Ryder Cup day two summary & final thoughts

Day two

 

On day two of the 39th Ryder Cup, Europe put out two of the same Foursome pairings as on day one - McIlroy/McDowell & Poutler/Rose. The day started well for Europe going up in game one but then the American fightback was on, led by Mickelson/Bradley beating Westwood/McDonald in the second game of the Foursomes. Things became worse for Europe as Johnson/Dufner defeated Garcia/Colseart and also Furyk/Snedeker beating McIlory/McDowell. All was not completely lost for Europe thanks to Poulter/Rose who defeated Watson/Simpson to pull back a point for Europe going into the afternoon Fourballs.

The afternoon Fourballs saw some different pairings from day one and Europe were 8-4 down going in this session. It was the USA that got off to a flyer going up in all four matches at the start of the session but it was Garcia/Donald that started the fightback for Europe. With things still in the American's favour it looked like Europe were heading for another day of defeat.  However, towards the end of the day the fightback went from one game to two as Poulter's determination and excellent putting (making five birdies on the back nine) meant Europe went from winning one game to winning two making it 10-6 to America at the end of play on day two.

My final thoughts on day two are that if it had not been for Poulter's determination, Europe would been in a worse position. I also think that if some pairings had been different, Europe might not have lost so many points.