By Dennis Miller
The funny thing is, at the beginning of the first day of the Ryder Cup, had you given me the option of a 5-3 at the end of the first day, I would have jumped at it.
The difference in emotions on how the day played out was way different. After taking the morning Foursomes – an event that plagues the United States – 4-0, illusions of all but wrapping up the Cup overwhelmed my patriotic mind.
I had 7-1 at the end of the day as I wrote my Four-Ball preview. Shame on me for my rose-colored glasses and assuming the Euros were toast. Instead the battled back like the champions they are and took the afternoon 3-1.
Now we head into Day 2 with no sure idea how it will play out, which is the way it should be! We start with Foursomes again and end with Four-Ball again, before the singles on Sunday.
Here’s my breakdown for the Foursomes in the morning and much like heading into Friday, if we can go 2-2, I will take it.
Rickie Fowler/Phil Mickelson vs. Rory McIlroy/Thomas Pieters
Well, I thought there was no way Fowler and Mickelson would beat McIlroy and Andy Sullivan in the morning and they went out and did 1-up. I just don’t see the magic today as they can be erratic. I really hope and would honestly be glad to be wrong, but got to go with Europe. USA 5, Europe 4.
Brandt Snedeker/Brooks Koepka vs. Henrik Stenson/Matt Fitzpatrick
This is an America pairing that I think is suited for this format, but they face, obviously Stenson and his rookie partner making his debut in Fitzpatrick. I don’t hold much rookie stock by this point, but really like the American duo. The power of Koepka, complimented by the grace and experience of Snedeker gives me a good feeling. USA 6, Europe 4.
Jimmy Walker/Zach Johnson vs. Justin Rose/Chris Wood
This will be very interesting as a very savvy, experienced US team takes on a Euro vet and his rookie partner. I can never count out Rose in any competition, but I like the US pair and I think they get it done again Saturday. USA 7, Europe 4.
Patrick Reed/Jordan Spieth vs. Sergio Garcia/ Rafa Cabrera-Bello
A classic match between the emotional US pair and the emotional leader of the Euros in Garcia. What a great anchor match and I was totally let down by the US pair the afternoon Friday. As much as I want to think they right the ship, I can’t and going with the Spanish duo here. USA 7, Europe 5.