Europeans Soar at Gleneagles

Rory celebrating winning his singles match against Ricky Fowler

This Ryder Cup began with Europe as favourites, not only due to winning 7 out of the last 9 competitions but also having a stronger team, including current world number 1 Rory Mcilroy.

Play began on Sunday, 28th September with the scores at 10-6 to Europe after a strong second day performance. Graeme McDowell was trusted to go out first and bring the crucial first point of the day against Jordan Speith and get some blue on the board. But it was Mcilroy who truly set the tone of the afternoon,

Rorys' scorecard, courtesy of www.rydercup.com

going through the first six holes with four birdies and an eagle he simply blew Fowler away and the american was overwhelmed by the power and accuracy of the northern Irish superstar.

McGinleys decision to top-load the order with some of his biggest hitters proved to be the right call following an early surge by the likes of Patrick Reed, Jordan Spieth and Hunter Mahan, McDowell and Rose showed the resilience of major winners to get back in their matches after starting their rounds poorly and finding themselves a few holes behind. G-Mac went on to win his match against Spieth 2 & 1 whilst Rose fought back to get a half against his good friend Mahan. Stenson battled hard against the crowd raising Patrick Reed but succumbed to a loss by just one point.

Perhaps the performance of the day goes to Jamie Donaldson, born in Pontypridd, this was his Ryder Cup debut and he was up against former USPGA champion Keegan Bradley. supposedly a tough task but the Welshman dealt with the pressure incredibly, beating the american 4 & 3. A delicious approach shot on the 15th hole, a 146 yard pitching wedge which he dropped within a foot of the hole was the moment the Ryder Cup was won. An elated Donaldson was quoted;

 “It has just been amazing to be a part of it. All I knew when I stood on the 15th that I was four up with four to play, and I just had the perfect yardage to hit the shot of my life."

The young stars of Europe seem to only be getting stronger whilst the Americans vice grip on golf loosens further. Europe have 3 of the top 5 golfers in the world (the other two being non-American) and it was evident throughout this competition with the strength in depth at McGinleys disposal. The 2016 Ryder cup will be hosted by the Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minneota. Will home advantage be enough for the Americans to claim victory? Or are they like a tiger with no Ror-y Mcilroy?