Europe needs Medinah repeat to win 41st Ryder Cup

Chaska, Minnesota: Darren Clarke’s European Ryder Cup team are going to need a repeat of the Miracle at Medinah if they are to return home with the Ryder Cup.

After moving to within one point of their American hosts following the Saturday morning Foursomes, it was Davis Love’s team of Star Spangled golfers who placed one hand on the gleaming Ryder Cup trophy dominating the afternoon Fourballs by three games to one, and take a 9½ to 6½ into the closing Singles.

The only bright light for Europe in the second session Fourballs was Rory McIlroy and Thomas Pieters remaining undefeated in three matches to win 3&1 against the duo of Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson.

Little wonder Love was starting to sound like a victorious Ryder Cup captain given being the captain that had the victory carpet pulled out from under him four years ago at Medinah.

“I wasn’t certain if I was hungry or sick to the stomach but both teams have been playing very, very well,” he said.

“It’s been unbelievable today as both teams have been playing great. I watched a lot of that first match. Those guys are making so many birdies.”

While Clarke was clearly disappointed with the afternoon results, he remains confident the European team has what it takes to win tomorrow.

“Obviously disappointed with this afternoon’s result. We hung in there this morning, got back close again and we had a few chances there. The American guys played very well. That’s the nature of The Ryder Cup. That’s what happens.”

“We had a little momentum and tomorrow we’re going to have to work hard and play very, very well. It’s been done before from a worse position. We have a big task ahead of us but the guys are capable of doing it.”

After three consecutive defeats, Team USA have much to prove and much to lose tomorrow. It is sure to be an explosive atmosphere and either team can still win.