by IT’S BEEN AN intriguing start to the 2014 Ryder Cup with the USA narrowly in front heading into the afternoon foursomes.
Europe began brightly and showed some early intent but things became a lot tighter as the morning progressed.
Thomas Bjorn and Martin Kaymer will feel mightily disappointed after being 2 up with three to play against Rickie Fowler (Navajo) and Jimmy Walker. But Walker rallied late on and conjured birdies at the 16th and 18th to ensure it finished all-square.
Match 2 Highlights: Fowler/Walker, USA vs. Bjorn/Kaymer, Europe … MATCH HALVED
– Kaymer’s brilliant approach on first hole is conceded for a birdie. Walker’s birdie attempt from close range slides by to the right. Europe draws first blood
– Bjorn birdies par-5 second; Americans can only manage par
– Kaymer with a 12-foot birdie on the par-3 fourth
– Fowler with a short birdie putt at the par-4 fifth
– Walker produces the day’s first eagle, holing out from greenside bunker at par-5 ninth to counter Bjorn’s birdie
– Another hole-out wins a hole, this time Bjorn chipping in at 13
– Walker with his second hole-out, this one off the green to win 16th hole
– Walker holes an 8-foot birdie putt to win 18 and get a half-point for the United States, which never led the match.
Match stats: Europe wins 4 holes; U.S. wins 4 holes. Birdies made: Bjorn 3, Kaymer 2. Walker 2 and 1 eagle, Fowler 1.
