26th September, 2021
Agency Reports
Team U.S.A. tightened their grip on the Ryder Cup with another day of domination at wind-whipped Whistling Straits on Saturday, taking a commanding 11-5 lead over holders Europe.
Team Europe will need to produce a historic comeback if they are to defend their title.
Comfortably in front 6-2 at the start of the day, the U.S. turned up the pressure in the morning foursomes taking three-of-four points before fending off a fight back from the Europeans in the afternoon fourballs splitting the matches 2-2.
Only nine times in 42 Ryder Cups has a team come from behind on the final day to lift the trophy.
No team has ever rallied from six points down going into Sunday’s singles although twice (the U.S. in 1999 and Europe in 2012) teams have come from four back to capture the title.
“We are going out there until the end,” assured Sergio Garcia, playing in his 10th Ryder Cup for Europe. “We are not going to give up, that’s for sure.”
Heading into Sunday’s singles, the U.S. sit just 3 1/2 points away from the 14 1/2 they need to secure the little gold trophy.
It would mark just the second time in six Ryder Cups and third in last 10 that the U.S. has won the title.
While 40,000 mostly American flag waving fans will pour into Whistling Straits on Sunday in full party mode U.S. captain Steve Stricker and his men were not popping the champagne just yet.
“You’re too far ahead of me,” said Xander Schauffele, when asked to compare winning the Tokyo Olympic gold medal to winning a Ryder Cup. “I don’t think any of us are getting too far ahead of ourselves.
“It’s 12 points for grabs tomorrow, and we are all trying to take care of our own business.”