By Dennis Miller
It was imperative the European team came out strong in Foursomes in the opening round of the Ryder Cup and take what figured to be an enthusiastic American crowd, out of their excitement.
Yeah, well about that. Normally a team that struggles in Foursomes, the American were on point Friday morning, whitewashing the Euros by a stunning 4-0 margin.
Next up today is the Four-Ball competition an event where the Americanās usually soar. But the key here is the Americanās need to keep their foot on the gas as Europe needs a minimum of a 2-2 spilt or this Cup is over!
Here is a breakdown of the afternoon matches.
Jordan Spieth/Patrick Reed vs. Justin Rose/Henrik Stenson
A rematch from the morning and while I expect the Euros to be better here, you have to live the combo of Spieth and Reed who have never lost in Ryder Cup play. When Spieth is playing well there is no one, not even Stenson, that is going to beat him. USA 5, Europe 0
J.B. Holmes/Ryan Moore vs. Sergio Garcia/Rafael Carera-Bello
If there is a person to rile up the European team, it is Garcia. Along with the non-playing Ian Poulter, Garcia has been an emotional leader in his years on the team. But wow, Holmes the bomber and Ryan Moore, who has been playing as well as anyone on the US team, playing together. I fully expect the boys from America to light this up. USA 6, Europe 0
Brandt Snedeker/Brooks Koepka vs. Martin Kaymer/Danny Willett
Maybe the key match of the entire weekend as everyone will be watching to see how Willett ā the winner of the Masters this year ā comes out. Willetts older brother sent out a nasty message about the American fans the other day and it has seemingly fired up the crowd. Everyone on the European team denounced the message, but in an emotional sporting event, fans will latch on the any motivational messages they can get. If Willett has a tough time dealing with what is surely to be a hostile environment, it could crush the entire team. But if he comes out and plays like he can, it may be a rallying point for Europe. I am betting he plays well and Europe gets it first point. USA 6, Europe 1
Dustin Johnson/Matt Kuchar vs. Rory McIlroy/Thomas Pieter
McIlroy thrives on the fear he can strike into opponents and he is certainly playing well right now as he won the Tour Championship recently. But make no mistake about it, he wonāt intimidate DJ, one of the few players on the Tour that has the potential to consistently hit by McIlroy. Kuchar is just so consistent that the US figures to always have a ball in play. Got to with the Red, White and Blue. USA 7, Europe 1.