroy and anyone who’s watched him play over the weekend can clearly see that he’s got all the signs of a future major winner. It’s a question of when he’ll win one, rather than if.
For Europe to win today it will take some real guts. They have to dig deep and channel every bit of negative energy they’re getting from the American crowd and use it as fuel to ignite a fire at Hazeltine.
As we saw yesterday, team golf is all about momentum. Those who go out early must set the tone for the rest of the afternoon by not just winning their matches, but by winning with flair.
The American crowd has played as big a part of the 41st Ryder Cup as the players. It’s one of the things we love about the competition. The noise and the atmosphere makes it such a special event but it can be a hostile environment and it’s not easy being the away team. When American fans are rattled however, they tend to get very quiet very quickly. This will be key.
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McIlroy is the perfect person to go out first. If he takes down Patrick Reed, who has become a hero for the American side in his own right, it will be a huge blow to the Americans. McIlroy vs. Reed will be a game of emotion as much as a game of golf. Rory will be looking to silence the hecklers early, and it’s going to make for some quality viewing if he can.
Other experienced players such as Henrik Stenson, Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood have to up their game if we’re to have a chance. Too many putts were missed yesterday and it’s not acceptable at this level.
Darren Clarke knows the monumental task face but he also knows it’s been done before. Nobody has forgotten about what happened in Medinah four years ago, or what happened in Brookline in 1999. The European players will take promise in knowing that a comeback such as this is not impossible. But it’s time for them to put their hand up and take their chances.
This is a strong American team. Nothing will be handed to the Europeans. Chances have to be taken. Experienced players have to step up to the plate and inspire the younger players through their play.
If they can do this, well, on any given Sunday, any team can win.
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