Ryder Cup 2018 - as it happened: Team Europe storm back to take lead against USA
Re-live all the thriling action from Le Golf National
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The 2018 Ryder Cup is underway and what a turnaround we've seen. The United States took the early lead with a dominant display in the morning but Europe bounced back in the afternoon foursomes.
The visitors at Le Golf National led 3-1 after the morning fourballs after Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson all impressed on their way to victories over their European foes. But the hosts came roaring back in the afternoon taking all four matches to completely swing the contest and seize the momentum heading into Saturday
Here's how it all unfolded:
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
Preview
What time does it start?
It all gets underway at 12.30pm on Friday morning with the opening fourballs.
Where can I watch it?
The whole tournament is being broadcast on Sky Sports Golf. You can also stream it online via SkyGo. It is also available on NowTV.
For those without access to any of those The Independent will be live blogging the entire weekend.
Who's playing?
Some of the very best golfers on the planet. Tiger Woods leads the American team while new world number one Justin Rose is Europe's leading light.
Who's going to win?
USA Evens
Europe 5/4
Draw 11/1
Tommy Fleetwood & Francesco Molinari (1UP) vs Justin Thomas & Jordan Spieth
It looked like the two teams had settled for a birdie a piece at the par-5 third but Justin Thomas has just missed the shortest of putts for the half. He'll have a hard time forgetting that one.
Justin Rose & Henrik Stenson (2UP) vs Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler
Absolutely no chance for Fowler to get out of that rough. He's dragged it horribly and only just made it out of that long grass. This should be another hole to the good for the Europeans.
Rory McIlroy & Ian Poulter vs Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (1UP)
Simpson narrowly misses at the sixth and McIlroy now has a chance to get a shot back. He's struggled to hole anything today but this one obeys and he gives the crowd an almighty roar. Maybe this will kick-start him. It's back to one.
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren (2UP) vs Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau
Both teams are safely on the green at the third and first up it's Alex Noren. It's good enough for a gimme but it opens the door to DeChambeau who's been beleaguered by Mickelson's terrible start. It skirts the lip and there's a chance gone the Californians.
Justin Rose & Henrik Stenson (3UP) vs Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler
And there it is. The Americans can only muster a bogey and Rose and Stenson steam on.
Sergio Garcia & Alex Noren (2UP) vs Phil Mickelson & Bryson DeChambeau
Brilliant shot by Alex Noren at the fifth. Sergio Garcia fired it straight down the middle and the Swede's approach is similarly unswerving and stops just short of the pin.
Justin Rose & Henrik Stenson (3UP) vs Dustin Johnson & Rickie Fowler
A big chance missed by Dustin Johnson there on the eighth. Stenson missed to the left of the green and he only had about 10 feet for the hole after a great shot by Fowler but it's lipped out. He fist-bumps Fowler but that one will have hurt.
Rory McIlroy & Ian Poulter vs Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson (A/S)
The Americans have run into similar trouble at the driveable par-4 seventh as Johnson and Fowler. They too can only make bogey and it's a free run for McIlroy and Poulter to level things up.
Rory McIlroy & Ian Poulter (1UP) vs Bubba Watson & Webb Simpson
Webb Simpson's tee-shot at the par-3 soared wide and although Bubba Watson did recover well Simpson couldn't finish the up-and-down and that's a bogey. McIlroy has hit it right into the heart of the green though and it's a simple two-putt for the pair to take the lead for the first time.
Every group out there is blue!
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments