Ryder Cup: Saturday Morning Fourballs

Team USA will be looking to respond to getting swept in the afternoon foursomes from the day before. Captain Furyk will send out the same eight he sent in the first session. When asked if Woods/Reed’s loss gave the Europeans momentum into the afternoon session, Furyk said “I didn’t look at it as that was a big momentum boost”.

 

Europe USA Advantage
Garcia/McIlroy Match 9 Finau/Koepka Halve
Casey/Hatton Match 10 D Johnson/Fowler Team USA
Molinari/Fleetwood Match 11 Woods/Reed Team Europe
Poulter/Rahm Match 12 Thomas/Spieth Team USA

The Europe will try to keep up their momentum by putting out their team leader, Rory McIlroy, along with Ryder Cup veteran Sergio Garcia. Furyk will counter by send Tony Finau and Brooks Koepka back out first. Koepka’s putting my be the key to Team USA’s ability to get a point.

Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton will be up against the solid pairing of Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler. Team USA has a decided advantage in the match unless Casey carries the pair. Matches three and four will be the key to the day for both teams. Woods/Reed have to find a way not to get blown out against Molinari/Fleetwood. That pairing is the Europeans best pair.

In the last match, Thomas/Spieth will be the favorites on paper but the Europeans will respond with Ian Poulter and John Rahm. Poulter has been a thorn in the Americans side with his experience and ability to get up for the Ryder Cup. Like Koepka, if Spieth putts well, it will be a problem for the Europeans.

Prediction: USA 2.5  Team Europe 1.5

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