Ever-ready Tommy Fleetwood makes Jose Maria Olazabal's Ryder Cup prediction come true
Tommy Fleetwood was due to be the penultimate Europe player on the course and as he finished his preparations, Jose Maria Olazabal delivered the inspirational pep talk. Fleetwood took in everything the Spanish legend said, before quipping: “Hopefully, it will all be over by then.”
Olazabal laughed before swivelling on his feet and saying: “But your point might be needed, Tommy. Be ready.” Fleetwood was ready all right. He was acting as the perfect safety net as the eyes of Marco Simone diverted in his direction, standing one up after 15 against Rickie Fowler. And with the home side on 14 points and requiring only a half to reclaim the Ryder Cup, it became obvious that the 11th match could be the one and the drivable par-four 16th could be the hole.
Fowler hit it in the water while Fleetwood magically, if not a bit recklessly, conjured a three-wood to 15 feet. It was basically settled at that moment. Fleetwood duly went two up and, with two holes remaining, he was guaranteed the half. The Englishman held his arms aloft and on the 18th, Luke Donald celebrated with the bulk of his team.
In many respects, it was an anticlimactic moment of glory, but every captain in the history of this event will confirm that – in this setting, where anxieties rage and momentum threatens to engulf – anti-climax happens to be wonderful. It means that your players have completed their job early and left their rivals stranded with golfers still out on the course.
Thus it was on this occasion, with Shane Lowry finishing off his match against Jordan Spieth with a half and, in the anchor role, the impressive rookie Bob MacIntyre striding clear of US Open champion Wyndham Clark with a 2&1 success. MacIntyre had been bereft of a hug on the 17th, with the party already in full swing around the final green. There were sighs of relief.
They thought it would be done well before 5pm after going into the singles at 10½-5½, requiring just four points. The mood was as if Europe had won by a whisker. But if they had, then it was a long whisker. They stormed to a 4-0 lead in Friday’s opening foursomes, stretched it to 6½-1½ by the end of that first day and then retained this five-point lead all the way to the line.
Of course, there were instances in the battle when the blue-and-gold fears would suddenly rise and a nightmare scenario would begin to make sense. The memory of the “Miracle of Medinah” was constantly in the backdrop, of how Europe came from being 10-4 down on the Saturday afternoon, and 10-6 that evening, at a forbidding Chicago layout, to prevail 14½-13½. If Europe could do it, so could the US.
Indeed, if the US emulated that particular Sunday – 8½-3½ – the contest would be a draw and Zach Johnson’s men would retain the cup. However, that was a “miracle” and this was to be no Resurrection in Rome, no Lazarus in Lazio. Not when the Ryder Cup has since become even more skewed by home bias – with the influence of the hostile support now just as important as the course set-up – that the last five matches since Medinah have essentially been blow-outs.
Maybe this did not qualify as a walkover. Yet five points is a sizeable gap. To be frank, Team USA seem as far away from winning on foreign soil as they ever have in the past three decades. By the time they return back across the Atlantic in 2027 at Adare Manor in Co Limerick their barren run will have stretched to 34 years. For the powerhouse of the sport that will be incredibly humbling, however bullish their statements. Before that, we have Bethpage, the New York venue in 2025. That will be a bear pit and could easily get out of hand.
If Europe are to triumph in the hostility of that arena, then their youngsters will need to fulfill all the potential they showed this week – and then some. Donald, a wise and exceptionally prepared captain, put his three highest-ranked performers out in the first four matches to quell the resistance. Leading the way Jon Rahm enjoyed a tremendous tussle with Scottie Scheffler – the world No 1 who was left in tears on Saturday after he and five-time major winner Brooks Koepka lost in the foursomes 9&7, the biggest defeat in the cup’s history – with the Spaniard birdieing the last for a half.
In the second match, world No 4 Viktor Hovland stamped all over his former college rival Collin Morikawa, the 4&3 drubbing never in doubt. Then came world No 2 Rory Mcilroy and, after the extraordinary argument with caddie Joe LaCava, the Northern Irishman was fully pumped up as he saw off Sam Burns 3&1. McIlroy finished as the top scorer with four points, the first time he has claimed this honour. Vindication. LaCava tried to apologise to McIlroy face to face Sunday morning, for his bizarre and wildly inappropriate behaviour on the 18th on Saturday night after Patrick Cantlay had holed a putt. McIlroy was trying to line up his putt as the 68-year-old dancer in front of him. The dispute became uglier still in the car park and the game of golf is thankful no blows were thrown. Except it did add some needle and as the last hours approached the tension grew.
It was a mirage, however. Tyrrell Hatton beat Open champion Brian Harman 3&2 to reach the 14-point mark and, despite the lower half of the scoreboard monopolised by US colours, it was just a question of when and who. Step forward, Tommy, with a shot completely deserving of being the match-winner. Europe’s magical week was full of them.
Ryder Cup singles day: Fleetwood finishes what Hovland and McIlroy started – as it happened
05:44 PM BST
Spieth admits PGA Tour scheduling may not have been ideal
Hard to say. It’s kind of a hypothetical. You know, clearly our start Friday, the entire day Friday, was not what we were looking to do. And it’s really hard to come back in on away game when you fall so far behind. I’ve been a part of that before.
So I would say like, you know, I think if you ask -- I think maybe if I rephrase the question, if you asked us when we would like to play the Ryder Cup relative to our schedule, I think we would probably say, give us a week after THE TOUR Championship or two weeks after and then go, instead of five.
05:44 PM BST
Scheffler on bouncing back from his tears on Saturday
I was as emotional after the round because I care a lot about this tournament. It’s one of my favourite tournaments of the year. These team events are tough to beat. Like the guys said, this felt like the closest group of guys that we’ve had. And at the time I felt like I was letting these guys down. I was put out in the morning to get a point, and so far I had played in three matches and felt like we had a good chance of getting a point on Friday, and then we went out Saturday morning and just wasn’t able to get much momentum going. And it was pretty tough.
05:14 PM BST
Jon Rahm on being compared to Seve by Olazabal
“I don’t think any of us can put it into words.
“Two years ago was a really bad defeat and we never really had a chance. We came into a home one with the added pressure of not having lost in 30 years.
“To come out today and struggle but to come out with a victory is so special. So far this one is the most special.”
“Ole (vice-captain Jose-Maria Olazabal) handed me the biggest compliment I ever had on Friday, he had tears in his eyes, and said ‘You reminded me of someone today’.”
05:08 PM BST
The trophy has been lifted!
05:03 PM BST
Europe are about to be presented with the trophy
Chants of “two more years, two more years!” from the players as Luke Donald goes up to speak. Could be tasked with going for a home-away double at Bethpage Black in 2025?
“Two More Years” .. @LukeDonald
We all hope so, that would be fantastic. 🤞🏼🇪🇺— Eddie Pepperell (@PepperellEddie) October 1, 2023
04:59 PM BST
The two teams line up to shake hands at the closing ceremony
There does not seem any obvious sign of tension and animosity, maybe the European players have been chilled out by the champagne. A number of them actually looked please to be able to chat to guys they are close mates with week-to-week. Patrick Cantlay is getting married in Rome tomorrow, so he best get an early night.
04:50 PM BST
Lowry on the most stressful day of his life
It’s been the greatest week of my life. I’ve been so lucky to do what I’ve done in my game, and to be honest, those last few hours were the most stressful four hours of my life. Me, Tommy and Bob joked this morning, hopefully it doesn’t come down to us, and it did, and thankfully Tommy did the business and the rest was just celebration.
04:47 PM BST
The champagne is out...
04:45 PM BST
MacIntyre on winning his singles match
I struggled the first day, but thankfully Luke put me back out the second day and I kind of gave them back something with the two putts near the end. Today I was flying. I didn’t hole many putts but I was flying, and then I wobbled a little bit but then just managed to get over the line.
04:38 PM BST
Justin Thomas was still doffing imaginary caps even when the Ryder Cup had gone
04:33 PM BST
Johnson unintentionally amusing with his choice of cliché
Take your hat off to Team Europe and to Luke, they deserved it and were very impressive. We got outplayed but we showed heart and grit today and it got interesting for a while today.
Some poor decision maybe I can reflect on - I have no idea yet. I don’t even know where I’d start or end. It’s too fresh, too raw. My competitive juices are flowing.
04:30 PM BST
Fleetwood on speaking
I’m so proud. We have an amazing group of people, we always do. This year has been very different and the landscape has changed for Team Europe but I couldn’t wish for a better bunch of people to do with this.
We are one gigantic family and the bonds you make last a lifetime. This is just so cool.
04:28 PM BST
Luke Donald speaking to Sky
I am pretty emotional. It’s been a long process, an amazing journey and I have really enjoyed this one.
It was stressful as the US put up a fight today so hats off to them. But I am so proud of my 12 guys. We formed a bond from day one and they gave me everything. They trusted me and they delivered for me.
We started off great, which was what we needed. Then a few matches changed to red. We kept looking at the board and thinking, where will we find 14 and a half points?
But we always had some guys at the back that looked good so it’s not going to be quite as close as I thought it might be.
04:27 PM BST
The celebrations are just starting
04:26 PM BST
Some gloss has been added to the scoreline...
Spieth won the 18th against Lowry to pinch half a point, but Bob MacIntyre has won the bottom match against Wydham Clark so the final score stands at Europe 16½ USA 11½.
04:22 PM BST
Looks like one punter needed to cool off
We got a loose one pic.twitter.com/bQQdGeba10
— Riggs (@RiggsBarstool) October 1, 2023
04:18 PM BST
It is now official...Europe have won the 44th Ryder Cup
Fowler concedes to Tommy Fleetwood and he has now won his match 3&1, meaning Europe move to 15 points. He is embraced by a tearful Jose Maria Olazabal. He jokes he was “hoping it didn’t come down to us” near the end of the singles draw.
04:10 PM BST
Lowry has won the 17th to go one up on Jordan Spieth!
This really is all over now and the European party is starting. Lowry and Spieth both hit poor tee shots left on the par five, but Lowry gets up and down by pouring in a putt from 20 feet.
He had no interest in playing things down or keeping his composure, Lowry rushed to the arms of his team-mates and looks like the happiest man in the world. You get the sense nobody enjoys this as much as Lowry does.
04:05 PM BST
Fleetwood finishes the job - EUROPE HAVE WON THE RYDER CUP*
*Almost...
Fleetwood lags his putt down and does the necessary to win the hole and go two up with two to play against Fowler.
That means Europe are guaranteed half a point and will win the Ryder Cup, but it will not go on the scoreboard until the match is over.
Europe set to win Ryder Cup as Tommy Fleetwood goes 2up with two play against Fowler! 🏆🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/mB70Be3z3A
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) October 1, 2023
04:03 PM BST
Fowler has found the water on the 16th!
Tries to take on the green with driver but over-cuts it, and that is a watery grave.
Fleetwood, for some reason, takes it on as well but absolutely nails his three wood into the heart of the green.
He will have two putts to go two up with two to play and effectively win Europe the Ryder Cup.
03:58 PM BST
Thomas and Straka's approaches on 18..
Thomas is in the fairway bunker so has no option but to lay up and leave himself a wedge in, and he makes a good job of it.
Straka takes on the green with a fairway wood but leaks it right, but the greenside bunker is not a bad place to be with room to work with.
03:57 PM BST
Lowry gets back to AS against Spieth!
Lowry plays a delightful pitch to within gimme range on the short par four 16th, before Spieth gets too cute with his and leaves it in the rough! Spieth made a game attempt at holing the next one for a half, but no luck. Lowry on terms again.
AS: Shane Lowry v Jordan Spieth thru 16
03:53 PM BST
To the 18th...
The door might be opening for Straka against Thomas, and Straka stripes his drive on the par five right down the fairway while Thomas finds the left rough.
Back at the 14th, MacIntyre has missed a tiddler against Wyndham Clark, so the bottom match is all square.
On the 15th, Fleetwood missed a chance to win the hole so Fowler remains within one.
How the bottom three matches stand:
USA 1UP: Shane Lowry v Jordan Spieth thru 15
Europe 1UP: Tommy Fleetwood v Rickie Fowler thru 15
AS: Robert MacIntyre v Wyndham Clark 14
03:49 PM BST
Thomas misses a putt to win the match v Straka
From 12 feet or so on the par three 17th, so the Austrian will take him down the last. If Straka wins that hole, Europe will win the Ryder Cup.
Back at the 16th, Schauffele has taken USA to 10 points by beating Hojgaard 3&2.
There are now four matches remaining on the course and there is no more than one hole separating any of them.
03:44 PM BST
Jordan Spieth wins the 15th to lead again v Lowry
He walks in his sixth birdie of the day, which is some going given there was a spell on Friday when he could not hit his hat. He is deadly on the greens when that putter warms up. Europe have just two one up leads to their name now.
USA 1UP: Shane Lowry v Jordan Spieth thru 15
03:40 PM BST
What a moment from Sepp Straka!
He chips in for eagle at the short par four 16th to move within one hole of Justin Thomas. The American’s pitch in reply was short of pace. Could one of Donald’s rookies deliver the crucial half a point?
USA 1UP: Sepp Straka v Justin Thomas thru 15
03:37 PM BST
The key bottom five matches...this is how things stand
USA 2UP: Sepp Straka v Justin Thomas thru 15
USA 2UP: Nicolai Hojgaard v Xander Schauffele thru 15
AS: Shane Lowry v Jordan Spieth thru 14
Europe 1UP: Tommy Fleetwood v Rickie Fowler thru 14
Europe 1UP: Robert MacIntyre v Wyndham Clark 13
03:35 PM BST
Lowry back to AS against Spieth!
What a fightback from the Irishman who was three down early. It means Europe now have three matches where they are all square or better...and they only need to avoid defeat in one. The scoreboard is getting closer but Donald’s men remain in control.
03:33 PM BST
Homa gets up and down to win the match!
His fourth after the penalty was a good one and gave him a chance of salvaging a five.
Fitzpatrick had a putt for a four - which was a putt to win the Ryder Cup - but it slipped by on the right.
Home then faced a six-footed to keep the matches alive...and he held his nerve to drain it. A defiant fist pump from Homa, who beats Fitzpatrick one up.
Further back on the course, Brooks Koepka has closed out his match against Aberg. So USA now have nine points.
🗣️ "He's been the best American player by some distance."
Max Homa claims a point for USA 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/evodUvTT7y— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) October 1, 2023
03:26 PM BST
Very good effort from Fitzpatrick...and Homa takes an unplayable from the hay
It is a dicey pitch down two tiers, with the final 20 feet very fast. Fitzpatrick’s shot needed a little more gas, but gets to within 12 or 14 feet. More the holeable for a putter of his class.
Homa is in some cabbage near the back lip of the greenside bunker, so is taking an uplayable. That will mean a stroke penalty, so he is now playing for.
Fitzpatrick could be about to win Europe the Ryder Cup!
03:20 PM BST
Fitzpatrick could seal the deal in the next 10 minutes
Could this be the moment Europe clinch it? If Fiztpatrick wins the 18th, he will pinch half a point having been two down after 10. Europe will move to the magic 14.5 points.
Both players found the fairway on the closing par five, but bailed out right away from the water. Homa was further offline than Fitzpatrick through and may well have the more difficult third.
03:18 PM BST
Shane Lowry has closed the gap on Spieth
Four birdies in five holes to get back to just one down.
Crucially, Fleetwood and MacIntyre have both won holes in the last 10 minutes to get themselves some breathing space.
Europe 2UP: Tommy Fleetwood v Rickie Fowler thru 12
Europe 2UP: Robert MacIntyre v Wyndham Clark 11
Europe need just one of that pair to avoid defeat to lift the Ryder Cup. And that is on the assumption USA convert all of their leads to wins.
03:15 PM BST
Rory has been doing his homework
Great stuff from Rory greenside on 17 after closing out his match, on how he has dealt with the fallout from last night. Says he got up and read Marcus Aurelius. “I’m a big follower of Stoicism.”
03:13 PM BST
Result: Europe reach 14 points thanks to Hatton's 3&2 victory over Harman
The point is sealed by a magnificent up and down from the greenside bunker on the short par four 16th, and Harman’s putt for birdie slips by the hole which means it is time for the handshakes. Hatton lets out a roar of relief as much as celebration.
Europe now half a point away from victory.
03:10 PM BST
How things stand..
You would expect Hatton to finish the job at two up with three to play against Harman, and then Europe just need another half a point.
However, Koepka, Spieth, Schauffele and Thomas are all winning their matches lower down the order.
Fleetwood and MacIntyre are winning in the bottom two matches, but their lead is just one up. As things stand, it will come down to those bottom two matches.
03:07 PM BST
An emotional McIlroy on finding motivation from last night's scenes
I needed that to fuel me today and not let it take away from a great week. I felt like I used it to my advantage. I feel the whole team came out here with a different level of focus and determination. In a way, it lit a fire under the bellies of the whole team. I so wanted to win another point for Europe.
Ever since Whistling Straits, I was so disappointed in my performance there so to come here to Rome and get four points for the team means a lot to me and hopefully we can just get it done.
I feel like it’s a great bounceback for us after what happened. It’s an incredible team, a young team and one that will be around for a long time, The support has been unbelievable.
03:05 PM BST
Ridiculous course management from Homa at the 16th
Having watched Fiztpatrick find the water on the short par four, Homa did exactly the same thing by slicing his driver. Surely it was calling out for a four iron for position? I’m not sure how much hair Zach Johnson has, but he will be pulling what’s left of it out. Bovine from Homa, and ego-driven too. It means Fitzpatrick escapes with a half in bogeys and keeps alive the chance of victory.
USA 1UP: Matt Fitzpatrick v Max Homa thru 16
03:00 PM BST
Result: McIlroy beats Burns 3&1...Europe to within 1½ points of victory
It was another towering iron short into the par 17th, all over the pin after Burns had fanned his tee shot to the right. After the American failed to make a three, he told McIlroy to pick up and that seals Europe’s second full point of the day.
Europe now have 13 points.
02:54 PM BST
Result: Cantlay sinks Rose 2&1
The man everyone was out to get this morning has silenced the critics. Cantlay may have been a touch lucky with the tee shot, but that trusty putter did the rest to close the door on Rose. Rose’s first putt was right on line but short of pace. USA move to seven points
Europe need McIlroy and Hatton to close their matches out, and then avoid defeat in one more match.
02:52 PM BST
Burns wins the 17th!
Marvellous chip from a tight line from Burns and the putt was a gimme, conceded by McIlroy.
McIlroy left himself about 10 feet for the half...but the putt misses on the low side, breaking left to right.
Burns now two down with two to play.
Europe 2UP: Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns thru 16
02:51 PM BST
Cantlay rides his luck on the 17th...
I’m not sure he got all of that iron shot, but it kicks in off the bank and rolls to within 20 feet of the hole on the par three. Rose’s tee shot was right on line, but comes up half a club shy. The man himself says he caught it a “little heavy”. Still, Rose will have a putt at it.
02:49 PM BST
McIlroy with an arrow straight tee shot at the 16th
A three wood makes the journey on the short par four, and even though he is in the first cut of rough McIlroy will have a simple enough pitch up the green. Burns’ drive was also on a fantastic line, but runs through into a collection area beyond the green. The up and down is doable but tricky from there. McIlroy just needs a half to close out the match.
02:42 PM BST
Rose's putter keeps him alive again v Cantlay
With Cantlay driving the green on the short par four 16th and lagging his eagle putt up to within a couple of feet, Rose’s birdie putt from nearly 20 feet was realistically for a half.
And it dropped straight through the front door with perfect pace! Rose raises an arm towards the crowd again. The hole is halved in three, and Rose is just one down with two to play.
USA 1UP: Justin Rose v Patrick Cantlay thru 16
This match is so tense but still time for humour. Cantlay being serenaded on every hole with a variation on a theme. “It’s all about the money, money, money... you just want more money, money, money... Patrick Cantlay! Patrick Cantlay!” is a favourite. The American so far taking it in his stride but if Rose levels...
02:37 PM BST
Burns and McIlroy trade birdies at the 15th
No quarter given on one of the toughest holes on the course, with both players making rare threes. It means McIlroy cannot be beaten and is assured of at least half a point at three up with three to play.
Europe 3UP: Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns thru 15
Back at the 13th, Aberg has made a pig’s ear of the short hole and Koepka is now three up in that match.
USA 3UP: Ludvig Aberg v Brooks Koepka thru 13
02:33 PM BST
Hatton moves to three up!
That’s his second win in three holes, and the birdie at the par three 13th means Hatton is now three up with five holes to play against Harman.
Europe 3UP: Tyrrell Hatton v Brian Harman thru 13
02:31 PM BST
What a moment for Justin Rose!
The emotion comes pouring out of Rose after he nails a 15-footer to reel Cantlay back to just 1UP, turning to fist pump the crowd. This promises to be a grandstand finish over the closing three holes.
USA 1UP: Justin Rose v Patrick Cantlay thru 15
Start of a comeback? 🌹#TeamEurope | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/MsZ8Xe9P7o
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) October 1, 2023
02:28 PM BST
Result: Rahm and Scheffler share half a point
Scheffler’s chip shot is always low, and the point is shared between the World No 1 and 3. In many respects, that is the just outcome because both players played top drawer golf. All credit to Scheffler for bouncing back from yesterday’s 9&7 shellacking.
Scenes at the 18th after @JonRahmpga secures a half point for Europe! 🇪🇸#TeamEurope | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/ikzKy3sNrf
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) October 1, 2023
02:27 PM BST
Scheffler opens the door for Rahm on the 18th...
His pitched third races through the green, before Rahm produces a brilliant lag putt to within tap-in range. Scheffler needs to hole his second chip shot to win the match...
02:25 PM BST
Europe need three more points...and only lead in three matches still on the course
There is no need for Europe to panic just yet, but some of their margin for error is being whittled away. They started the day needing four points - Hovland has delivered one, and McIlroy, Hatton and MacIntyre are currently leading their matches.
All of the other matches are either red or all square. The good news for Europe is that their three leads look solid.
McIlroy is three up with five to play against Burns.
Hatton is two up with six to play against Harman.
MacIntyre is three up after seven holes against Clark.
02:22 PM BST
Very solid second on the 18th from Rahm
He finds the front section of the green and will face a 60 or 70-foot eagle putt to the back pin. Scheffler took on the second with a fairway wood from the right which was a bold call with water lurking, but it worked out for him. Scheffler will have a pitch up the gut of the green.
Over at the 13th...Fitzpatrick and Homa both miss presentable chances to win the hole so the Americans remain one up.
USA 1UP: Matt Fitzpatrick v Max Homa thru 13
02:16 PM BST
Hovland on the European players staying focused
I think we’re all just tyring to take care of business. Every single match feels like a sprint but just because you make one putt, you dont want to fele like you have won the match.
Maybe that’s what the guys are doing. Keeping their heads down and letting their clubs do the talking.
02:15 PM BST
Rahm has launched his drive on the 18th
His ball is bounding down the fairway on this downhill par five, skipping beyond the bunker on the left which is 320 yards from the tee. He aimed at the sand and peeled a power fade off of it.
Over at the 13th, McIlroy saw a birdie putt lip out and Sam Burns converted for his two on the par threee. McIlroy’s lead is back to three.
Europe 3UP: Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns thru 13
02:11 PM BST
Scheffler and Rahm halve the 17th
The American had an outside chance to win the hole with a birdie but the putt slipped. Scheffler and Rahm have both played superbly, this match deserved to go down the last.
USA 1UP: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 17
02:09 PM BST
Shane Lowry has reeled Spieth back to 1UP
Another exuberant celebration from the Irishman on the eighth green, who looks the most fired up of any European despite batting a fair way down the order.
02:06 PM BST
Result: Hovland beats Morikawa 4&3
What a performance from Hovland this week, and it is fitting that he delivers the first point of the day for Europe. He got up early against Morikawa and never looked in danger of squandering the left.
Europe need three more points to win the Ryder Cup.
VIKTORY 🇳🇴#TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/KHxDALBU34
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) October 1, 2023
02:02 PM BST
Scheffler and Rahm with two exquisite chips
That was world class from the pair of them, soft hands under significant pressure. Not much more than two feet left for both, and they decide to “good good” and move on the 17th, a hole which has been good to Rahm this week.
USA 1UP: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 16
01:59 PM BST
Rose gets Cantlay back to just 1UP
A first pump towards the crowd from the 2013 US Open champion who is hanging in there against Cantlay. Just one down with five holes to play. Cantlay was 3UP after 11.
USA 1UP: Justin Rose v Patrick Cantlay thru 13
01:58 PM BST
To the driveable par four 16th
Scheffler carries the bunker on the left and will have a pitch up the green from the rough. Rahm’s tee shot challenged the water on the right and was tracking the pin all the way, but bounces into the rough behind the green. I think he might have pushed that one a tad...but it looks good now.
01:53 PM BST
Scheffler wins the 15th!
This game has swung back and forth with a really high standard of play, and Scheffler gives the gallery a bit back after sinking his putt to win the hole from 20 feet. Rahm has to hold his hands up there, a birdie on that tough par four is a heck of an effort.
USA 1UP: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 15
Another long American putt has dropped over on the 14th, with Morikawa pegging Hovland back to just three up.
Europe 3UP: Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa thru 14
01:50 PM BST
I sense Lowry might have taken exception to the LaCava incident
SHANE LOWRY'S ENERGY ☘️#TeamEurope | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/aGhOAMdh3z
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) October 1, 2023
01:50 PM BST
Brian Harman chips in for a half on the 10th
Hatton must have thought he had the hole in the bag, but the Open champion showcases his short game skills by holing out from the rough beyond the green. Hatton stays just one in front.
Europe 1UP: Tyrrell Hatton v Brian Harman thru 10
01:45 PM BST
McIlroy showing Burns a clean pair of heels
He plays a tasty pitch from short of the 11th green, having left himself with a good angle on the short par four. One big bounce forward and then spin on the second bounce to set up the birdie, which Burns cannot match. McIlroy now four up with seven to play. He and Hovland look certain to move Europe to within two points of victory.
Europe 4UP: Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns thru 11
01:39 PM BST
Rahm and Scheffler are having a ding-dong battle
The American stuffs his second to inside three feet on the par four 14th, and Rahm concedes after failing to make a birdie of his own. We are level again.
AS: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 14
Unbelievable shot from Scottie Scheffler 🤩 pic.twitter.com/eU4yWAvR5e
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) October 1, 2023
01:38 PM BST
Rose struggling to hang on to Cantlay
The pantomime villain is producing the goods for USA, and he now leads Rose by three holes with only eight remaining. Cantlay is a tough man to beat with no real weaknesses (other than a weakness for taking an age, perhaps).
USA 3UP: Justin Rose v Patrick Cantlay thru 11
01:32 PM BST
Correction: Hovland is now four up on Morikawa
The end is surely nigh for the Californian in that match, but he will certainly not be the last player to come off second best against the brilliance of Hovland, who is going to be part of this European team for decades. Four up with six to play after a birdie at the par five 12th.
Europe 4UP: Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa thru 12
01:30 PM BST
McIlroy can see the finishing line at three up
McIlroy plays the par four 10th sensibly, finding the fairway and then the fat of the green. Burns failed to get up and down from a collection area short and left, and par is enough for McIlroy to extend his advantage. McIlroy and Hovland now three up in two of the top four matches.
Europe 3UP: Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns thru 10
01:28 PM BST
Scheffler misses the putt for a half!
Within 20 minutes of going one up, Scheffler finds himself one down against Rahm. He will be keeping putting coach Phil Kenyon busy one suspects over this winter. Rahm’s play on the par threes this week has been extraordinary.
Europe 1UP: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 13
In better news for the Americans, Max Homa gets his nose in front against Matt Fitzpatrick as they reach the turn, while Brooks Koepka is now three up against Ludvig Aberg.
USA 1UP: Matt Fitzpatrick v Max Homa thru 9
USA 3UP: Ludvig Aberg v Brooks Koepka thru 8
01:22 PM BST
Rahm bounces straight back
He birdies the par five 12th after dissecting the hole in textbook fashion, finding the heart of the green in two. That win gets him back to all square against Scheffler.
Rahm then steps up and cranks up the pressure on Scheffler, hitting his tee shot at the 154-yard par three 13th stiff. Scheffler hits a very good tee shot of his own, but he will need to hole a 10-footer for the half.
AS: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 10
RAHMBO! 🎯#TeamEurope | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/2VobHxySCN
— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) October 1, 2023
01:17 PM BST
The Americans look strong is some of the later matches
Koepka, Thomas and Spieth are all two up on the front nine in their matches against Aberg, Straka and Lowry. Important that Hovland and McIlroy deliver their points in the top order.
And Hovland has taken a big step towards doing just that with a birdie putt to win the short par four 11th against Morikawa.
Europe 3UP: Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa thru 11
01:12 PM BST
Sam Burns eats into McIlroy's lead
There is not much you can do about losing holes to eagles in matchplay, and Burns produced one at the par five ninth. McIlroy now just two up as they turn for home in the fourth match.
Europe 2UP: Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns thru 9
01:05 PM BST
Scheffler takes the lead against Rahm
Scheffler did not need to make his birdie putt after Rahm duffed a pitch shot from down in the dip right of the green, but make it he did. USA now leading in two of the top three matches, with Cantlay holing a testing putt for a half on the eighth against Justin Rose to stay two up. In what could prove a key game, Hovland is 2UP on Morikawa in the second game.
USA 1UP: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 11
01:01 PM BST
Hatton finding his range on the greens
It’s not just the Americans who aren’t a fan of these slow greens. Tyrrell Hatton is a master of fast putting surfaces and was struggling a bit with the flat stick here. But then he had a long session on the practice putting green yesterday afternoon and, so far today, looks so much comfortable with his pace. He’s two-up over Brian Harman though six.
12:50 PM BST
Justin Thomas with an imaginary cap tip over at the third
He produced a birdie from the rough to seize the initiative against Sepp Straka.
Elsewhere, Homa and Harman hole gutsy putts for halves in their matches against Fitzpatrick and Hatton.
12:49 PM BST
How things stand..
Europe are currently up in five matches (but crucially, 2UP or better in three of those), USA are up in four and the top match is all square, with Rahm and Scheffler both two-putting over at the 10th.
AS: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 10
Europe 2UP: Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa thru 9
USA 2UP: Justin Rose v Patrick Cantlay thru 8
Europe 3UP: Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns thru 7
Europe 1UP: Matt Fitzpatrick v Max Homa thru 6
Europe 2UP: Tyrrell Hatton v Brian Harman thru 5
USA 1UP: Ludvig Aberg v Brooks Koepka thru 5
USA 1UP: Sepp Straka v Justin Thomas thru 3
Europe 1UP: Nicolai Hojgaard v Xander Schauffele thru 1
USA 1UP: Shane Lowry v Jordan Spieth thru 1
12:45 PM BST
Jon Rahm has just found the middle of the 10th green from this position
It looked for all the world like he might be about to go one down against Scheffler, but Rahm produces a moment of magic. Out of the thick stuff, 180 yards out, ball miles above his feet and with a wooden bridge directly in front of him. Both players face long birdie putts.
12:38 PM BST
What a shot from McIlroy
His tee shot at the seventh was all over the flag. McIlroy is odds on to extend his lead to three against Sam Burns...and he makes no mistake with the putt from five feet. McIlroy in control of that fourth match.
Europe 3UP: Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns thru 7
Over at the ninth, Scheffler continues on the comeback trail with a birdie to square his top match against Rahm. And Rahm looks to have pushed his drive into trouble on the 10th.
AS: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 9
RORY CAME TO PLAY! 💪
He goes 3UP.#TeamEurope | #RyderCup pic.twitter.com/7lF824L6eB— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) October 1, 2023
12:31 PM BST
Cantlay now two up against Rose
Rose found a horrible plugged lie in the bunker with the ball below his feet, and could not salvage par on the seventh. Cantlay looks very steady as he holes an eight-footer to win the hole.
USA 1UP: Justin Rose v Patrick Cantlay thru 7
12:28 PM BST
Fitzpatrick back in front against Homa
The Englishman is not known as a power player, but he hit a cracking tee shot into the heart of the green of the driveable par four fifth, and drained the putt for an eagle. Homa can only stand back and doff his cap to golf like that.
Europe 1UP: Matt Fitzpatrick v Max Homa thru 5
Morikawa is also now just two down against Hovland, rewarded for two shots of the highest quality on the difficult par four eighth. Hovland was in trouble all the way down the hole but could not escape with par.
Europe 3UP: Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa thru 8
In the latest match to start, Europe have won the opening hole once again in Nicolai Hojgaard’s match against Xander Schauffele.
Europe 1UP: Nicolai Hojgaard v Xander Schauffele thru 1
12:17 PM BST
McIlroy extends his advantage
The Northern Irishman produced a magical flop shot from beyond the fifth green after losing his three wood to the right, with his ball just about making the journey and trickling down the slope to the holeside.
Europe 2UP: Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns thru 5
Another player two up is Tyrrell Hatton, who found a clean lie in the rough right of the par four third and took full advantage of that good fortune. Stuffs a wedge in close and wins the hole with birdie.
Europe 2UP: Tyrrell Hatton v Brian Harman thru 2
12:14 PM BST
Max Homa back to all square
Homa is going to be a tough man to beat, and he and Fitzpatrick will walk to the fifth all square. A fine birdie from Homa at the par three.
AS: Matt Fitzpatrick v Max Homa thru 4
12:12 PM BST
Hovland with a dagger on the seventh
Morikawa must have thought he was about to get one back after a stunning tee shot on the par three, only to watch Hovland pour in a birdie putt from 25 feet. To the American’s credit, he knocks in his putt for the half but Hovland stays three up.
Europe 3UP: Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa thru 7
12:06 PM BST
Rose leaves a putt to win in the jaws
Neither Rose nor Cantlay can birdie the driveable par four fifth, so USA’s one lead remains in tact.
USA 1UP: Justin Rose v Patrick Cantlay thru 5
In fact, USA now lead in two matches thanks to a Brooks Koepka birdie on the opening hole against Ludvig Aberg.
USA 1UP: Ludvig Aberg v Brooks Koepka thru 1
12:03 PM BST
Hovland is indeed three up
Morikawa’s fourth shot did not get particularly close either, so he concedes the hole with Hovland stood over a birdie putt. The Norwegian has been a star for Europe this week. Surely a matter of time before a major arrives.
Europe 3UP: Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa thru 6
12:01 PM BST
Burns gets one hole back against McIlroy
Burns is known as a hot putter, and he rolls one in on the par three fourth to get back to just one down against McIlroy. There might be a lot of blue on the board, but one up is no lead at all at this stage.
Europe 1UP: Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns thru 4
Hovland is the only player who is two up, and he looks set to go three up after finding the sixth green in regulation and watching Morikawa chunk his pitched third.
11:59 AM BST
Rahm goes close to winning the seventh
His birdie putt on the par three seventh just slipped by the right lip, so the hole is halved in the top match. Rahm’s tee-to-green game continues to look rock solid.
Europe 1UP: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 7
11:55 AM BST
LaCava has texted McIlroy to apologise
The Ryder Cup bust-up between Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay’s caddie appears to have defused, with Joe LaCava texting the Northern Irishman to apologise over his 18th green antics. NBC cited sources close to the USA camp referring to the message while the respective Ryder Cup captains said they would keep discussions private after McIlroy erupted with rage in the carpark.
Any warnings about etiquette between players and caddies on the green is a matter for the locker room, a source said, dismissing the prospect of Ryder Cup authorities intervening.
Saturday’s row escalated after USA’s wild celebrations on Saturday on the green while McIlroy and his playing partner, Matt Fitzpatrick, still had their own birdie putts to come. LaCava, Cantlay’s caddie but better known as Tiger Woods’s long-term bagman, had incensed McIlroy. There was also a suggestion that LaCava had stepped on McIlroy’s line: ie come between McIlroy’s ball and the hole, which is considered poor etiquette.
On Sunday, to further calm the mood after USA denied reports that Cantlay was refusing to wear his hat in protest at the lack of pay at the Ryder Cup, Collin Morikawa was among players who decided to play their Sunday singles match without a hat for the first time.
11:52 AM BST
Winning the first hole carries real weight...
It is fair to say that the US team will not, on departure, be asking from framed pictures of the 1st hole. In the first 24 matches, they have won that par-four just twice - with Europe winning it nine times and 13 halves. Momentum is so important in the Ryder Cup, especially for an away team.
11:51 AM BST
Scheffler finally holes a putt
Excellent birdie on the sixth from the World No 1, and this time his putter behaves. Scheffler back within touching distance of Rahm.
Europe 1UP: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 6
Back on the first, an opening birdie earns Hatton the win against the gritty Brian Harman, which means Europe lead in five of six matches.
Europe 1UP: Tyrrell Hatton v Brian Harman thru 1
As expected, McIlroy cruises to winning the third after Burns found trouble, but he knocked in the birdie putt regardless.
Europe 2UP: Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns thru 3
11:48 AM BST
Quite the reception for Cantlay
Patrick Cantlay’s father, Steve, looked slightly bewildered by the deluge of derision his son faced on the first tee, taking pictures on his phone of the mass hat-doffing. The amphitheatre created for the opening tee-shot, so hostile to the Americans, appears to be having the desired effect.
11:45 AM BST
Strong response from Scheffler on the par four sixth
Sends his approach with wedge over the pin and rips it back to within five feet or so. It should be a presentable chance for birdie and a possible win against Rahm, but it is another ‘one of those’.
Back on the third, McIlroy looks set to go two up after stuffing his approach in tight on the difficult par four. His opponent Burns has gone from right rough to greenside bunker. If you miss fairways, this Marco Simone set up will find you out.
11:41 AM BST
Europe now two up in each of the top two matches
Par is good enough for Hovland on the par three fourth hole against Morikawa, while Scheffler’s putting woes continue against Jon Rahm after another miss from close range. I would not be conceding many putts to Scheffler on the evidence so far.
Europe 2UP: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 5
Europe 2UP: Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa thru 4
11:38 AM BST
Fitzpatrick wins the first with birdie!
There is now blue on the board in four of the five matches on the course. Homa is one of USA’s best bets for a point today, so if Fitzpatrick can topple him then it is hard to see where the comeback is coming from.
Europe 1UP: Matt Fitzpatrick v Max Homa thru 1
11:31 AM BST
Hovland and Rahm hit the front...Europe now winning three matches
Scheffler three putts on the par three fourth so a par is good enough for Rahm, while Morikawa tweaked another drive to the left on the third and Hovland took advantage.
Europe 1UP: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 4
Europe 1UP: Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa thru 3
Hovland walks his putt in to go 1 up 🚶♂ pic.twitter.com/Fqhk84kntv
— Sky Sports Golf (@SkySportsGolf) October 1, 2023
11:29 AM BST
This time Cantlay makes his birdie putt
Say what you like about Cantlay, cap or no cap, but he is playing some fantastic golf at the moment and is taking the fight to Europe. He drains a birdie putt to win the second from 25 feet and Justin Rose finds himself one down.
USA 1UP: Justin Rose v Patrick Cantlay thru 2
11:27 AM BST
McIlroy puts blue on the board!
He chips and putts for par from the back of the first green, and Burns never looked like matching having found trouble right off the tee and missed the green short and left. Europe one up in the fourth match.
Europe 1UP: Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns thru 1
11:26 AM BST
Fitzpatrick vs Homa could be a very close match
Homa has been the best player on the American team this week, and Fitzpatrick is such a well organised player. Fitzpatrick finds the first fairway and Homa is in the first cut on the left.
11:18 AM BST
Scheffler back to all square
Rahm found trouble long and left on the par four third, which left him absolutely no shot to a back left pin. Tries the heroic flop shot, but his ball runs on 50 feet or so past the hole. Par is enough for Scheffler to win the hole.
AS: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 3
11:17 AM BST
Donald on going strong early
We’re excited for today. Look at that start, Jon Rahm birdieing the first and Viktor and Justin Rose in the middle of the fairway. We are ready.
We want to start strong. Jon has been our strongest player statistically but he is also a giant in the game. We know that. We’re stacked with our first few guys and we expect a lot of blue early.
11:16 AM BST
Cantlay misses his birdie putt on the first
After two fantastic shots down the first, Cantlay looked a certainty to brush that putt in but it slips by! Rose let off the hook there and he did well to clean up from four feet for par. All square as they walk to the second tee.
11:14 AM BST
McIlroy and Burns on the first tee
The European fans are serenading McIlroy with a song in his honour to the tune of Zombie by The Cranberries, which has become the soundtrack of Ireland’s Rugby World Cup campaign.
Burns was a credit to himself yesterday, playing some good golf after struggling badly on Friday, but his first tee shot is a long way right. Like Morikawa, it might be so far off line as to find some trampled rough.
McIlroy works his drive from left to right and finds the fairway. Lovely start from McIlroy, who has played more holes than any player this week.
11:10 AM BST
Europe fans waving their caps at Cantlay...
11:08 AM BST
Rose and Cantlay both find the first fairway
Some show of nerve from Cantlay who getting all manner of stick as he emerged from the tunnel. There have been some very solid tee shots off that first tee given the pressure involved. And Cantlay produces a peach of an approach shot, checking up to within five feet of the hole. Rose finds the green, but it is advantage USA in that match.
11:05 AM BST
Scheffler's birdie putt misses
That long-running weakness in the World No 1’s game rears its head again, as he misses a short-range put to win the second hole. Both Rahm and Scheffler find the fairway on the third.
Europe 1UP: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 2
11:02 AM BST
Hovland with a fantastic lag putt
Scared the hole from 45 feet away, up the tier on to the back level where the hole is cut on the first. Morikawa could not convert his birdie putt and so the second match remains all square.
10:57 AM BST
Morikawa recovers well at the first
The former Open champion was actually so far left he had a clean lie, and his iron shot skips up the green to within 15 feet or so. Hovland played safely to the heart of the green but is a long way from home.
Over at the second, Scheffler is in close so has the chance to get back on terms straight away against Rahm.
10:53 AM BST
No words exchanged between McIlroy and LaCava on the range
All quiet on the range. McIlroy just arrived and walked behind Cantlay and LaCava and not a word exchanged. Fans watching v respectful. No hat-waving or "whip-round for Cantlay" chants so far. 1st tee reception for Cantlay going to be fascinating pic.twitter.com/kkHMbIJnqW
— Tom Cary (@tomcary_tel) October 1, 2023
10:51 AM BST
Rahm lands the first blow!
He pours his birdie putt in from 15 feet, so Scheffler’s putt for par is academic. I don’t think there is a player in the world who could beat Rahm on the form he has shown this week, it has been a clinic.
Europe 1UP: Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler thru 1
10:49 AM BST
Hovland off to sound start
Scheffler has been working with Phil Kenyon on his putting, but his birdie attempt on the first green is very tame. It will leave a tester for a par.
Back on the tee, Morikawa starts with a horrible double-cross which turns from right to left when he was looking for a fade. He might be in the rough that has been trampled by the crowd and have a shot. Hovland has split the fairway with a three-wood.
10:43 AM BST
Not much to separate Rahm and Scheffler's approach shots
But the Spaniard is in slightly closer, will have a birdie putt from inside 20 feet on the first green. Scheffler’s wedge shot was right on line, but the back spin brings the ball back away from the pin.
10:42 AM BST
Graeme McDowell's thoughts on the top matches
Going to be a fun few hours here. That might be it though. I love Rahm in this first game, don’t see Hovland losing, Rose Cantlay will be a battle, but then Rory might roll. Won’t leave much to do. What do you guys think?
— Graeme McDowell (@Graeme_McDowell) October 1, 2023
10:38 AM BST
Rahm and Scheffler on the cut and prepared
There were plenty of cheers for Scheffler on the first tee, even from European fans, who were perhaps sad to see such a fine player laid low yesterday. He responds with a corking drive which splits the fairway, and Rahm responds with a ripper of his own. That sets the tone, both players in ideal position.
10:34 AM BST
Here we go then...
Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler are on the first tee. For what it is worth: yes, Scheffler is wearing a red Team USA cap.
The American players have missed this first fairway too often this week, with right rough a popular spot.
Johnson needs to see some red on the board early doors, or else this could be wrapped up sharpish by Europe.
10:28 AM BST
Donald on Europe avoiding complacency
We are five points up. We are in a great position. I’ve watched these guys over the last couple days compete with heart, with unity. They are all playing pretty good golf, to be honest. I really like our chances.
10:26 AM BST
Sweet Caroline ringing around the grandstands on the first tee
It is somewhat mind-boggling how a fairly plodding, middle-of-the-road track usually heard as the lights come on at the end of a wedding reception has taken hold at the biggest sporting events in the world.
10:09 AM BST
In case you missed last night's big story
James Corrigan provides all the details of the McIlroy-LaCava fracas here. Something of a shame McIlroy faces Sam Burns rather than Cantlay today.
09:59 AM BST
Rahm warming up on the range
What a contest this top match promises to be, the last two Masters winners head-to-head. Much will depend on how Scottie Scheffler has recovered emotionally from that 9&7 drubbing which reduced him to tears yesterday. At least he wasn’t drawn against Viktor Hovland again, but he has a heck of a job on against Rahm. The Spaniard’s iron play this week has been sensational.
09:53 AM BST
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09:51 AM BST
Hold on to your hats for Ryder Cup singles day
Good morning and welcome to live coverage of the decisive Ryder Cup singles matches, which at one stage yesterday appeared a formality but could now be very spicy indeed.
Team USA would need to pull off the biggest final day comeback in Ryder Cup history - Europe were within four points before Sunday’s ‘Miracle at Medinah’ in 2012, and the Americans trail by five in Rome.
There is plenty of motivation for the Americans though, after a rumbustious closing few hours of Saturday which concluded with Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava exchanging expletives in a car park. LaCava and other members of the American team celebrated Cantlay’s birdie putt on the 18th green with abandon, with McIlroy still lining up a birdie putt of his own.
“I talked to Rory,” European captain Donald said. “He politely asked Joe to move aside. He was in his line of vision. He stood there and didn’t move for a while and continued to wave the hat, so I think Rory was upset about that.
“The Ryder Cup is always passionate. We’ve seen that many times over the past. I will address all 12 of my guys. I’ll give them the right messaging and they will be ready to play.”
The line up for the singles is as follows:
Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler
Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa
Justin Rose v Patrick Cantlay
Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns
Matt Fitzpatrick v Max Homa
Tyrrell Hatton v Brian Harman
Ludvig Aberg v Brooks Koepka
Sepp Straka v Justin Thomas
Nicolai Hojgaard v Xander Schauffele
Shane Lowry v Jordan Spieth
Tommy Fleetwood v Rickie Fowler
Robert MacIntyre v Wyndham Clark
If USA can knock over Rahm and Hovland then they might fancy their chances against Europe’s middle order, but Rahm has looked and played like a man on a mission this week.
