Golf Events from the Weekend 28th September 2014

Well it was another brilliant weekend on the Major Professional Golf Tours from around the world and this week the USPGA Tour and European Tour headed over to Scotland for the 40th Ryder Cup Matches that were played between Team USA and Team Europe and they were played on the Gleneagles GC, Perthshire, Scotland. The USA Team was captained by Tom Watson (USA) and his Vice Captains were: Andy North (USA), Raymond Floyd (USA) and Steve Stricker (USA) and the team was made up of nine players who qualified by their play over the last two years and they were Bubba Watson (USA), Jim Furyk (USA), Phil Mickelson (USA), Jordan Spieth (USA), Zach Johnson (USA), Rickie Fowler (USA), Jimmy Walker (USA), Matt Kuchar (USA) and Patrick Reed (USA) and the USA Ryder Cup Captain, Tom Watson (USA) chose three Captains Picks and they were Keegan Bradley (USA), Hunter Mahan (USA) and Webb Simpson (USA). The European Team was Captained by Paul McGinley (Ireland) and his Vice Captains were: Des Smith (Ireland), Jose Maria Olazabal (Spain), Padraig Harrington (Ireland), Miguel Angel Jimenez (Spain) and Sam Torrance (Scotland) and the team was made up of nine players who qualified by their play over the last two years and they were Rory McILroy (NIR), Victor Dubuisson (France), Sergio Garcia (Spain), Martin Kaymer (Germany), Graeme McDowell (NIR), Henrik Stenson (Sweden), Jamie Donaldson (Wales), Justin Rose (England) and Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) and the Europe Ryder Cup Captain, Paul McGinley (Ireland) chose three Captains Picks and they were Stephen Gallacher (Scotland), Ian Poulter (England) and Lee Westwood (England). There was no prize money on offer just the honour of holding aloft the Ryder Cup at the end of the week!! The Match commenced with the Opening Ceremony on Thursday 25th September and the matches started on Friday 26th September with the morning foursomes. The European Team was the current holder of the Ryder Cup and was keen to win it again!! 

The first day Morning Four Ball Matches were played on Friday 26th September in strong winds with some sun shining and the temperature was about 15 degrees Celsius. The first match out was Bubba Watson (USA)/Webb Simpson (USA) for Team USA verse Justin Rose (England)/Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe. Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe birdied the par five, second hole to put Team Europe one up. Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe birdied the par three, fourth hole to put Team Europe two up. They halved holes five to eight. Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe birdied the par five, ninth hole to put Team Europe three up at the turn. Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe birdied the par three, tenth hole to put Team Europe four up. They halved the next three holes. Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe birdied the par four, 14th hole to win the match 5&4. 

The second match out was Rickie Fowler (USA)/Jimmy Walker (USA) for Team USA verse Thomas Bjorn (Denmark)/Martin Kaymer (Germany) for Team Europe. Martin Kaymer (Germany) for Team Europe birdied the par four, first hole to put Team Europe one up. Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) for Team Europe birdie the par five, second hole to put Team Europe two up. Martin Kaymer (Germany) for Team Europe birdied the par three, fourth hole to put Team Europe three up. Rickie Fowler (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, fifth hole to bring Team USA back to two down. They halved holes six to eight. Jim Walker (USA) for Team USA eagled the par five, ninth hole to bring Team USA back to one down at the turn. They halved holes ten to 12. Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) birdied the par four, 13th hole and Team Europe was back to two up. They halved holes 14 and 15. Jimmy Walker (USA) for Team USA birdied the par five, 16th hole to bring Team USA back to one down. They halved the par three, 17th hole. Jimmy Walker (USA) for Team USA birdied the par five, 18th hole and the match ended All Square.

The third match out was Jordan Spieth (USA)/Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA verse Stephen Gallacher (Scotland)/Ian Poulter (England) for Team Europe. Jordan Spieth (USA) for Team USA won the par four, first hole with a par to put Team USA one up. They halved holes two to five. Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA birdied the par three, sixth hole to put Team USA two up. Jordan Spieth (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, seventh hole to put Team USA three up. Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA birdied the par five, ninth hole to put Team USA four up. Jordan Spieth (USA) for Team USA birdied the par three, tenth hole to put Team USA five up. Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, eleventh hole to put Team USA six up. Stephen Gallacher (Scotland) for Team Europe won the par four, 12th hole with a par to bring Team Europe back to five down. They halved the 13th and 14th holes in par fours and that meant that Team USA won the match 5&4. It was a dream start for the Ryder Cup rookies Jordan Spieth (USA)/Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA. 

 

Patrick Reed (USA) on the left and Jordan Spieth (USA) on the right during their match

The fourth match out was Keegan Bradley (USA)/Phil Mickelson (USA) for Team USA verse Sergio Garcia (Spain)/Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe. They halved the first three holes. Sergio Garcia (Spain) for Team Europe birdied the par three, fourth hole to put Team Europe one up. They halved holes five and six. Keegan Bradley (USA) for Team USA won the par four, seventh hole with a par and the match was all square again. Phil Mickelson (USA) for Team USA birdied the par five, ninth hole to put Team USA one up at the turn. Keegan Bradley (USA) for Team USA birdied the par three, tenth hole to put Team USA two up. Sergio Garcia (Spain) for Team Europe won the par four, eleventh hole with a par to bring Team Europe back to one down. Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe won the par four, 13th hole with a par and the match was back to all square. Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe won the par four, 15th hole with a par and Team Europe were now one up. Keegan Bradley (USA) for Team USA won the par five, 16th hole with an eagle and the match was all square again. They halved the par three, 17th hole in pars. Phil Mickelson (USA) for Team USA birdied the par five, 18th hole to win the match one up for Team USA. Team USA won the Friday Morning Four Ball matches 2.5 points to Team Europe’s 1.5 points. 

The first day afternoon Foursome Matches were played on Friday 26th September in strong winds with some sun shining and the temperature was about 15 degrees Celsius. The first match out was Jim Furyk (USA)/Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA verse Jamie Donaldson (Wales)/Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe. They halved the first two holes with a par and a birdie each. Jim Furyk (USA)/Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA won the par four, third hole with a par to move Team USA to one up. They halved holes four and five in pars. Jamie Donaldson (Wales)/Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe birdied the par three, sixth hole to move the match back to All Square. Jamie Donaldson (Wales)/Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe won the par four, seventh hole with a par and Team Europe moved back to one up. They halved holes eight to ten. Jamie Donaldson (Wales)/Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe won the par four, eleventh hole with a birdie to move Team Europe to two up. They halved holes 12 to 15. Jim Furyk (USA)/Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA won the par five, 16th hole with a birdie to move Team USA back to one down. Jamie Donaldson (Wales)/Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe won the par five, 18th hole with birdie to win the match for Team Europe two up.

The second match out was Hunter Mahan (USA)/Zach Johnson (USA) for Team USA verse Justin Rose (England)/Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe. Justin Rose (England)/Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe won the par four, first hole with a birdie to move Team Europe to one up. They halved holes two to five. Justin Rose (England)/Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe birdied the par three, sixth hole to move Team Europe to two up. Hunter Mahan (USA)/Zach Johnson (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, seventh hole and moved Team USA back to one down. Hunter Mahan (USA)/Zach Johnson (USA) for Team USA won the eighth hole with a par four and the match was all square again. They halved holes nine and ten. Justin Rose (England)/Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe won the par four, eleventh hole with a birdie to move Team Europe back to one up. They halved the 12 and 13 holes. Hunter Mahan (USA)/Zach Johnson (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, 14th hole and the match was all square again. Justin Rose (England)/Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe won the par four, 15th hole to move Team Europe back to one up. Justin Rose (England)/Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe won the par three, 17th hole with a par to win the match for Team Europe 2&1. 

The third match out was Jimmy Walker (USA)/Rickie Fowler (USA) for Team USA verse Rory McILroy (NIR)/Sergio Garcia (Spain) for Team Europe. They halved the first two holes with a par and a birdie. Rory McILroy (NIR)/Sergio Garcia (Spain) for Team Europe won the par four, third hole with a par to move Team Europe to one up. Jimmy Walker (USA)/Rickie Fowler (USA) for Team USA won the par four, fifth hole with bogey and the match was all square again. Rory McILroy (NIR)/Sergio Garcia (Spain) for Team Europe won the par three, sixth hole with a birdie to move Team Europe back to one up. Jimmy Walker (USA)/Rickie Fowler (USA) for Team USA won the par four, seventh hole with a par four and the match was all square again. They halved holes eight to ten. Jimmy Walker (USA)/Rickie Fowler (USA) for Team USA won the par four, eleventh hole with birdie to move Team USA to one up. Jimmy Walker (USA)/Rickie Fowler (USA) for Team USA won the par four, 12th hole with a par to move Team USA to two up. Rory McILroy (NIR)/Sergio Garcia (Spain) for Team Europe won the par four, 13th hole with a par to move Team Europe back to one down. Jimmy Walker (USA)/Rickie Fowler (USA) for Team USA won the par four, 15th hole with a par to move Team USA back to two up. Rory McILroy (NIR)/Sergio Garcia (Spain) for Team Europe won the par three, 17th hole with a birdie to move Team Europe back to one down. Rory McILroy (NIR)/Sergio Garcia (Spain) for Team Europe won the par four, 18th hole with a birdie to make the match all square. 

The fourth match out was Phil Mickelson (USA)/Keegan Bradley (USA) for Team USA verse Victor Dubuisson (France)/Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe. Victor Dubuisson (France)/Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe won the par five, second hole with a birdie to move Team Europe to one up. Victor Dubuisson (France)/Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe won the par three, fourth hole with a par to move Team Europe to two up. Victor Dubuisson (France)/Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe won the par four, fifth hole with a par and moved Team Europe to three up. They halved holes six and seven. Phil Mickelson (USA)/Keegan Bradley (USA) for Team USA won the par four, eighth hole with a par four to move Team USA back to two down. Phil Mickelson (USA)/Keegan Bradley (USA) for Team USA won the par four, ninth hole with a birdie to move Team USA back to one down. Victor Dubuisson (France)/Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe won the par three, ten hole with a par to move Team Europe back to two up. Victor Dubuisson (France)/Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe won the par four, 12th hole with a par to move Team Europe back to three up. Phil Mickelson (USA)/Keegan Bradley (USA) for Team USA won the par four, 13th hole with a par to move Team USA back to two down. They halved the 14th and 15th holes. Victor Dubuisson (France)/Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe won the par five, 16th hole with a birdie to win the match 3&2. Team Europe won the Friday afternoon Foursomes Matches 3.5 points to Team USA 0.5 points. Team Europe lead 5 points to Team USA 3 points after day one. 

The second day morning Four Ball Matches were played on Saturday 27th September in moderate winds with some sun shining and the temperature was 15 degrees Celsius. The first match out was Bubba Watson (USA)/Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA verse Justin Rose (England)/Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe. Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA birdied the first hole to move Team USA to one up. Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe birdied the par five, second hole to bring the match back to all square. Bubba Watson (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, third hole to move Team USA to one up. They halved holes five and six. Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA birdied the par three, sixth hole to move Team USA to two up. Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe birdied the par four, seventh hole to move Team Europe back to one down. Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe birdied the par four, eight hole and the match was all square again. They halved holes nine to eleven in birdies. Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe won the par four, 12th hole with a birdie three to move Team Europe to one up. Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe won the par four, 13th hole with a birdie to move Team Europe to two up. They halved holes 14 and 15 with birdies. Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe won the par five, 16th hole with a birdie to win the Match for Team Europe 3&2. They were an amazing minus 12 after 16 holes and that is the best Four ball score ever recorded in Ryder Cup History. 

The second match out was Jim Furyk (USA)/Hunter Mahan (USA) for Team USA verse Jamie Donaldson (Wales)/Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe. Hunter Mahan (USA) for Team USA won the par four, first hole with a birdie to move Team USA to one up. Jim Furyk (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, third hole and moved Team USA to two up. They halved holes four to six. Hunter Mahan (USA) for Team USA won the par four, seventh hole with a birdie and moved Team USA to three up. They halved holes eight to thirteen. Hunter Mahan (USA) for Team USA won the par four, 14th hole with an eagle to move Team USA to four up. They halved the par four, 15th hole in par fours and that meant that Team USA won the match 4&3.

The third match out was Patrick Reed (USA)/Jordan Spieth (USA) for Team USA verse Thomas Bjorn (Denmark)/Martin Kaymer (Germany) for Team Europe. Martin Kaymer (Germany) for Team Europe birdied the par four, first hole to put Team Europe one up. Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) for Team Europe birdied the par four, third hole to put Team Europe two up. Jordan Spieth (USA) for Team USA won the par four, fifth hole with a par to move Team USA back to one down. Jordan Spieth (USA) for Team USA birdied the par three, sixth hole and the match was all square again. They halved holes seven and eight. Jordan Spieth (USA) for Team USA won the par five, ninth hole with a birdie and moved Team USA to one up. Jordan Spieth (USA) for Team USA won the par three, tenth hole with a birdie to move Team USA to two up. They halved the eleventh and twelfth holes. Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA won the par four, 13th hole with a birdie to move Team USA to three up. Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, 14th hole to move Team USA to four up. Jordan Spieth (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, 15th hole to move Team USA to five up and they won the match 5&3. 

The fourth match out was Jimmy Walker (USA)/Rickie Fowler (USA) for Team USA verse Rory McILroy (NIR)/Ian Poulter (England) for Team Europe. Ian Poulter (England) for Team Europe birdied the par four, first hole to move Team Europe to one up. They halved holes two to four. Jimmy Walker (USA) for Team USA won the par four, fifth hole with a conceded birdie and the match was all square again. They halved the six and seventh holes. Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe birdied the par four, eight hole to move Team Europe back to one up. Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe birdied the par five, ninth hole to move Team Europe to two up. Rickie Fowler (USA) for Team USA birdied the par three, tenth hole to move Team USA back to one down. Jimmy Walker (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, eleventh hole and the match was all square again. Jimmy Walker (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, 13th hole to move Team USA to one up. They halved the 14th and 15th holes in birdies. Ian Poulter (England) for Team Europe birdied the par five, 16th hole and the match was all square again. They halved the 17th and 18th holes in birdies and the match ended all square. Team USA won the Saturday Morning Four Balls 2.5 points to Team Europe’s 1.5 points.  

The second day afternoon Foursomes Matches were played on Saturday 27th September in moderate winds with some sun shining and the temperature was 15 degrees Celsius. The first match out was Zach Johnson (USA)/Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA verse Jamie Donaldson (Wales)/Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe. Zach Johnson (USA)/Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, first hole to move Team USA to one up. Jamie Donaldson (Wales)/Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe birdied the par five second hole and the match was all square again. Zach Johnson (USA)/Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA won the par three, fourth hole with a par to move Team USA back to one up. Jamie Donaldson (Wales)/Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe birdied the par four, fifth hole and the match was all square again. Jamie Donaldson (Wales)/Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe birdied the par three, sixth hole and moved Team Europe to one up. Zach Johnson (USA)/Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, eighth hole and the match was all square again. Jamie Donaldson (Wales)/Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe birdied the par four, ninth hole to move Team Europe back to one up. Jamie Donaldson (Wales)/Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe won the par three, tenth hole with a par and moved Team Europe to two up. They halved holes eleven to thirteen. Zach Johnson (USA)/Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA eagled the par four, 14th hole to move Team USA back to one down. Jamie Donaldson (Wales)/Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe won the par five, 16th hole and moved Team Europe to two up. They halved the par three, 17th hole and that meant that Team Europe won the match 2&1.

The second match out was Jim Furyk (USA)/Hunter Mahan (USA) for Team USA verse Sergio Garcia (Spain)/Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe. Sergio Garcia (Spain)/Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe won the par four, first hole with a par and moved Team Europe to one up. Sergio Garcia (Spain)/Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe birdied the par five, second hole and moved Team Europe to two up. Jim Furyk (USA)/Hunter Mahan (USA) for Team USA won the par four, third hole with a par to move Team USA back to one down. They then halved ten holes in a row from holes four to thirteen. Sergio Garcia (Spain)/Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe birdied the par four, 14th hole to move Team Europe back to two up. Sergio Garcia (Spain)/Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe birdied the par five, 16th hole to win the match for Team Europe 3&2. 

The third match out was Jordan Spieth (USA)/Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA verse Martin Kaymer (Germany)/Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe. They halved the first two holes in pars. Martin Kaymer (Germany)/Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe won the par four, third hole with a par and moved Team Europe to one up. Jordan Spieth (USA)/Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA birdied the par three, fourth hole and the match was all square again. Jordan Spieth (USA)/Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA won the par three, sixth hole with a par to move Team USA to one up. Jordan Spieth (USA)/Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, seventh hole to move Team USA to two up. Martin Kaymer (Germany)/Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe birdied the par five, ninth hole to move Team Europe back to one down. Jordan Spieth (USA)/Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA birdied the par three, tenth hole to move Team USA back to two up. Martin Kaymer (Germany)/Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe won the par four, twelfth hole with a par to move Team Europe back to one down. They halved the 13th and 14th holes. Martin Kaymer (Germany)/Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe won the 15th hole with a par and the match was all square again. Jordan Spieth (USA)/Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA birdied the par three, 17th hole and moved Team USA back to one up. Martin Kaymer (Germany)/Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe won the par five, 18th hole with a birdie and the match ended all square. 

The fourth match out was Jimmy Walker (USA)/Rickie Fowler (USA) for Team USA verse Victor Dubuisson (France)/Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe. They halved the par four, first hole in pars. Victor Dubuisson (France)/Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe won the par five, second hole with a birdie to move Team Europe to one up. Victor Dubuisson (France)/Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe birdied the par four, third hole to move Team Europe to two up. Victor Dubuisson (France)/Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe won the par four, fifth hole with a par to move Team Europe to three up. Victor Dubuisson (France)/Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe won the par three, sixth hole with a birdie to move Team Europe to four up. Victor Dubuisson (France)/Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe won the par four, eight hole with a par and moved Team Europe to five up. They halved the ninth and tenth holes with a par and a birdie. Jimmy Walker (USA)/Rickie Fowler (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, eleventh hole to move Team USA back to four down. Victor Dubuisson (France)/Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe won the par four, thirteenth hole with a par to move Team Europe back to five up. They halved the par four, 14th hole in birdies and that meant Team Europe won the match 5&4. Team Europe won the Saturday Afternoon Foursomes 3.5 points to Team USA 0.5 points and Team Europe took a four point lead in to the twelve Sunday Singles matches with Ten points to Team USA’s Six points.  

The final day 12 Sunday Singles Matches were played late morning on Sunday 28th September in moderate winds with some sun shining and the temperature was about 14 degrees Celsius. The first match out was Jordan Spieth (USA) for Team USA verse Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe. They halved the par four, first hole in par fours. Jordan Spieth (USA) for Team USA birdied the par five, second hole to move Team USA to one up. Jordan Spieth (USA) for Team USA won the par four, third hole with a par to move Team USA to two up. Jordan Spieth (USA) for Team USA won the par four, fifth hole with a par to move Team USA to three up. They halved the next four holes six to nine. Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe won the par three, ten hole with a par to move Team Europe back to two down. Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe birdied the par four, eleventh hole to move Team Europe back to one down. Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe won the par four, twelfth hole with a par and the match was back to all square. Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe won the par four, thirteenth hole with a par to move Team Europe to one up. Graeme McDowell (NIR) for Team Europe birdied the par four, 15th hole and moved Team Europe to two up. They halved the 16th and 17th holes in pars and that meant that Team Europe won the match 2&1. So Team Europe now lead 11 points to Team USA 6 points. 

The second match out was Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA verse Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe. They halved the par four, first hole in pars. Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe birdied the par five, second hole and moved Team Europe to one up. They halved holes three to five in pars. Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA birdied the par three, six hole and the match was all square again. Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, eighth hole to move Team USA to one up. Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe won the par five, ninth hole with a par and the match was all square again. Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, eleventh hole and moved Team USA back to one up. Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, twelfth hole and moved Team USA to two up. Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe won the par four, 13th hole with a par and moved Team Europe back to one down. Henrik Stenson (Sweden) for Team Europe won the par four, 15th hole with a birdie and the match was all square again. The halved the 16th and 17th holes with a birdie and a par. Patrick Reed (USA) for Team USA birdied the par five, 18th hole to win the match for Team USA one up. So Team Europe now lead 11 points to Team USA 7 points. 

 

Henrik Stenson (Sweden) on the left shakes the hand of Rory McILroy (NIR) on the right after he just won his Match over Rickie Fowler (USA)

The third match out was Rickie Fowler (USA) for Team USA verse Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe. Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe birdied the par four, first hole and moved Team Europe to one up. Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe eagled the par five, second hole to move Team Europe to two up. Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe birdied the par four, third hole to and moved Team Europe to three up. They halved the par three, fourth hole in par threes. Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe birdied the par four, fifth hole and moved Team Europe to four up. Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe birdied the par three, sixth hole and moved Team Europe to five up. Rickie Fowler (USA) for Team USA won the par four, seventh hole with a par to move Team USA back to four down. They halved holes eight through 12. Rory McILroy (NIR) for Team Europe birdied the par four, 13th hole and moved Team Europe back to five up. They halved the par four, 14th hole in pars and that meant Team Europe won the match 5&4. So Team Europe now lead 12 points to Team USA 7 points.

 

Rory McILroy (NIR) shows the excellent balance he has in his swing as he tees off during his Sunday Singles match against Rickie Fowler (USA)

The fourth match out was Hunter Mahan (USA) for Team USA verse Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe. Hunter Mahan (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, first hole to move Team USA to one up. Hunter Mahan (USA) for Team USA birdied the par five, second hole to move Team USA to two up. They halved holes three and four. Hunter Mahan (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, fifth hole to move Team USA to three up. Hunter Mahan (USA) for Team USA birdied the par three, sixth hole to move Team USA to four up. Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe birdied the par four, eighth hole to move Team Europe back to three down. Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe birdied the par four, ninth hole to move Team Europe back to two down. Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe birdied the par three, tenth hole to move Team Europe back to one down. Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe birdied the par four, eleventh hole and the match was all square again. Hunter Mahan (USA) for Team USA won the par four, twelfth hole with a par to move Team USA back to one up. Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe birdied the par four, 14th hole and the match was all square again. They halved holes 15 to 17. Justin Rose (England) for Team Europe birdied the par five, 18th hole and the match finished all square. So Team Europe now lead 12.5 points to Team USA 7.5 points.

The fifth match out was Phil Mickelson (USA) for Team USA verse Stephen Gallacher (Scotland) for Team Europe. They halved the first hole in pars. Stephen Gallacher (Scotland) for Team Europe birdied the par five, second hole and moved Team Europe to one up. They halved the third and fourth holes in pars. Phil Mickelson (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, fifth hole and the match was all square again. Phil Mickelson (USA) for Team USA birdied the par three, sixth hole to move Team USA to one up. Phil Mickelson (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, eighth hole to move Team USA to two up. Stephen Gallacher (Scotland) for Team Europe birdied the par three, tenth hole to move Team Europe back to one down. Stephen Gallacher (Scotland) for Team Europe birdied the par four, eleventh hole and the match was all square. They halved holes 12 to 14. Phil Mickelson (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, 15th hole and moved Team USA to one up. Phil Mickelson (USA) for Team USA birdied the par five, 16th hole and moved Team USA to two up. Phil Mickelson (USA) for Team USA won the par three, 17th hole with a par to win the match for Team USA 3&1. So Team Europe now lead 12.5 points to Team USA 8.5 points.

The Sixth match out was Bubba Watson (USA) for Team USA verse Martin Kaymer (Germany) for Team Europe. They halved the first two holes with a birdie and a par. Martin Kaymer (Germany) for Team Europe won the par four, third hole with a par to move Team Europe to one up. Martin Kaymer (Germany) for Team Europe won the par three, fourth hole with a par to move Team Europe to two up. Martin Kaymer (Germany) for Team Europe birdied the par four, fifth hole to move Team Europe to three up. Martin Kaymer (Germany) for Team Europe birdied the par three, sixth hole to move Team Europe to four up. Bubba Watson (USA) for Team USA won the par four, seventh hole with a par to move Team USA back to three down. Martin Kaymer (Germany) for Team Europe won the par four, eighth hole with a birdie to move Team Europe back to four up. They halved holes nine to 14. Bubba Watson (USA) for Team USA won the par four, 15th hole with a birdie to move Team USA back to three down. Martin Kaymer (Germany) for Team Europe won the par five, 16th hole with an eagle to win the match for Team Europe 4&2. So Team Europe now lead 13.5 points to Team USA 8.5 points. 

The seventh match out was Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA verse Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) for Team Europe. They halved the par four, first hole in pars. Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA birdied the par five, second hole to move Team USA to one up. Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) for Team Europe won the par four, third hole with a par and the match was all square again. Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA won the par four, fifth hole with a par to move Team USA back to one up. Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, seventh hole and moved Team USA to two up. Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA eagled the par four, eighth hole to move Team USA to three up. Matt Kuchar (USA) for Team USA birdied the par three, tenth hole to move Team USA to four up. Thomas Bjorn (Denmark) for Team Europe birdied the par four, eleventh hole to move Team Europe back to three down. They halved holes 12 to 14. Matt Kuchar (USA) birdied the par four, 15th hole to win the match for Team USA 4&3. So Team Europe now lead 13.5 points to Team USA 9.5 points. 

The eighth match out was Jim Furyk (USA) for Team USA verse Sergio Garcia (Spain) for Team Europe. Jim Furyk (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, first hole and moved Team USA to one up. Sergio Garcia (Spain) for Team Europe birdied the par four, third hole and the match was all square again. Sergio Garcia (Spain) for Team Europe birdied the par three, fourth hole to move Team Europe to one up. Jim Furyk (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, fifth hole and the match was all square again. Jim Furyk (USA) for Team USA won the par four, seventh hole with a par to move Team USA back to one up. They halved holes eight to eleven. Sergio Garcia (Spain) for Team Europe birdied the par four, 12th hole and the match was all square again. Jim Furyk (USA) for Team USA won the par four, 13th hole with a par to move Team USA back to one up. Sergio Garcia (Spain) for Team Europe birdied the par four, 15th hole and the match was all square again. Sergio Garcia (Spain) for Team Europe eagled the par five, 16th hole to move Team Europe back to one up. They halved the par three, 17th hole in pars. They halved the par five, 18th hole in birdies and that meant Team Europe won the match one up. So Team Europe now lead 14.5 points to Team USA 9.5 points and had retained the Ryder Cup for another two years!!

The ninth match out was Webb Simpson (USA) for Team USA verse Ian Poulter (England) for Team Europe. Webb Simpson (USA) for Team USA won the par four, first hole with a par to move Team USA to one up. Ian Poulter (England) for Team Europe birdied the par five, second hole and the match was all square again. Webb Simpson (USA) for Team USA won the par three, fourth hole with a par and moved Team USA back to one up. Ian Poulter (England) for Team Europe won the par four, fifth hole with a par and the match was all square again. Webb Simpson (USA) for Team USA won the par three, sixth hole with a birdie and moved Team USA back to one up. Ian Poulter (England) for Team Europe won the par four, seventh hole with a birdie and the match was all square again. Ian Poulter (England) for Team Europe won the par four, eighth hole with a birdie to move Team Europe to one up. Ian Poulter (England) for Team Europe won the par five, ninth hole with a birdie to move Team Europe to two up. Webb Simpson (USA) for Team USA won the par three, tenth hole with a birdie to move Team USA back to one down. They halved holes eleven to thirteen. Webb Simpson (USA) for Team USA won the par four, 14th hole with a birdie and the match was all square again. They halved holes 15 and 16 with a par and a birdie. Webb Simpson (USA) for Team USA won the par three, 17th hole with a par to move Team USA back to one up. Ian Poulter (England) for Team Europe won the par five, 18th hole with a birdie and the match finished all square. So Team Europe now lead 15 points to Team USA 10 points.

The tenth match out was Keegan Bradley (USA) for Team USA verse Jamie Donaldson (Wales) for Team Europe. They halved the first four holes in par. Jamie Donaldson (Wales) for Team Europe won the par four, fifth hole with a par and moved Team Europe to one up. Jamie Donaldson (Wales) for Team Europe won the par four, seventh hole with a birdie to move Team Europe to two up. Keegan Bradley (USA) for Team USA won the par four, eighth hole with a birdie to move Team USA back to one up. Jamie Donaldson (Wales) for Team Europe won the par five, ninth hole with a birdie to moved Team Europe back to two up. Jamie Donaldson (Wales) for Team Europe won the par four, eleventh hole with a birdie to move Team Europe to three up. Jamie Donaldson (Wales) for Team Europe won the par four, 12th hole with birdie to move Team Europe to four up. They halved the par four, 15th hole in birdies and that meant Team Europe had won the match 4&3. And it was Jamie Donaldson’s (Wales) point that clinched the 40th Ryder Cup for Team Europe!! So Team Europe now lead 16 points to Team USA 10 points.

 

Jamie Donaldson (Wales) who sealed the winning point for Team Europe in the Sunday Singles poses with the Ryder Cup!!

The eleventh match out was Jimmy Walker (USA) for Team USA verse Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe. They halved the first two holes in birdies. Jimmy Walker (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, third hole to move Team USA to one up. They halved holes four to eight. Jimmy Walker (USA) for Team USA birdied the par five, ninth hole to move Team USA to two up. They halved holes ten and eleven. Jimmy Walker (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, twelfth hole and moved Team USA to three up. Lee Westwood (England) for Team Europe birdied the par four, 13th hole to move Team Europe back to two down. Jimmy Walker (USA) for Team USA won the par four, 15th hole with a par to move Team USA back to three up. They halved the par five, 16th hole in birdies and that meant that Team USA won the match 3&2. Team Europe now lead 16 points to Team USA 11 points.

 

The twelfth match out was Zach Johnson (USA) for Team USA verse Victor Dubuisson (France) for Team Europe. They halved the first ten holes in pars. Zach Johnson (USA) for Team USA birdied the par four, tenth hole to move Team USA to one up. Victor Dubuisson (France) for Team Europe birdied the par four, twelfth hole and the match was all square again. Victor Dubuisson (France) for Team Europe won the par four, thirteenth hole with a par and moved Team Europe to one up. Zach Johnson (USA) for Team USA won the par four, 15th hole with a par and the match was all square again. Victor Dubuisson (France) for Team Europe birdied the par five, 16th hole and moved Team Europe back to one up. They halved the par three, 17th hole in bogeys. Zach Johnson (USA) for Team USA birdied the par five, 18th hole and that meant the final result of the match was all square. Team Europe won the Sunday Singles Matches 6.5 points to Team USA 5.5 Points. The final Result of the 40th Ryder Cup Matches was Team Europe 16.5 Points to Team USA 11.5 Points. 

The Closing Ceremony was held soon afterwards with both the Captains acknowledging that all the matches were played in good spirit and Sportsmanship!! USA Team Captain, Tom Watson (USA) then congratulated the European Ryder Cup Captain, Paul McGinley (Ireland) on his Teams awesome performance this week. Then the European Team Captain, Paul McGinley (Ireland) lifted the Ryder Cup a loft and the surrounding media took photos of him and all the members of Team Europe with it!! Then all of Team Europe sprayed Champagne over each other to celebrate the win!! And then they lifted up European Team Captain, Paul McGinley (Ireland) on their shoulders and sang some winning chants like “Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole”!! 

 

Team Europe Captain, Paul McGinley (Ireland) is lifted up by his twelve players as he holds the Ryder Cup a loft while his players spray Champagne over each other!!

Mean while Team USA headed to the media centre to answer questions from the waiting Media. Phil Mickelson (USA) who was one of the senior players in Team USA then spoke his mind on why he thought Team USA had lost the last three straight Ryder Cups and he said “He believed Paul Azinger (USA) who was the Team Captain in 2008 when Team USA last won the Ryder Cup had created a much better team spirit in the Team and the way he Captained with his Vice Captains was much more effective and he got every player involved in the process”. USA Ryder Cup Captain, Tom Watson (USA) then replied “It takes twelve players playing well to win a Ryder Cup and Team Europe played just a little bit better than us this week”.  

The 41st Ryder Cup will be played in 2016 in Chaska, Minnesota, USA at the Hazeltine National Golf Club in late September. Team USA will be looking for a good Team performance and a win while Team Europe will be in search of their Fourth Straight Ryder Cup win!!

Next week the European Tour and Race to Dubai heads stays in Scotland for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship and it is played on the Old Course St. Andrews, Carnoustie & Kingsbarns, Scotland. It carries a large prize purse of US $5,000,000 for the taking. David Howell (England) is the defending champion and will be keen for back to back titles. It is played as a Pro – Am format where top sports stars from other sports and Movie Stars compete alongside the professionals similar to the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro – Am on the USPGA Tour. It starts on Thursday 2nd October and I will report back who won the trophy next week. And the 2014/15 USPGA Tour and FedEx Cup season commences on Thursday 9th October and is the Frys.com Open and it is played on the Silverado Resort and Spa, Napa, California. It carries a prize purse of US $5,000,000 for the taking. Jimmy Walker (USA) is the defending champion and will be keen for back to back titles. Danny Lee (NZL), Tim Wilkinson (NZL) and Steve Alker (NZL) are likely to gain starts as well. I will report back who won the trophy once the result is known.

So to the Top 5 on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list this week and coming in at Number One Position for the ninth week of his fifth spell of his career and for the 48th week of his career in total is Rory McILroy (NIR) fresh off being part of the winning European Ryder Cup Team this past week and two weeks ago tied for second position at the Tour Championship by Coca – Cola and three weeks ago he finished in tied for eighth position at the BMW Championship and four weeks ago tied for fifth position at the Deutsche Bank Championship and five weeks ago finished in twenty second position at The Barclays and seven weeks ago winning at the 96th PGA Championship and eight weeks ago won WGC – Bridgestone Invitational and also ten weeks ago winning the 143rd Open Championship with 11.65 Official Golf World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Two is Adam Scott (Australia) fresh off his tied for ninth position two weeks ago at the Tour Championship by Coca – Cola and three weeks ago tied for eight position at the BMW Championship and four weeks ago finished in 16th position at Deutsche Bank Championship and five weeks ago he tied for 15th position at The Barclays and seven weeks ago tied for 15th position finish at the 96th PGA Championship with 8.99 Official World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Three is Sergio Garcia (Spain) who is fresh off being part of the winning European Ryder Cup Team this past week and two weeks ago tied for ninth position at the Tour Championship by Coca – Cola and three weeks ago he tied for fourth position at the BMW Championship and five weeks ago tied for 57th position at The Barclays and seven weeks ago tied for 36th position at the 96th PGA Championship and he also finished solo second position eight weeks ago at the WGC – Bridgestone Invitational and ten weeks ago he tied for second position at the 143rd Open  Championship with 7.76 Official World Ranking Points; coming in at Number Four is Jim Furyk (USA) who is fresh off being a part of the losing  USA Ryder Cup Team this past week and two weeks ago he tied for second position at the Tour Championship by Coca – Cola with 7.60 Official Golf World Ranking Points and rounding out the top 5 on the Official Golf World Ranking Points list standings this week is Henrik Stenson (Sweden) who was fresh off  being part of the winning European Ryder Cup Team this past week and three weeks ago he tied for twenty third position at the BMW Championship and four weeks ago finished in tied for 26th position at the Deutsche Bank Championship and five weeks ago he finished in 38th position at The Barclays and he finished in tied for fourth position at the 114th U.S. Open Championship 15 weeks ago and also finished tied for second at the BMW International Open and 13 weeks ago and also finished in tied for 39th position at the 143rd Open Championship ten weeks ago and seven weeks ago finished in tied for third position at the 96th PGA Championship with 7.46 Official Golf World Ranking Points; Danny Lee (NZL) is in his fifth week of his fourth spell being the highest ranked New Zealand Golfer in the world after his tied for 35th position at the Deutsche Bank Championship four weeks ago on the USPGA Tour. This week he slips one place and falls to 250th position on the Official World Golf Rankings Points list with 0.73 Official Golf World Ranking Points. 

Remember now the courses are starting to dry out you must allow for it when playing your shots!!

Source: Pgatour.com, Official World Golf Rankings, wikipedia.org, Google search engine, europeantour.com