Team Europe is clearly in the lead after the second day at the 45th Ryder Cup and reaches for the rare away win in the eternal duel with the US guns. The mood at the gates of New York was heated up. Superstar Rory McIlroy came up with the US fans.
After the second day in the Bethpage State Park of Long Island, the Europeans even expanded their leadership and went into the decisive Sunday with a lead of 11.5: 4.5. There are still twelve single matches on the program, the European selection needs 14 points for victory as a defending champion. It would be the eleventh for the past 15 editions-a triumph in New York’s state would also be the first Ryder Cup away win since 2012 when the Europeans performed the “miracle of Medinah” in Illinois.
Europe’s top golfer also showed an impressive dominance on the second day – and also provided the right answers to the sometimes hostile mood. The American fans do not only violate the golf label, not to disturb the players by interjections when the blow. Some otherwise find it difficult to do.
McIlroy calls fans to order: “Shut the f *** up”
Rory McIlroy, who had already caught up with some American fans on Friday, reacted to the fans’ interjections, while he was preparing in his blow on the 16th Green: “Guys, Shut The F *** Up”the five-time major winner called into the audience. A negative mood was to be expected: “That’s how it is with an away Ryder Cup”said the northern end. “Between the blows they should say what they want, that’s okay. But they should show respect and let us beat us in peace, give us the same chance that the Americans have.”
McIlroy had to stop preparation for one fell several times due to the annoying fans. According to media reports, a viewer had also called “Freedom”. The term has been in a new political context for a few weeks, the right-wing extremist activist Charlie Kirk wore a T-shirt with the inscription “Freedom” when he was murdered.
Lowry in a clinch with US fans
McIlroy had previously distributed their hand kisses into the audience after various abuse. His team partner Shane Lowry even had to be held back on the 10th hole after working with an angry fan.
Europe’s captain Luke Donald criticized the behavior of the fans who had paid tickets upwards from $ 750: “Personal insults to consciously make noises when the players prepare in the blow, the border is exceeded“, said the Brit. “But we were prepared for that, the players reacted excellently. I would not have expected such a big lead. I am very satisfied with the strength of our team, the clout, intensity and mentality. ”
Europe dominates the Ryder Cup
In the so-called “Foursomes” in the morning, in which the teams of two play with one ball alternately, only the two-time US Open winner Bryson Decimbeau and Cameron Young, who prevailed against the Swedish-English duo Ludvig Aberg/Matt Fitzpatrick, scored 4 & 2.
Team Europe decided the rest of the duels: the former master winner Jon Rahm (Spain) and Tyrrell Hatton (England) won against the twice Major champion Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay with 3 & 2. Robert Macintyre (Scotland) and Viktor Hovland (Norway) prevailed against Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley 1-up, and McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood (England) also scored the 3 & 2 against Collin Morikawa/Harris English.
Caddie by de Chambeau provoked
In the subsequent “Fourballs”, also a team duel, in which each golfer plays his own ball, European dominance continued. Here, too, the Americans succeeded only a success, through JJ Spaun and Schauffele. Hatton and Fitzpatrick struck Europe with a 1-up against Sam Burns and Cantlay. Mcilroy and Lowry (Ireland) prevailed 2-up against Justin Thomas and Young.
And the English duo Justin Rose and Fleetwood also won 3 & 2 against Scheffler/Dechambeau, in a also not trouble -free duel: Rose complained that de Chambaus Caddie was too close to his field of vision, possibly to disturb him in the concentration. Another no-go in golf circles, as a result, further niceting between the caddies and the players were exchanged. It should be an interesting final day at the Ryder Cup.