Getty ImagesKeegan Bradley and Phil Mickelson were among those who joined for the home team.
MEDINAH - Keegan Bradley could not have done much better in his Ryder Cup debut, winning his two matches on Friday with Phil Mickelson.
Bradley's victory and Mickelson 2 and 1 on Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, Europe's first team, gave the Americans a 4-2 lead, which would end up 5-3. Previously, Bradley and Mickelson beat Sergio Garcia and Luke Donald, prescribing the Europeans their first defeat in foursomes.
It is the first time that Mickelson has won two matches in a day in Ryder Cup play. The pairing was so successful that Bradley joked that he wished they could play another 36 holes.
Bradley scored four birdies to overcome along with Mickelson by 4 and 3 to Garcia and Donald. It was the first defeat of the Europeans in the game alternated; together were 4-0 and Garcia a record of 8-0-1 throughout his career.
"The deployed some of the best plays and escort was a remarkable experience," said Mickelson. "I love playing with him.'s Fun, loves the game and plays with great enthusiasm."
When Bradley holed the winning putt hit a scream that was heard across the grounds of Medinah Country Club as his caddy wielded the rod with the flag stick as Drum Major. Bradley closed his fist and hugged his partner.
"It was one of the most memorable days of my life," enthused Bradley.
The U.S. captain, Davis Love III, the duo sent the afternoon to face McIlroy and McDowell in fourballs.
"You need to have the momentum in favor and unfortunately did not get today," admitted Garcia.
Neither did Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker, who were in trouble from the first tee and were at a disadvantage of 2 and 1 vs. Ian Poulter and Justin Rose to their third straight loss in match play. But the two had little time to mourn the defeat as they went to face Nicolas Colsaerts and Lee Westwood in the final match of the afternoon.
The European captain Jose Maria Olazabal sent McIlroy, the world number one, and McDowell, who hit the winning shot two years ago in the first round in the hope of an early lead his team. He took the lead from 3 up to 12 holes and Europe surpassed that point in four games.
But Bradley and his enthusiasm infected Mickelson Americans. Jason Dufner with Zach Johnson matched his meeting with Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari and then went on to win by 3 and 2.
Finally, in foursomes, Europe and the United States were tied 2-2, before fourballs later disputed.
In foursomes results were:
Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, Europe, defeated Jim Furyk and Brandt Snedeker, of the United States, 1 up
Phil Mickelson and Keegan Bradley, of the United States, Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia, Europe, 4 and 3
Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson of the United States, Lee Westwood and Francesco Molinari, Europe, 3 and 2.
Ian Poulter and Justin Rose, Europe, Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker, United States, 2 and 1.
No hay comentarios:
Publicar un comentario