The World team traditionally get off to a strong start but it's usually foursomes and this time we've brought Fourballs back into the equation, an entirely different format and feel, allowing the lesser lights to be carried more easily by their more accomplished partners. I can see the Blues again taking a slender lead in the opening day of matches, with a 2½ to 1½ advantage, but with all four games going right down to the 17th and 18th holes.

2 up

Any pairing with Ken Nicholls in it is going to be a good one, any fourballs pairing with Ken Nicholls is going to be a really good one. Not even the hack and slashing of Harris, Sr. should dampen the World team efforts here, in fact, Nicholls on his own will be a tough match for the American pairing, who have more than enough talent to put up a fight here, and both Henry and Segotta will be in play for every hole, whereas Harris will no doubt be in an occasional support role hoping that a birdie or two can be found just when his partner needs it.

Verdict / Prediction: Hard fought win for big Ken, carrying a duffer all the way

Report: by Lee Harris

Team USA got off to the perfect start with a convincing win in the opening match. Never behind, their power and precision from the tee told in the end as their unerring consistency wore down the Blue team. Whenever the world team got close or sniffed a comeback, the door was slammed shot, nowhere more obvious than on the 16th green, when Harris snuck one onto the green for a birdie effort (which he duly holed) - enough to bring the deficit back to 1 with 2 holes to play, but Segotta had chipped in from 50 feet off the green to win the match outright.

USA took the lead on Hole#2 when Henry holed a very nice 15 footer across a tricky slope, but Nicholls chipped in on the next hole to tie things up. On the 5th hole, Segotta stiffed his approach from 180 yards to regain the lead for the reds, and repeated the trick on Hole#7 to extend the lead to 2 up, and not looking good for the World team. Even worse was to follow as Neil stiffed it for the third hole in a row, and Kens chip hit the pin, my putt slid past the hole and it was a commanding 3 up lead, but a crucial win on the 9th hole on a very difficult pin placement brought hope back to the home crowd, wherever they'd got to.

Henry hit an important 2nd on Hole#10 to avoid losing another hole to a double birdie blitz from the Blues, who were rocking at this point, and they did win Hole#11 with a brilliant recovery from Ken and a safe play from Harris. Just 1 behind now, with 7 holes to play, Harris had a tough chance to tie it up on 12, but it was just too much break to read, and everyone went close to birdie on the next with chips from off the green. The tension was building, luckily for us, Nicholls was CLUTCH when holing a 7 footer to keep the gap at just 12 hole, but there was nothing we could do on Hole#15, as Harris striped a perfect 4 wood that ballooned in the wind and stayed short, leaving Segotta to drain a 20 footer to regain that important 2 hole edge. On 16 it looked like a great recovery by Harris would give him a chance to get one back with 2 to play after that, but Segotta's brilliant chip in sealed the deal and a well deserved full point.

A great match, lot of fun, and very pleasant company!

4 up

A baptism of fire for the Canadian Wild Card pairing of Dickerson and Pyhtila and they have it really tough against two of the hottest players going into the last part of the season. Casker recently placed 2nd at the Tour Championship and marched into the Powerstroke matchplay final, while Roberts recently lost a playoff to win a Tour event and has been solid since he joined the tour in mid season.

Verdict / Prediction: Tough day on the links for the Canadian duo.

Report: by Doug Casker
USA took an early lead and some good play on both sides but bad breaks for the World Team had us 5 up at the turn, and in spite of a push down the back stretch, the US held on for a 4 and 3 win

1 up

The captain retains his successful pairing with Paul Smith, one of the best matchplayers on Tour with a string of online successses behind him, and they'll fancy their chances of edging this one against a dogged American pairing with US Open Champion Charles Belida alongside wild carder Randy Short, who will be desperate to get involved here and prove his captain right in selecting him. Matches with Smith & Russell always seem to be classics decided on the 18th, this one should prove no different.

Verdict / Prediction: Classic showdown edged by Blues all round prowess

Report: by David Russell
The USA were looking strong with a comforting 2-0 lead after the opening Saturday and the Captain Russell alongside Smith were feeling most of the pressure as the game begun.

This match always looked on paper like it was going to be close, and it lived up to its billing as a crowd thriller. The opening salvo saw the opening 3 holes halved in par with little sign of separation. The 4th hole was the par 5 and although no-one was on the green in 2, Russell and Belida both birdied from close chip shots to keep the game level. At the 5th it was the turn of Smith and Short to birdie following great approach shots – the game still level. Pars at the 6th and after the opening 3rd of the game no-one had made their move.

At the 7th this all changed as Russell holed a 30 foot putt for birdie. Belida has a shorter try at 18ft, but his rolled around the hole and the Brits drew first blood. This however soon seemed a bad move. At the 8th both Smith and Russell shaved the hole for birdie, while Belida made no mistake and the match was immediately levelled. The 9th was a real swinger with both Brits safe on the green, Belida chips in to birdie the hole and take USA into the lead at the turn.

At the 10th the USA turned the screw. With both Brits 15ft from the hole they looked certain to level the match, but Short miraculously chipped in from off the green and the shocked Brits shaved the hole. USA were 2 up and the crowd were silenced. The 11th and 12th were halved in par, Smith coming close to chipping in at the latter. The 13th saw Smith and the USA in the trees. Russell played two perfect shots to 4ft for Birdie, but Belida broke his heart by recovering to a gimmie birdie himself leaving USA still 2up after 13.

It was Russell who took the momentum at this stage. At 14 he holed at 20 foot putt for birdie to reduce the defecit to 1 hole. Then at 15 with Smith in the water he holed another 20 foot putt for his 3rd birdie in a row to level the match. The 16th saw some drama too. All 4 players found the fairway, Smith and Short laid up giving Russell and Belida an opportunity to take on a 260y shot over water. Both succeeded but watched in surprise as both the approach shots from Smith and Short took backspin and sped into the water. Belida and Russell both duly birdied to stay level.

The 17th found only Smith in the fairway, Russell and Short in the left rough and Belida 1 inch from the right water. Smith duly approached to 10 feet putting pressure on USA and when Russell chipped to gimmie for his par and Short missed his par putt, the World team were 1up with 1 to play. The final hole and the players shook hands before all 4 fired to the fairway and then bombarded the pin. Smith to 23ft Russell 15ft, Short to 11ft and Belida 8ft. Smith and Russell went close but left USA each a change to level the match. Short’s putt agonisingly slipped across the right edge. Belida was left with a short but tough curler which just wouldn’t drop.

In the final analysis the game was so close, and both teams arguably deserved a share of the honours with all players playing their part in a dramatic and entertaining match. In the end Russell’s hot patch of 4 birdies between 13-16 was enough to turn the game around and secure the World teams first point.

.

1 up

I certainly won't forget the play of Bill Moore in last year's event when his iron play was simply out of this world as he helped himself and partner Doug Casker to a thorough spanking of the Harris brothers! Jay Hansen is a superb player as well, and these two will be hard to beat, however, the Austrian Ristl and Icelandic hero Bjornsson have both been regulars in the top ten, of course Bjornsson has won two events as well, coping very well with the varying conditions and courses in the multi location tournaments. This will be a game that will have all three swing types on show, and plenty of entertainment for the watching galleries.

Verdict / Prediction: Nothing to separate in a classic dogfight.

Report: by Bill Moore
We started out on Saturday and after some technical set up we connected to game. After playing 3 or 4 hole we lost Robert B. It wasn't Sunday 11 am (CST) we got back together. It was a very pleasure day with the wind howling, I had to use extra glue for my hair piece.

Hole #1 Par 4 418 Yards
America's team had the honors and you could tell they were nervous because both hit there T shot in the rough down the right side about 180 yards out while the World team hit both T shot in the middle of fairway, Robert was 149 yards out…HUGE T shot! His partner was 174 out. Jay's second shot went no where out of rough, just a dribbler, next shot he puts 39 feet short. Bill shot was short 29 yards left of hole. Up come the World team nerves of steel and Robert stick his shot 20 feet away, Kurt was left of green 29 yards and chips it to 8 feet while Bill chips for a gimmie and a par figuring it would be a halve hole but, Robert takes aim and sinks the 20 footer for a birdie. World Team 1 up.

Hole #2 Par 4 413 Yards
Robert T's off first and puts it right down the middle of fairway, while Kurt follows suit. Jay bangs a 4 wood to the right rough and Bill follows him. Jays second shot come up a tad short of green. Both Robert and Kurt are short and left of green, same with Bill. Life come back into the America's team, Jay chips his shot in for a birdie. All Square (whew!)

Hole #3 Par 3
Jay T shot is 10 feet right fringe, Bill T shot is 31 front right fringe. Robert sticks his T shot 8 feet (what a shot!), his partner Kurt is 25 yards short. America's team knows they must chip one of these shots in to tie the whole. Jay chip to a gimmie, while the nerves got to Bill and he was out of it but to our surprise Robert leaves his putt short. All Square.

Hole # 4 Par 5 170 Yards
Jay's T shot is in right rough 253 yards out, Bill is still a little nerves and his T shot is in right rough 251 yards out. This World Team can't miss a fairway FW, Robert and Kurt nail there T shot in fairway 246 yards out. Jay hits approach shot first and goes in right green side bunker and Bill's shot is in same bunker 35 feet away. Robert puts his shot in same bunker 41 feet away and Kurt is also there and hit his sand shot 10 feet, while Robert only hits his 7 feet out of sand. Kurt chip to 11 feet from pin and Jay hits his 55 feet past pin and his partner had a malfunction (line dropped) and only chips 6 feet but is out of sand. Kurt missed his 11 foot putt but has a par for the World Team but his partner sinks a 7 foot putt for birdie (curse you Robert, just kidding) World Team 1 up.

Hole #5 Par 4 449 Yards
Robert in fairway (again) 186 yards from pin, Kurt is 212 out in fairway. Jay is in right rough 217 out while Bill is in fairway 179 out. Jay's first to hit and is 27 yards short of pin, Kurt is next to hit and he is 27 yards short. Robert hit and is 41 feet long on the fringe, while Bill hit is approach shot on green 46 feet away. Kurt is first to chip, he knocks it to 7 feet and Jay is next and knocks his chip 19 feet past hole. Now it's Bills turn but he has to putt his 46 footer, putts to a gimmie par. Now it is Roberts turn to make his chip and the America's Team is a little nervous because Robert a pretty darn good chipper, he came awful close but only had a gimmie par, WHEW! World Team 1 up.

Hole #6 Par 4 478 Yards
Again Roberts in fairway 143 yards out, Kurt is in left rough 170 yards out. Jay hit one down the middle to 155 yards out while his partner Bill hits it in left rough 170 yards out. Kurt's the first to hit approach shot and hits it to 45 left front of green. Bill is still really nervous and chunks it in the water. Jay is next to hit and lands 22 feet from pin while good ole Robert nails it to 10 feet from pin. Not going to tell where Bill hit his next shot but Kurt chip his 3rd shot to 13 feet. Now it Jays turn to putt and Americas Team really needs this putt to halve the hole and guess what the kid from Indiana nails it, now the pressure is on Robert to drain his 10 footer, you luck is with the Americas Team. All Square.

Hole #7 415 Yards
Jay bangs a 4 wood in fairway 124 yards from pin while is starting to settle down a little bit and his a 4 wood to 135 yards from pin. Robert NAILS a drivers 106 yards from pin and Kurt pulls his T shot in the left rough 116 yards out. Bill up first and his approach shot to green side bunker 41 feet away, Jay approach shot is 5 feet away. Kurt hit his to 21 feet and Robert is 8 feet away. Bills chip out of bunker is a gimmie par while Kurt nails his 22 footer for birdie (he hot) and Jay makes his birdie to halve the hole. All Square

Hole #8 Par 3 173 Yards
Jays T shot is 31 feet from pin but is in trouble in the grandstands, Bills T is 16 feet away. Robert his T shot to 32 feet from pin and his partner (remember he's hot) hits his to 9 feet (great shot). Robert putts first and leaves it 7 feet short, Jay bang his chip to green side bunker, and he's out of hole. Now it is Bill's turn to become a saver because we know Kurt is going to make his putt. Well, it was to much pressure on Bill, he blew his putt (not really computer glitch, line dropper and club swung at the same time). World Team up 1

Hole #9 Par 4 420 Yards
Robert hits his T shot just past tree in right edge of fairway, 122 yard from pin, Kurt hit his T shot to the left edge of fairway, 129 yards from pin. While Jay and Bill hit there T shot through the fairway in right rough 132 and 136 yards from pin. Bill hits his approach shot 18 feet from pin on the green and Jay puts his approach shot 25 feet long on the fringe. Kurt hit his shot from fairway to 17 feet while Robert comes up a bit short of green and chip a tad long. Jay chip shot from 25 feet is 5 feet from hole and Bill's putt is a gimmie par. Kurt putt is 7 feet short Robert makes his putt for a par. World Team 1 up.

We had to take a break to refill our wine and beer glasses the pressure was building and Bill had to go get something stronger then wine. He had a RUM and Coke double strength. Had to get ready for the back 9 and the America Team wasn't on there game but the World Team was not tearing it up either however they had the lead by 1.

Hole #10 Par 5 584 Yards
As we came to the 10th T the wind was really howling and blowing from right to left and the 10 hole is a dog left to the right. Now Robert has been banging his T shot all day and nail one right down the middle to 269 yards from pin and Kurt puts one out there 277 yards from pin. Jay and Bill are not the World Team animal we only hit ours 294 and 297 yards from pin. Bill's first to hit and puts it on green 46 feet away, while his partner is 35 yards right of green in rough. World Team duo, Kurt is 25 yards long and Robert is 27 feet from pin on green. Now it becomes and chipping and putting match is the America's Team up for it or would the World Team prevail. Kurt 25 yard chip is 19 feet long and Jays chip is 45 feet past pin. So now it become a putt duel, will it be Bill or shall Robert get hot? Bill's putt goes 7 feet past hole and a chance for birdie as Robert lines up his 27 footer and hits the putt and it rolls and rolls and rolls right in the hole for EAGLE!!!!! Crowd just goes wild and the World Team is trying to compose themselves. While the America's Team is a little down trotted but as the went to next T they spoke it not over till the fat lady sings. On to the 11th T.

Hole #11 Par 4 44 Yards
The pumped up World Team has the T box and Robert bang his T shot through the fairway right rough and 179 yards out his partner a little more calm his a 3 wood and lays it in the middle of fairway is 194 yards out. The America Team duo a little down hearted from that great putt on #10 green, stops and takes a deep breath and look at each other and with great determination Jay hits his T shot in the rough 242 yards from pin and his partner knocks his 205 from pin. Jay's approach shot is one that we all like to have he nails it to 6 feet from hole and Bill hit's his 42 feet long. Kurt's approach shot is short 51 feet, tough wind in your face and Robert is 25 feet left of pin. Kurt's chip is short 13 feet and Bill's putt is also short by 7 feet. Now Robert is 25 feet away and with Jay only 6 feet from pin he need to make this to stay 2 up so he takes aim and hit putt and just misses on low side, it was close, and Jay sink a routine birdie. World Team 1 up

Hole #12 Par 3 173 Yards
Jay hits his T shot 24 feet from hole and Bill knock his in left rough short by 44 feet. Robert T shot is 25 feet short and Kurt is on green 16 feet from hole. Bill chips to a gimmie, so now it is a putting contest….and Robert on the hot seat but it wasn't hot very long the dang putt run like it had eyes straight in the hole (curse you Robert, just kidding). It was the American from Indiana turn to be a hero and was he up to the task. OH MAN!!!!!! Just a tad to high and World Team wins another. World Team 2 up.

Hole #13 Par 4 430 Yards
The World Team is pretty pumped up being 2 hole up and hole are running out for the Americans and Robert blast a T shot the goes long in the rough and his partner swings away with a 3 wood and puts it right down the middle of fairway. The American Captain give his players a little pep talk as they where walking to the 13th T box and the 2 players seem a little more relaxed. To his dismay Jay hits his T shot in the woods left 152 yard from pin and Bill nails his right down the middle 150 yards from pin. Jay needed the Minnesota Lumber Jacks club to get himself out of the trees, wood was flying and he went backwards to 168 yards out, still Jays turn to hit and he hits it 25 feet from hole. Next up is Kurt and proceeds to put his shot on green 24 feet away. Bill must have been pumped up a little from the Captain words, he nail his shot to 10 from hole and Robert was 24 feet right of green with his shot. Jay missed his putt on the low side while Robert putt to a gimmie par while his partner was lining up his 23 foot putt and just missed it on the low side it almost gave Bill heart failure but he stood up and made his 10 footer to win the hole. World Team 1 up

Hole #14 Par 3 213 Yards
America's Team can see a little life and are pumped and maybe to much because Jay's T shot 45 feet from hole in greenside bunker while Bill's is 30 yards left in the rough. Robert hits his T shot on this par 3 56 feet left of hole in the greenside bunker and Kurt is greenside bunker 20 yards from hole. Bill chip his to 11 feet from hole and Kurt chips out of bunker to 12 feet and is short of green in the fringe and Robert chip goes 15 feet short and short of green while Jay chips goes 11 feet and is short of green. Robert chips to a gimmie bogie, Kurt does the same and Jay also. Now it's up to the older gentleman from Minnesota to make this 11 foot putt and win one for the American Team. Low and behold he comes through with a par putt and The American Team won't go away they will not give up. All Square.

Hole #15 Par 4 453 Yards
This hole ended up being all square Jay had to make a 9 footer to keep it even. All Square

Hole #16 Par 5 512 Yards
Jays T shot is in fairway 244 yards out and Bill's T shot is in the right rough 245 yards out. Robert is in fairway 238 yards from hole and Kurt's T shot is in fairway 266 yards from pin. Kurt's approach shot is a lay up to 128 yards from hole. Bill hits his approach shot is 33 feet from hole on the green while his partner lays up to 113 yards from hole. Robert hits his on the green and is 54 feet from hole. Kurt's 3rd shot is 23 feet from hole on the green and Jay's approach shot is 18 feet from hole on the fringe. Robert is the first to putt and leave it 15 feet short. Next up is Bill and licking his lips for a EAGLE chance and the Golf Gods plus the Links Gods must have been with him for the putt was like it had eyes it roll like it wasn't going to miss and it didn't and America's Team finally went 1 up. American Team 1 up.

Hole #17 Par 4 424 Yards
America's Team is overjoyed and for got that there is 2 hole left and gave the next hole to the World Team, well, not really Robert stuck his approach shot 7 feet from hole while Bill and Jay was still trying to get on the green. So now we are all tied up. It doesn't get any better than this, tied going into last hole and it's anybodies game but the World Team has played so well at this point and America's team has scrambled on almost ever hole to either stay even or within range. All Square

Hole #18 Par 5 537 Yards
Both teams are think this is it for all the marbles so let get it done. Robert is the first to T off and his T shot goes in the fairway 247 yard out while his partner is 256 yards out in fairway. Jay nails his T shot to 248 yards from hole while his partner Bill hits his in the right rough 227 yards out. Kurt is the first to hit and pulls his shot in the water that was very unfortunate. Jay is next to hit and he hit his 20 yard short of green in the fairway. Next up is Robert and he has been doing very well all day on his approach shots, he proceeds to hit his in the water also. Now it is Bill's turn and he is in the rough with a downhill side hill push lie, his partner is safe and decides to go for it. Hits a 4 wood flop over the trees and turn to the green like it had eyes and ends up 33 feet from hole on the green. Kurt hits his 4th shot to 24 feet from hole on the green and Robert hit his 4th shot to 11 feet from hole. Now it Jays turn to chip from 20 yards and he does so with a gimmie birdie and America's Team wins 1 up.

What a match it was anybodies game at any time. I (Bill Moore) so as nervous as a cat on a hot tin roof throughout the game. What is it about the Ryder Cup makes one so intense and yet have so much fun. My hats off to the world team it could of gone either way and the World Team play better for 16 holes then the American Team and for the misfortune on #18 it could have been. My thanks to Robert and Kurt it was a great game and more fun then I have had in a long time. I must say to Jay, my partner, what a power stroker, he is so smooth and much fun to play with and his rum and cokes are pretty darn good to along with a few beers throwed in.

A set of really close games here, and I can easily see a 2-2 split being the final result. Of course, the paradox is that when so many games go to the wire, it just takes a small bit of good or bad luck (or play) to push the balance one way or the other, and when momentum and confidence build in one team, it erodes in the other and a lop sided finish is what you end up with. Nevertheless, I'm sticking with my prediction that these matches will be even stevens, leaving the World team a point ahead after the first two days of Ryder Cup action.

3 up

This time it's the assistant captain, back from a relaxing break, who gets to enjoy the company of Smith, but with Charlie Roberts coming in alongside Segotta, this has all the makings of a true heavyweight slugfest with the last team standing on the 18th prevailing. I'm sure this will be a hugely enjoyable game to be involved in either way

Verdict / Prediction: A massive game that could go either way

Report: by Neil Segotta

Lee here is a brief write up of our just concluded match. Segotta/Roberts take down Hope/Smith 3 &1!
The match started off with the World Team struggling to find their swings. The US birdies holes 1 and 3 and eagles hole number four to take a commanding 4 up lead. A par was all that was needed on the second as the World Team went OB on their tee shot. Smith then chips in for birdie on the 5th but Roberts answers with a 7 footer to remain 4 up. We experienced a weather delay midway through the 6th hole and it bothered both teams as the hole was halved with a bogie.
The sun then returned and the match continued. Segotta's approach on 7 finds the water and the World Team has life and wins the hole with a par, The lead is now 3 for the US. Segotta redeems himself on 8 by coming to rest 8 feet from the cup. Paul's bold bid for birdie rolls 5 feet past while Roberts drains the 8 footer to give the US a 4 up cushion. Things stay the same until the 11th where Smith finds the range from 13 feet. Roberts try lips out and it is now 3 up US. On the 12th Paul Smith chips in with a full 360 degree victory lap, things look bleak for the US as Roberts is faced with a 12 foot bender. Roberts rolls it in for the amazing halve. After both teams reach the green on 13 Smith again quiets the US side by draining the 20 foot birdie putt to draw the World Team within 2. We move to the par 3, 14th where Hope struggles on the tee and finds the left hand rough, 29 yards out. Segotta hits the green but rolls onto the fairway on the right but steady Roberts calmly chips in the 34 footer to go 3 up once more. On the 15th the World Team puts their approach to 6 feet while Segotta leaves his partner 27 feet from home. Again Roberts steps up and calmly drains the biride putt to make the match dormie. An unbelievable putting display is being showed by Roberts.
We now approach the 16th. Both drives split the fairway. Paul smith goes for the green from 218 yards out. The shot looks good, wow!!! It hits the flag and leaves them 6 feet away for a sure eagle. Roberts now realizes these folks are not going away. He pulls his 5 wood from the bag but the magic has momentarily left him as he finds a watery grave. Hope makes the eagle putt and the crowd roars with its approval. The World Team is not finished yet! On the 17th tee Smith's drive finds the rough while Roberts smokes one to the center. Coming form the rough Andy's shot is hot and runs through the back of the green. Segotta steps up from 144 yards and stiffs a punched SW to 3 and half feet. Game, set, match! US wins 3 & 1. Hats off the the World Team as they put on a valiant charge in the end. The mastery off the greens by Mr. Roberts was the key to this stunning victory.

7 up

A huge pairing for the Blues who put up their two best RTS players against the American captain who has chosen the fighting qualities of Larry Walker, currently struggling with a back problem but still game enough to want to take on the challenge of this Ryder Cup and won't let anyone down. Having said that, it would be a big surprise if the World team didn't do some damage here.

Verdict / Prediction: RTS firepower too much for American pairing

Report: to be submitted
Details HERE when available

1 up

Another fiersome lineup on both sides, and this could easily go either way. Confidence and a good start will be the key, and with the Canadians very familiar with each others games this should help, but the PS combination of Casker and Hansen are old hands at matchplay and will fancy this as a chance to make a statement for the American team that this could be their year.

Verdict / Prediction: Another nailbiter that could end up all square

Report: by Doug Casker

• Hole 1 – USA was short on the approach, but chip to gimmee, Euros on and 2 putt
• Hole 2 – USA short again on approach and chip close, but Ken stiff for gimmee bird
• Hole 3 – My tee was short, Ken was on, Jay chipped to gimmee, Don just missed his 16 footer and both made par
• Hole 4 – 2 ugly pars - both in the rough, bith missed the green
• Hole 5 – Euros on in 2, USA just long but manage a chip-in to halve the hole with bird
• Hole 6 – Neither team close on the approach and both 2 putted for pars
• Hole 7 – 2 more routine pars
• Hole 8 – Euros missed green to the left, USA a little right but had an easier chip and able to save par and take the hole
• Hole 9 – 2 greenside sand saves for pars
• Hole 10 – Both in the sand on the approach – Jay with great touch to 6’, Don answered and both made birds
• Hole 11 – Both drives in the FW, but Don stuck it to 7’ and Ken took the hole with the birdie putt
• Hole 12 – Unlucky positioning for the Euros with a terrible mound in the way and 3 putts lost the hole to par
• Hole 13 – Our turn to 3 putt from the low tier of the green and Ken knocked his close enough for a gimmee win
• Hole 14 – 2 uneventful pars
• Hole 15 – 2 more uneventful pars. But time is running out.
• Hole 16 – Don drives to center of FW, we catch the rough on the right and have to lay up. Ken’s approach is a little long behind a tree. Jay throws a dart just behind the hole and the Euros are in a tough spot. Don make a fantastic flop shot over the tree to gimmee range and we both make bird.
• Hole 17 – Both on in 2 and both 2 putt. Dormie
• Hole 18 – Both drives just in the left rough. I get the first try and need to make something happen, took an aggressive line but pulled it into the water. Ken smartly plays safe with a layup right side of FW. Jay takes the drop and the approach runs a little hot off the back of the green. Don puts it on about 15 feet from the hole. I was able to chip in to save the par, but it is too late as the Euros only have to 2 putt to take the match and they do.

Well played and a fun match all around.

4 up

The second day comes to an end with Gutierres, now excelling at PS alongside Kurt Ristl who has quietly developed into one of the most consistent ball strikers on tour, and is a fixture in the top ten of leaderboards for every event. Chuba and Klodzen are up and down somewhat, capable of incredible scoring, but also runs of less stellar play, and they'll need to step up big on the day to win this one. And I have a sneaking feeling they will.

Verdict / Prediction: Americans pull out a vital point just when they most need it

Report: by Jason Chuba

• Tee shot in the middle of the fairway approach to 11 ft and Paul drains the birdie to win the hole. 1up to a Tee shot in fairway, approach to left side of the green good lag put and a gimme par.
  
• Tee shot in the fairway, second shot to back of the green just over, chipped up to 4.5 ft and Paul again makes another putt to win the hole. 2up to a Tee shot in the fairway, second shot to the front left short of the green had a very tough chip down the hill, which lead to a bogey.
  
• Tee shot right into the bleachers, second and third shot short of the green 4th shot was a chip into save bogey by Jason from 19ft. and win hole. 3up to a Tee shot right into the bleachers 2nd shot short, 3rd shot a little long of the pin but left a 5 footer for bogey, bogey left short.
  
• Tee shot missed the fairway, second shot into the trees, hit the tree with the 3rd shot but back into the middle of the fairway, 4th to about 6 ft and par save was made. 2up to a Tee shot missed fairway left and 2nd shot was a good lay up, 3rd shot put to 5ft, and birdie was made by Jag to won the hole.
  
• Tee shot into left rough, 2nd shot short of the green, Paul chipped up to about 13ft, and Jason missed the 13 footer to win the hole to a Tee shot in the middle of the fairway, 2nd shot was missed way left. 3rd shot hit the tree 4th shot on the green to about 14ft and Jag makes the 14 footer to save a bogey.
  
• Tee shot in left side of the fairway, 2nd shot 31 ft short of the pin, 2 putts for par. Tee shot in the left rough, 2nd shot 49ft right of the pin, chip left a putt of 8ft for par, Jag halves the hole by making an 8 footer.
  
• Tee shot in the fairway, 2nd shot by Jason to 12ft, Paul knocks home his putt to halve the hole. Tee shot in the fairway, Kurt knocks the second to about 13ft, and Jag again comes through with a big birdie putt.
  
• Tee shot to 22ft, Paul drains the birdie for the win. 3up to a Tee shot into the left trap, Jag's bunker shot to 8ft,
  
• Tee shot up the left side of the fairway, 2nd shot to 13ft, Paul unable to sink another one but gets a tap in par. 4up to a Tee shot in the middle, 2nd shot over the green, chip to 7ft, Kurt unable to make the par attempt.
  
• Tee shot missed left rough, 2nd shot into the right rough; Jason puts the 3rd shot to 3ft and a gimmie birdie that would win the hole. 5up to a Tee shot in fairway, 2nd shot front right, 3rd shot short of the green, and Jag just misses a birdie chip in that would have halved the hole.
  
• Tee shot into the bunker on the right, 2nd shot in the rough 60 yards from the green, 3rd shot short of the green, a chip by Jason left 10ft which Paul was unable to make to halve the hole. 4up to a Tee shot into right rough, 2nd shot to the back of the green, Jag just slides by his birdie putt leaving a testy 7 footer for par which was missed but the bogey was still good enough to win the hole.
  
• Tee shot into the trap, Paul hit a beauty to 7ft Jason unable to save par but the gimmie bogey wins the hole. 5up to a Tee shot into the water, 3rd shot to 24ft, and Kurt puts it close for a double bogey gimmie
  
• Tee shot up the left side of the fairway, 2nd shot in the trap, bunker shot to 9ft, Jason unable to make the par to halve the hole. 4up to a Tee shot in middle of fairway, a good 2nd shot leaves 23ft, Jag just misses his birdie leaving a gimmie par.
  
• Tee shot to 29ft, Paul almost makes another putt, but he leaves a gimmie par. 4up to a Tee shot to 19ft, Jag just misses the birdie leaving a gimmie par.
  
• Tee shot just avoids water, 2nd shot 60ft from the pin. Paul lags it to 4ft, and Jason finishes the match with the 4ft par putt. US 4 and 3. (Tee shot in middle, second shot way left, Jag makes a great recovery leaving 9ft to save par. Kurt misses the par putt leaves gimmie bogey.)
  

Another set of evenly balanced games, but I see the World team just sneaking out with a 1 point edge in these four games, and after a torrid start, they may well need it.

2 up

Gale will provide a dominant foil to the attacking instincts of Dickerson and together they will be tough to beat, but Moore plays his best golf in the Ryder Cup and captain Riddle will not let anyone down when the pressure mounts.

Verdict / Prediction: Gale force winds should bring home a point for les Bleus

Report: by Alan Riddle
Hole 1...Nothing special here. All could have made par and both teams did. Even
Hole 2...Gale goes into the rough and Dickerson hits it OB. Riddle hits second shot in rough 29yds away. Gales second shot 20yds short. Riddle chips in from 29yds for a bird. USA +1
Hole 3...Par three and Gale & Dickerson put their shots 11 & 12 ft from the pin. Moore chips his second shot 11" from the hole for a par. Both World Team members miss their putts. USA +1
Hole 4...All had a chance for birds on this par 5 hole. Gale had the shortest putt at 7.7ft which he sank to bring the match back to even. EVEN
Hole 5...Gale chips in a 34fter from the rough for a World Team birdie and up 1. World +1
Hole 6...Moore and Dickerson go in the rough and each have 20ft plus putts for birds. Gale and Riddle hit the fw and get close on their approach shots. Riddle makes his 9.6fter for bird while Gale misses his 7.3ft putt. EVEN
Hole 7...Worst hole for World Team with both Gale and Dickerson going into the rough. Both get bogies while Moore chips within 2" of the hole for par. USA +1
Hole 8...On this par three Moore goes in the sand. All the rest are on the green. Riddle 16.8ft, Gale 16.3ft and Dickerson 12.7ft from the pin. Gale and Riddle miss their putts but Dickerson sinks his. EVEN
Hole 9...Bad hole for USA with Moore and Riddle struggling to get bogie. World Team pars the whole for a win. World +1
Hole 10..Nothing special on this par 5. Pars for all. World +1
Hole 11..Riddle finds the water while Dickerson and Moore find the rough. Riddle puts all the weight on Moore who just misses a par putt. World gets par for the win. World +2
Hole 12..Gale and Moore both get close on this par 3. Gales misses his 9.9fter but Moore makes his 13fter for a bird. World +1
Hole 13..Gale, again only one in the fw. Gale only one close enough for good birdie try but it just misses. Par for all. World +1
Hole 14..Riddle again has bad luck and leaves the burden on Moore who comes through with a par which halved the hole. World +1
Hole 15..4 chances for a bird here but Gale, with a 20fter, is the only successful player. World +2
Hole 16.. All hit the fw on this par 5. Riddle and Gale are the only ones on the green in two. Riddle sinks his 27fter for an eagle while Gales 16.4fter attempt slides by the hole. World +1
Hole 17..All pars on this hole. World +1
Hole 18..Dickerson is the only one who plays this hole correctly. Gets on the green in two and makes an easy birdie for a World Team victory 7-5.

3 up

Another all Canadian pairing, and the skill and experience of Miettinen should help to settle Pyhtila who enjoyed a rough debut in his match this year. Henry's confidence will be at an all time high after a brilliant start, and will hope that he can form another strong partnership with Short.

Verdict / Prediction: Should be a keenly contested match, may well end up tied.

Report: by Mel Henry
What a challenging match this turned out to be!

We were a little late in getting started, but it was worth it. Not too much on the first two holes. Randy made chip to within 12 inches for par and Don answered with a putt to within 6 inches. All square after 1.

On the second hole, Randy go to within 16 inches for a gimme par. This time Terry answered by getting to 33 inches from the cup for another gimme par. All square after 2.

Finally, a little more action on hole #3. Randy puts the ball within 6 feet of the hole and gets his putt for birdie. Don lands 25 feet from the pin but drains that for a birdie and another tie. All square after 3.

Number 4 is where they get their steam going. I was able to manage a par for this hole, but Terry kicked his shot out of the back bunker to within 10 inches and the World Team goes 1 up with a birdie.

Hole 5 sees the USA team with more woes, both of us carding bogies. Terry chips his shot to within 3 feet for a par to put the World Team 2 up.

Hole 6 sees everyone making pars.

Hole 7 and I finally make a small contribution to our team’s effort by draining a 14 foot putt for birdie. The World Team scares us but both wind up with pars. It’s now World Team 1 up.

Hole 8 sees them grab another hole with a birdie thanks to Terry’s great shot to within 7 feet of the hole. World Team now 2 up.

We all manage pars on number 9 to enter the turn with the World Team 2 up.

Randy gets one close to about 9 feet on his approach shot, but I find a line and drain a 42 footer for birdie. Terry drains about a 10 footer to tie the hole. World Team 2 up.

On the 11th, I find a good approach shot again and get to about 4 feet away. I manage the putt and card a bird. Don and Terry give valiant efforts but have to settle for pars. World Team 1 up

Hole number 12 finds Randy 17 feet from the hole and he gets it within 7 inches. I find the water on this hole by coming up short. Don sticks his shot to 3.9 feet for a gimmie birdie and a win. World Team 2 up.

Hole 13 finds us all making pars.

Hole 14 arrives Randy puts his shot to 25 feet. Mine is 8 feet, Don winds up in the bunker and Terry lands 23 feet away. Terry and I both card birdies to tie the hole. World Team still 2 up.

USA comes back again and wins Hole 15 with a par to put the World Team at 1 up.

On Hole 16,not to be outdone, the World Team, courtesy of Terry, wins this one with a birdie. I managed to put my third shot just short of the hole where the ball rolled the whole way back and dropped off the rock wall. It’d have been better if it had dropped into the water. Instead it was right against the rock wall and my next shot caromed off it into the water to essentially put me out of the hole. Randy hit out of the bunker to within 6 feet but it wasn’t good enough. World Team 2 up and dormie.

Hole 17 finishes us off. Randy’s snap slips and lands him in the water on the second shot. He almost pulls off a brilliant par with his chip shot. I chip short and watch the ball roll all the way to the bottom of the green. Terry is 34 feet away from the hole with a downhill shot. He hits it just right and rolls the bugger in for a spectacular birdie to give the World Team a well deserved 3 up win.

3 up

Another strong pairing for the World team, captain Russell joins forces with assistant Hope and they'll both be hoping for a dominant outing to set the tone for a late push by the home team. Walker is still feeling the effects of a back injury, and this could play a part if the match goes deep into the back nine as expected. Chuba should provide plenty of youthful experience though and will fancy his chances in this format.

Verdict / Prediction: The World team have to bring home a point here.

Report: by David Russell
Another nail-biter looked on the cards as the World Captain & Vice Captain looked to complete the World comeback and level the tie after the third week. It was a close and tense fought battle in the high wind with allplayers having their moments in the game.

The opening hole was tied in par as both teams look to find their feet early. Hole 2 saw both teams in a little more trouble, but Walker holed out well for par and Russell followed him in to stay level. The drama begun on the 3rd as both Chuba and Walker found the water off the tee. Hope found the bunker and Russell the green and a great sand shot from Hope made gimmie par for the early lead. The 4th hole saw a putt out by Walker and Hope with Hope sealing the first birdie of the game for a 2up lead early on. USA hit back quickly at the next hole with Russell, Walker and Hope all short of the green in 2 and failing to make par, Chuba holes out with a nice chip and putt to reduce the deficit to 1.

The 6th hole and Hope is in trouble off the tee, with Chuba and Walker making safe pars, Russell approaches to 4 feet for a birdie and immediately restores the lead to 2up. Hole 7 was a little dramatic to say the least as Russell finds the water on his approach before dropping and spinning his 4th over the water and back into the hole for par. USA play their par in a much safer way and the gap remains at 2. Hole 8 sees all players within 20 feet of the flag off the tee - It is Walker who boldly holes his putt to reduce the lead once again to 1as the turn approaches. The 9th is downwind and everyone is long and straight off the tee. Russell wins the SW shoot out to 8 feet and Chuba shaves the hole with his birdie putt which Russell converts giving the World duo an important 2 shot gap at the half way stage.

Now it starts getting really tight after all the up and down excitement of the front 9. 4 perfect tee shots at the par 5 10th with Chuba, Russell and Hope close to the green in 2. Chuba and Hope duly birdie. The 11th too is also shared again in par score. The par 3 12th and Hope hits the water with Russell some 40 feet away. Chuba and Larry both shave the hole for birdie and Russell holes a curvy 10 footer to keep the gap at 2up, and important save perhaps. The next hole and Russell attacks to 8 feet but this time misses another curler. It is Walkers turn to hold his nerve as he holes his 10 footer to save par - still no-one has won a hole on the back 9. At 14 Chuba hits a beautiful tee shot to 13 feet but just shaves the hole for his birdie try and so the gap remains 2up. The 15th and Russell is in the trees, with everyone else short of the green on this long par 4. Chuba chips close and pars and Hope holes a pressure 11 foot putt to halve the hole. After 6 tied holes, USA needed to make their move at the 16th - Chuba, Russell and Hope all take on the par 5 to the right bunker in two, Walker lays up and find the fringe with his 3rd. Russell and Hope both play close from the sand, but Chuba get a bad plugged lie and cannot hold the green, finding the water. Walker needs to chip in from 30 feet to stay alive and he bravely shaves the hole.

A very tight game, the back nine especially felt the tension as no-one could find an edge to win a hole in classic 4 ball style. In the end the World pair did enough to hold off any fightback from the USA.

3 up

The powerstroke duo will find it difficult to get anything out of US Open winner Belida, paired with solid and sometimes spectacular Klodzen. Key will be to keep the match close for as long as possible, hope that Gutierres can find his long game and that Harris can pull a long putt out somewhere!

Verdict / Prediction: I'll do my best to support Jag, but it looks a difficult task!

Report: by Lee Harris
A great game, and a lot of fun despite the lopsided scoreline this was a real battle all the way to the end. The course was definitely the victor in the early stages, the first birdie coming on the 8th hole. Both teams made hard work of pars in the early going, with the first real birdie chance coming on the 7th but Paul Klodzen tweaked a realtively easy putt right, and on the next hole Harris rammed in the first birdie of the match seemingly to put the blues 1 up. But in a key moment, Klodzen then holed his putt - a much more difficult breaking putt to atone for the previous hole and erase the bad memory of that. The 9th hole (Hole of Death) was won in par by Charles Blidea, the only one to squeeze under the tree with a low punchy shot, and he was rewarded by taking Team USA 1 up at the turn.

Harris once again thought he'd won a hole with a snaking 25 footer after a weak chip, but Klodzen again followed him in and the lead went to 2 on the next hole when a very clumsy Harris chip (the theme of his round unfortunately) left him too much to do, despite rimming around the hole it was 2 up to the USA. Jag brought us right back in it on the next hitting a beauty tee shot to 6 foot and holing a very tricky sidehiller but then Charles rolled in 18 footers on two of the next three holes, so that was about it, despite going close on chips and rimming another one round the hole. The 16th and final hole was a comedy of errors for all, but Klodzen held his nerve getting up and down from the sand across a wicked slope to seal the win - an important one which puts the lead back to 3 points for the Reds again. Captain Riddle dropped in for a few holes and must have been pleased with what he saw!

A very fun match, lots of excitement, plenty of tension and good company and a great partner too. We did our best, but we just weren't good enough.

Another round, and again I see the World team just ahead by a point out of four, but so many close games can make a mockery of all these predictions. With just the singles to come though, it's important to both teams not to fall too far behind at this stage.

5 up

Another awesome lineup here, how can you predict how these games will go? In the long run, having two RTS studs on the team should be enough to give the World team a slight edge, no matter how good Hansen is, PS is just that much harder to keep it together for 18 holes without erring, but Segotta is certainly playing superbly and capable of bringing the best out in his partners.

Verdict / Prediction: A powerhouse matchup, with RTS firepower of World team too strong, just.

Report: by Neil Segotta
Segotta and Hansen ran into the Vodka drinking buzz saw of Bjornsson and Gale today. Unfortunately for the US of A we couldn't match the great play of the world team. Here's a recap of the event.

Hole #1 - The world team birdies as Bjornsson rams one in from 15 feet. World 1 up.
Hole #2 - Gale hits his teee shot OB, opening the door for the US but Segotta's 8 foot birdie attempt blasts by the hole another 8 feet and we halve the hole with a bogie. A sign of things to come.
Hole #3 - Both teams in the rough. Segotta's approach finds the bunker but Hansen steps up and hits a beauty out of the trap and two-hops it into the hole for bird and a win. Match is All Square.
Hole #4 - Both teams manage birdies from the rough. Match remains All Square.
Hole #5 - Both teams short with approaches. US has to settle for par while Robert calmly rams in a 25 footer for bird. World 1 up.
Hole #6 - US can't stay out of rough. Robert puts Dave inside 15 feet where he makes birdie and the World Team is now 2 up.
Hole #7 - Dave Gale shows why he is a premier player by stiffing his approach to 5 feet. Neil's bid from 17 feeet comes up a tad short and the World now goes 3 up.
Hole #8 - US finally manages to halve a hole to stop the World Team temporarily. Par was the score.
Hole #9 - Dave's approach is 11 feet from hole. Neils is chipping for bird and comes up several feet short. Robert drops the birdie putt to put the World 4 up. Things not looking good for the US.
Hole #10 - Neil's birdie putt again comes up short and the US finds itself 5 down. Nothing is going right at all.
Hole #11 - The US is long on its approach and Neil's chip comes up short, again. Robert for birdie from 18 feet, he actually missed this one. US has a chance but Hansen's putt comes up...you guessed it, short. World now 6 up and rolling right over the top of us poor saps.
Hole #12 - Both approaches are long. Robert tries from 29 feet and misses. After some words of encouragement from Hansen, Segotta lines up the 21 footer and strokes it. Aaagh, it stops 2 inches...SHORT! Halve the hole and it's Dormie. World 6 up.
Hole #13 - Jay hits a beautiful approach to 8 feet. Dave is long. Roberts bid for birdie and the winn goes rolling by the hole. Segotta finally makes a putt and the match is extended. World 5 up.
Hole #14 - Not much excitement as the teams halve the hole with a par and the World Team claims a 5 up victory.

It was a good match from the point that we all enjoyed each other's company. Hats off the Robert and Dave for their outstanding play. Hopefully we will right things in the singles.

4 up

A gritty pairing of tough Canadian partners, and they'll fancy their chances of doing well against rookie Chuba and captain Alan Riddle. Don't underestimate the USA pairing thought, they'll give as good as they get, and will take this match all the way to the wire. Who wins will be who can hold their nerve the best in those late stages.

Verdict / Prediction: Canadians to duke out a late victory

Report: by Don Miettinen
After disappointing losses in the singles, Miettinen and Nicholls regained their form to win 4 up. Though the result was anti-climatic, great fun was had by all. Ken's putter came alive after a putting tip from his partner, even though his Toronto Maple Leafs were beaten the night before by Nicholl's dastardly Boston Bruins. Miettinen was quite vocal in his praise for his playing partner's golfing efforts.

2 up

The old faithful pairing of captain Russell and Paul Smith face another tough challenge against Casker and Belida. This could very well turn out to be the key match of the pairs, and might well decide the fate of the whole competition. Definitely one for the galleries

Verdict / Prediction: Match of the tournament so far, impossible to split the teams

Report: by Doug Casker

1. All 4 in the fairway, both approaches on the green – Euros to 11ft. USA to 10, but we both miss the bird.
2. Euros into the right rough, but the USA pulls it well left.USA has to punch out, Euros come up a bit short.The USA approach is also a tad short and the Euros don’t wait, chipping it to gimmee range for the par, The USA misses the chip-in and the Euro’s take first blood
3. Both sides just off the green, but both a chip and a putt away
4. Euros in the middle of the FW, USA finds the right rough.Our lay-up rolls through the fw and finds a bunker an awkward distance away with a bad downhill lie. The Euros go for the green, but it goes through into sand behind the green.The USA can barely advance the ball falling into another bunker just short of the green and the Euros blast it out to gimmee range. The USA tries to sink the saving sand shot, but it just goes a little left of the hole
5. Both sides in the FW, Approaches, USA to 13 feet, Euros to 17 feet. Both sides make very nice putts and walk away with two birds
6. Euros miss the FW to right, USA finds the short grass. Euro approach runs hot from the rough and goes well behind the green. The USA fails to use the open door however and pushes it way right of the green. The Euros win the chipping contest and save par, while the US fails to get up and down. A terrible missed opportunity and then a loss of the hole – could mean the match.
7. Euros using the Irish luck of the K-Club today with the tee shot bouncing back onto to the FW and the USA just misses to the right. USA makes a good shot putting it on, but 34 feet away and just miss the putt. The Euros stick it just 7 feet away and take the bird and a strong 4 up lead.
8. Both tee shots find the green with the Euros 18 feet away, and the USA inside that to 8 feet. Euros close, but just right of the hole, USA sinks the birdie putt
9. USA finds the fw, Euros just in left rough and the approach rolls through the green. The USA falls just short of the green and the ball sticks in the rough. The Euros chip it nearly in, stops 10 inches from the cup, the USA chips it up and it hits the stick, but bounces off and stops 2 feet wide.
10. Both drives find the fw, Euros 277 yds away, USA 295.USA kills it and it rolls through the fw just behind the green, the Euros approach drifts a bit right and finds the greenside bunker, they are able to blast it to 8 feet, but the putt is slightly pulled and squirts by on the left. The USA chips it tight enough for the gimmee and take the hole with a bird.
11. Both drives find the left rough, with the Euros getting first shot at it make a good one, but it rolls a little long to 21 feet, The USA plays it a little shorter and it bounces onto the green and stops just 7 feet from the hole. The Euros make their par, but the USA drains the birdie putt.
12. Tough pin placement on the left of the green. The USA shoots first and the green is not receptive as the ball bounces off the back into the fringe. The Euros try to place it a little tighter, but alas, the ball bounces backwards off the front slope into the pond, best they can do is make bogey, and the USA chips up tight for a winning par and brings the match back to all square.
13. USA starts the hole with a terrible snap, pushing the ball wide right, the Euros take advantage of this and put the ball in the fw, The USA tries to carry the water, but it dies and falls in the drink, The Euros definitely jump on this advantage and knock the approach to 8 feet and make the bird,
14. Euros short and right, USA puts in on, but it rolls to 29 feet away. Euro chip is spectacular and saves the par, USA takes the two putts and halve the hole
15. Euros in the fw, USA goes a bit left – Both approaches miss to the right and tricky downhill chips. USA goes first, and it rolls past to 13 feet, Euros chip runs by to 10 feet.Both make the saving par putt. Surprisingly this is Paul’s first putt of the match and it was a tough 10 footer with about 1 foot of break and his heart is thumping as it finds the bottom of the cup.
16. Euros with a fine drive in the center of the fw, USA badly goes left and worse, dead behind a tree. They can only chip out and still have to lay-up. Euros lay-up safely to 118 yds. USA really shoots themselves in the foot here and the Euros calmly punch in a sand wedge to the center of the green to take the hole with a 2 putt par.
17. Euros in the left side, but the ball hangs in the fringe, USA puts it in the fw. The Euros play it safely to the center of the green. USA approach is on line and tracking, but the wind holds it up a bit and it falls short of the stick and trickles to the left fringe. Euros 2 putt for the par and the USA tries to chip it in, but the ball slides by the low side and the Euros put it away with the 2 up win.

Thanks for the match gents – well played and enjoyable round.

6 up

Ristl has quickly become a key cog in the World team effort, and alongside Andy Hope will represent a great chance to take another point, but Henry and Roberts are both playing so well, and with Hope just returning from vacation, that could be the difference that lets the Americans sneak a victory

Verdict / Prediction: could be a crucial match here, I see the USA edging it

Report: by Mel Henry

Well, we managed to pull another one out for the good old USA !!After Charlie reminded me earlier that the match was today and not next weekend, we met up at 6:00 PM GMT.

• Hole 1. First hole I just miss a 14 foot putt and we card a par. Andy is 18 feet away and drains it for a birdie to get the World 1 up on the first hole. World 1 up
• Hole 2. Charlie gets back at them with an 8 foot putt for birdie to their par. All Square
• Hole 3. Charlie keeps his putter warm and holes another birdie from 32 feet to win the hole. USA 1 up.
• Hole 4. We all take a break and tie this hole with pars. USA 1 up
• Hole 5. World winds up short of the green on the second shot and they just miss the par putt. Meanwhile, I actually make a putt to card a birdie and win the hole. USA 2 up
• Hole 6. We both barely miss birdie putts and wind up tying the hole with pars. USA 2 up
• Hole 7. I putted a bit strong to blow about 7 feet by the hole. Andy makes birdie to win the hole. USA 1 up.
• Hole 8. Charlie shoots a dart to within 4 feet of the pin where even I can putt it in. Andy makes a dandy try with a 32 yard chip but it comes up short. USA 2 up
• Hole 9. We both start out in the rough. Charlie hits to 25 feet from the hole, just off the green. Kurt hits to within 31 feet. Andy gets it to roll to within 7 feet but I get lucky and chip it in for a birdie and to win the hole. USA 3 up
• Hole 10. We used all 5 strokes to make par on this hole. The World team used one more than us to all us another win. USA 4 up.
• Hole 11. Charlie hits to within 16 feet of the hole and Kurt puts it to about 19 feet away. Andy leaves it 4 inches away for a par. I hit the hole but it circles around without going in and we get par, too. USA 4 up.
• Hole 12. Andy almost makes a birdie but leaves it 21 inches away. I get it to within 8.5 feet and Charlie drains it for par to tie the hole. USA 4 up
• Hole 13. Charlie puts it 21 feet away while Kurt hits it to 38 feet away. Andy gives it a try but comes up 9 feet short. I manage to roll it in for a birdie and card another hole for us. USA 5 up.
• Hole 14. Charlie bangs it to 17 feet away. Kurt powers his tee shot, goes long, hits a tree and the ball bounces into the water. Andy chips it to 17 feet. I make a run and leave it 35 inches away to get a par and win the hole.

Final tally USA 6 up. They gave us a valiant battle. Andy’s chipping caused us some puckering several times. The rest is up to the rest of you. Thanks to Charlie for keeping us in there so well.

If my predictions above do hold, then the World Team would hold a 9½-6½ lead, a fairly sizeable advantage. The singles again look as close as they could be, and I would not be surprised to see a 6-6 split here. I'll add a detailed set of predictions sometime over the next week or so as we get closer to the Day Five matchups and the climax of this years event.

1 up

Though Belida is the reigning US Open Champion, Gale is the hottest player on tour right now and probably the best, so will start the match a favourite. Having wrapped up 3 pointts from his opening matches, he'll be aiming to finish a perfect 4-0, while belida needs to win here just to even his record, having been involved in some really tight finishes, typical of this years competition. The longer the match stays close, the better chance Belida will have to win it, but Gale will try to put together one of his famed birdie bursts and open up a comfortable lead early on. Crowds will be huge for this one.

Verdict / Prediction: Gale to hold the edge in a very close and exciting game

Report: by Charles Belida

A perfect day for golf as Dave and I headed for the 1st tee.After exchanging hellos and handshakes we started off.

• 1st: We both had the crowds in awe as 2 perfect tee shots landed in the fairway. I hit my approach to 10 ft and Dave answered to put it inside mine at 9. I missed the sidehill putt right, while Dave made his bird to take the hole. World +1
  
• 2nd: Dave again found the fairway off the tee, while I snap hooked mine to the left rough. I did get it out but a roller on the green to 31 ft. Dave calmly approached to under 10 feet and again made a nice putt for bird yo my par. World +2
  
• 3rd: Dave's shot to this par 3 landed 9 ft from the pin, and I was just inside at 8 1/2 ft.
  Dave's putt slid right and I made my bird to stop the bleeding. World +1
  
• 4th: Both found the fairway here and my approach was 28 ft away while Dave came up short of the green. We both ended with birdies here. World +1
  
• 5th: Both ended up on the back fringe after our approaches and neither could chip it in so another halve. World +1
  
• 6th: 2 tee shots in the fairway. Dave's approach died in the wind and fell short of the green. My approach landed in gimmee range for a bird. Dave came up short on his attempt. A/S
  
• 7th: Both in fairway. I missnap to left rough. Dave lands 11 ft from pin. I chipped to a gimmee par, while Dave misses to the right on the birdie attempt. A/S
  
• 8th: I misshit to this par 3 and land in the right rough 30 ft away. Dave is dancing 19 ft away. I come up short of the green and Dave putts his close enough for a par to my bogie. World +1
  
• 9th: Dave clips a tree off the tee but lands in the fairway with a 200+yd approach. I get a little more distance. Dave's approach goes thru the green to the back rough. My approach is just on the fringe to the left of the hole. I chipped to 6 ft and made par. Dave came up short out of the rough and settled for bogie. A/S
• After a short intermission which had both of us in the clubhouse either begging or trying to buy some FORM, we headed to the back 9.
• 10th: We both hit fairway on this long par 5 and looked like a couple of seasoned pros as we both put our approaches in the narrow fairway just short of the green. My 3rd shot stopped just under 6 ft away, while Dave, stating that for RTS'ers this short distance is dangerous flew long of the pin. His birdie attempt came up short and I made mine to give the US it's first lead. US +1
• 11th: Gave it right back here as I played in the rough to the green. Dave played the hole flawlessly to get his bird and the win. A/S
• 12th: 2 pars here on this par 3. Dave gets his on a beautiful chip in. A/S
  
• 13th: 2 fairway tees. Daves approach to 7 ft. Mine to 15 ft. Both make our birdies. A/S
  
• 14th: Par 3 again. Dave lands in the trap to the right with a NASTY lie. I am 25 ft away on the green. Dave explodes a perfect sand shot to 6 ft and makes par. I come up short and settle for par also. A/S
  
• 15th: Both in fairway off tee. My approach lands 5 ft away while Dave gets some backspin on his and is on the fringe 20 ft away. Dave calmly steps up and chips it in for a pretty birdie. I get my bird also. A/S
  
• 16th: We come to the treacherous 16th where a few matches have been decided. We both make the fairway with approaches to this mean green possible. I misread the slope and miss the snap also to go way left of the green in the rough under some trees. Dave steps up and makes the green, but not without holding his breath as the ball rolls down the slope towards the water and stops 50 ft away from the hole. I had to punch out of the rough under some trees and was lucky the wall stopped the ball from finding the water. Dave rolled his putt up to 6 ft and took home a nice bird. I couldn't find the hole. World +1
  
• 17th: Both in fairway. I hit my approach to 7 ft. Dave comes up short on the fringe and can't get any magic as the shot just misses. I find the cup for birdie. A/S
  
• 18th: Final hole of a GREAT match. Good Lucks on the tee and away we go.
  I have an early snap and find myself in the left rough. Dave hits a sweet shot and is in the short grass. I have to play safe and layup 40 yds from the hole. Dave hits what he thought was a perfect shot at the pin, but the ball finds the slope in front of the green and rolls back into the water, eliciting GASPS of surprise all around. Dave has to drop and hits to 30 ft. I put my shot to 9 ft. Daves effort slides left while I make mine to take the hole and the match. US +1
  
• Had a fantastic time with a great player, who just had some misfortune. This has most certainly been a most exciting Ryder Cup. I wish to thank my Captain, Al Riddle, my fellow teamates, and our friends on the other team for a most enjoyable time.... Hope this match ignites the US flame to VICTORY....GO USA!!!!!!
  

3 up

Nicholls has proved a fearsome online matchplayer in the past and will be somewhat of a talisman for the World team this year, having not enjoyde the best of starts in the pairs, will be keen to secure an important point here, though in Alan Riddle, the USA have their captain and inspirational force in the right place at the right time. All the pressure is on Nicholls, knowing he must win here to keep the World team in it, but he's no stranger to coping with pressure and will relish the challenge.

Verdict / Prediction: Canadian maestro to prevail - just!

Report: by Alan Riddle

Here are the details to the Riddle Vs Nichols match:

• 1. Nichols just misses 10fter for par. EVEN
  
• 2. Riddle misses 16fter and Nichols chips past hole, two pars. EVEN
  
• 3. Par 3 and Nichols makes a beautiful shot within 29" for the bird. Riddle misses 16fter. World +1
  
• 4. Nichols goes in rough and then hits a tree to go into the water. Riddle wins hole with a 7.2ft bird. EVEN
  
• 5. Riddle has 15.7fter from fringe for bird and chips it in. Nichols has a 55ft chip from the rough that slides by. USA +1
  
• 6. Riddle needs to sink 32fter for par and does but Nichols sinks his 15fter for bird. EVEN
  
• 7. Riddle puts third shot 31" from the hole for bird. Nichols has an excellent answer by sinking his 15fter for bird. EVEN
  
• 8. Par 3. Nichols has a 31.8fter that rolls by. Riddle sinks his 26fter for bird. USA +1
  
• 9. Nother rough hole for Ken. Goes in rough and hit a tree on his second shot. Riddle wins hole with a par. USA +2
  
• 10 On this par 5 Nichols makes a terrific bird. His drive went into the rough 311yds from pin. Second goes in fw 173yds away. Third 21.7 ft from hole and sinks for the bird. USA +1
  
• 11 Both players are on the fringe for their birdie tries. Riddle misses the 21fter and Nichols misses his 18ft try. USA +1
  
• 12 Par three and both are on the green. Nichols misses his 33fter but Riddle sinks his 26fter for bird. USA +2
  
• 13 Both have miscues off the tee and both end up with bogies. USA +2
  
• 14 On this par 3 both have 30+ feet birdie attempts and both miss. USA +2
  
• 15 Both are on the green in two. Nichols misses his 27fter but Riddle sinks his 28fter for bird. USA +3
  
• 16 Nichols hits a perfect tee and is dancing in two. Riddle goes in the rough but gets his second shot back on the fw. Hits his third 11ft from the hole. Nichols hiccups on his eagle attempt and is still 15ft from the pin. Both miss their birdie attempts and tie the hole. USA WINS 3+
  
  Was a great experience playing Ken. He had a few problems hitting the fairway but he is a great player.
  

6 up

A tough match here that could prove pivotal in this years competition. Segotta at his best can be a frighteningly accurate player, unerring and long off the tee and laser like to the greens. Miettinen is no slouch though, and at his best, a worthy rival to the best players on tour. Much will rest on this match and the pressure will be high, so it will come down to who can keep their nerves in check the best in all likelihood.

Verdict / Prediction: Segotta's accuracy to prevail

Report: by Don Miettinen
USA forges ahead in the Ryder Cup leaderboard as Segotta puts an old fashion butt whipping on Miettinen. There was little suspense in this match, as Neil played flawless golf to win easily 5 up. After a slow start with pars on the first 3 holes, Neil played magnificently with birdies on 7 of the next 9 holes. He consistently knocked down the flag with his approach shots and most his birdies were of the gimmie variety. He didnt have to make a putt longer than 10 ft all day. All Miettinen could do was watch and marvel.

1 up

Another strong looking tie for the World team, Bjornsson will be expected to bring home a point against a determined opponent who's got better and better in recent years, particularly in this form of golf (he recently won the PS section of the matchplay as well!) Bjornsson brings deadly accuracy to the table though, and that won't leave much room for error - with Casker a Powerstroker, that doesn't bode well for the US team

Verdict / Prediction: Bjornsson to win, but not by as many as you think.

Report: by Doug Casker

In a connection nightmare with 4 or 5 resumes, Casker beats Bjornssen 5 and 4.

1. Robert killed his drive, but it rolled through the fw, just into the rough. Doug was center of the fw and his pw went to 7 feet away. Robert's pw just stopped short of the green and he saved par with a chip and a putt, but Doug drained his putt for bird. USA 1 up

2. I went left, Robert went right with both in the rough. My 8i rolled through the green, but Robert hit a flyer and his 8i went about 20yds long. Both chips were hit close to the hole, but they rolled back down the hill further than 10 feet away. I was able to sink mine for the par, Roberts just went by on the low side. USA 2 up

3. Both on, I 2 putted, Robert drained a tricky 30 footer. Match on. USA 1 up

4. Both in the fw about 250 out - I put it on and 2 putt for bird, Robert rolls through to the sand, but blasts it out tight for a gimmee bird. USA 1 up

5. Again, we both find the fw. My approach is on 28 feet away, Robert is just short on the fringe at 25 feet. I two putt to his chip and putt. USA 1 up

6. Robert killed another drive that goes through the fairway into the rough, I play a conservative 4w to the fw. My approach is pulled a bit to the rough and his 8i is just short of the green. My chip is tight to 26 inches, his chip is a bit strong and rolls to 11 feet and he just misses the comebacker. USA 2 up

7. I pulled the drive a little left to the rough and Robert followed me but stayed in the fringe. My approach couldn't hold the green and rolled to 50 feet away in the rough. Robert put his on just 16 feet away. I was fortunate to sink the chip-in and Robert had a tough breaker to halve - but it wouldn't drop for him. USA 3 up

8. I pulled the tee into the sand on the left, Robert was on 22 feet away. My blast went to 34 inches for the save. Robert had a tough putt with about 2 feet of break and the putt just slid by. He made the comebacker for the par. USA 3 up.

9. I weakly push my drive into the right rough 200 yds out. Robert rips his right down the middle to 134 yds. My approachg catches the edge of the bunker and with an ugly bounce kicks dead right 60 feet from the pin. Robert's lands on, but rolls into the fringe 13 feet away. Doug was able to sink another chip-in to Robert's dismay who now has to sink his chip for the halve. It just misses to the right. USA 4 up

10. 2 perfect drives - My approach is just a bit right in the sand, his is short left in the sand with both of us 30 yds away. My blast goes 8 feet past the hole, Robert's comes up 14 feet short. His birdie effort bleeds by and he knocks in the par putt, but I was able to make the bird. USA 5 up.

11. Both safely in the fw. Robert puts it on 17 feet away, I answer putting it 9 feet off the stick. But we both miss our putts to the right and have to settle for pars. USA 5 up.

12. My tee goes a little long to the back fringe - Robert puts it on, but a tough mound in the way. My chip is tight for gimmee par, Robert's put catches the slope and runs all the way to the edge of the green and he is unable to make the par save. USA Dormie 6

13. I pull my tee shot badly down the left - Robert nails in in the center of the short grass. My approach bounces long and left 38 feet away. Robert throws a dart in to 9 feet. My chip is tight for par, but Robert drains the birdie putt. USA Dormie 5

14. Robert puts it on the green 26 feet away, mine goes pin high in the right fringe 22 feet away. Robert's putt misses on the low side and my chip to gimmee par seals the match. USA 5 and 4

1 up

One of the best looking games on paper, this match will be closely followed and keenly contested, and may hold the key to the outcome of this years event. Almost impossible to call, Smith has the edge in online pedigree and does seem to be coming back to the form that made him one of the Tour's very best players, but Hansen is no stranger to the upper echelons of the game either and is more than capable of putting Smith to the sword. Birdies rather than bogeys will be the order of the day here as the clock winds down on this amazing competition.

Verdict / Prediction: Smith to shade it in yet another Ryder Cup classic

Report: by Jay Hansen
Hi all. Paul and I teed it up Saturday evening.

• Things started out with a bang on #1 with Hansen chipping in for birdie and Paul making a 7 footer for B.
  
• #2 had both in the fw and both over the green. Paul chips close for birdie and Jay misses his comeback 5 footer. World team 1 up
  
• #3 Jay hits to 28 feet in the bunker. Paul to 17 feet on the green. Jay blasts to gimmie. Paul putts to gimmie. World 1 up
  
• #4 Both players in the fw. Jay hits to 55 feet but in the bunker. Paul hits to 53 feet but has a lot of green and slope to contend with. He thinks he has his putter but the game gives him the chipper and he hits the next 1 to 15 feet with a bunch of borrow. Jay blasted to gimmie range and Paul missed the puttt. A/S.
  
• #5 Both players find the fw. Paul hits to 35 feet. Jay to 12. Paul barely misses and Jay has the dreaded straight 12 footer which go in. America up 1
  
• #6 Both hit to the fw. Paul hits to 25 feet, Jay to 30. Jay makes, Paul misses. America up 2
  
• #7 Both in the fw again. This happens a lot in the early going. Jay goes a bit long but chips to gimmie. Paul hits to 7 feet but misses the sloping putt. America 2 up
  
• #8 Jay hits to 5 feet while Paul hits to 30. Paul just misses another one while Jay strokes his in for a 3 up lead.
  
• #9 Another both to fw hole. Jay hits to 17 feet and Paul hits to gimmie range. Jay misses. America 2 up.
  
• #10 Both in the fw again. Paul hits to 36 yds. away in the bunker. Jay hits to 51 feet long. Paul has trouble getting out and Jay gets to gimmie range for a 3 up lead.
  
• #11 Cart golf goes away this hole as Paul finds the left rough and Jay goes way right. Jay get to 43 feet long and Paul gets to about the same. Both chip to gimmie range. America 3 up.
  
• #12 Jay bails to the right a bit and ends 50 away on the green. Paul fires at the pin but there is no way to stop it and it ends up in the back bunker 28 feet away. Both do the manly thing and chip and blast to gimmie range. Still a 3 up America lead.
  
• #13 Paul gets tired of stringing me along. He hits to the fw and I just miss it. Jay rolls 53 feet by and Paul throws a 5 foot dart. America 2 up.
  
• #14 Paul hits to 45 feet. Jay to 25 yds short in the bunker. Jay can't get up and down. Paul does. 1 up lead now.
  
• #15 An ugly hole here for both players on the 1st 2 shots. Paul chips in 32 yarder for birdie and Jay misses his chip for an A/S match standing.
  
• #16 Both players find the fw again and Paul is perfecting his dart throwing. Jay misses a curver while Paul is in gimmie range. World 1 up.
  
• #17 Both in the fw again. Jay throws a dart this time and Paul is left to scratch his this hole. A/S
  
• #18 Both in the fw again. Paul hits to a safe spot right of the hole. Jay hits to a watery spot and concedes. A fun match but Paul was too tough in the end. Jay
  

1 up

This will be a tough match for the World team as Roberts has quickly established himself as one of the better players on Tour, of course Andy Hope is no slouch either, and will be expecting to play to his own very high standards and take this all the way. As the schedules have turned out, this could very well be the match that decides the Cup, so one of these golfers could be the player whose name will be linked with joyous team celebrations for the 2006 Ryder Cup IX

Verdict / Prediction: Roberts to squeak it out at the death

Report: by Charlie Roberts
Roberts and Hope met for the third time in this Ryder Cup series, the prior two meetings being team events. Today, playing head to head, they slugged it out for 18 tough holes.

Roberts went 1 up at the first hole when Hope drove into the rough and could not save his par. Hope evened the match a short time later, then went 1 up, thanks to a couple of timely chip-ins; however, neither player could extend the lead or retain the lead for very long, making the turn at all square.

The lead exchanges continued on the back 9. Coming into the dangerous par 5 16th, Roberts was 1 up. Roberts drove his ball into the fairway. Hope followed with a perfect drive. Needing to make something happen, Hope took a chance with a 280-yard 3W that was perfect, landing in the middle of the green, but some 63 feet away at the bottom of a steep slope leading up to a nasty sidehill pin. Having the lead, Roberts elected not to gamble and layed up with a 3 iron, then proceeded to hit his lob wedge into the water. Lying 4 after taking his drop, Roberts hit the wedge on to the green 15 feet behind and above the pin. Hope slammed his first putt, but still came up a good 20 feet short. His next one was also short, leaving a hard-breaking,
7-footer for his par. Roberts, now putting for a 6, put a good roll on his hard-breaking downhill, 15-footer and somehow found the cup to salvage his bogey. Hope, eyeing a difficult 7-footer to save par and square the match, steadied his nerves, gauged the break perfectly, and rolled it in.

All square coming into 17. Both players drove to the center of the fairway. Hope hit first to the green and came up about 17 feet short. Roberts gauged the wind correctly and hit his approach to 5.7 feet. However, both men were facing another nasty pin with a severe sidehill break. Hope putted first, just missing, and tapped in for par. Roberts looked at the
hard-breaking downhiller, threw caution to the winds, and elected to play it firm. It hit the heart of the cup, which was fortunate for Roberts who would have been a good distance away for the next one if he had missed.

Roberts, 1 up coming into 18, drove into the fairway to a spot 217 yards from the flag. Hope pulled his tee shot into the left rough, 260 yards away. Needing to win this hole to square the match, Hope elected to swing
the 3W again. It was seeking the flag as soon as it left the clubface, but just caught the greenside bunker. Roberts hit his 3 iron to the green, but it ran 37 feet past the pin. Hope hit his bunker shot, but it caught the
downslope and rolled 15 feet away. Roberts putted to 4.7 feet. Hope just missed and tapped in for 5. Roberts, putting for birdie, had a lapse and missed the short putt, but tapped in for par which was all he needed to halve the hole and secure the win.

When questioned after the match, Roberts reported "I'm just glad we don't play 19 holes. It was that close."

3 up

Ristl has not enjoyed the best of fortune in the Ryder Cup, often coming up against the opponents star players. However, he's been in great form this year, a perennial top ten finisher and has a great chance to score a point against Chuba, in what should be a very close game. Chuba has really come into form though at the back end of the season and has enjoyed a brilliant debut in the Ryder Cup. It would not be a surprise to see him emerge with a point here either.

Verdict / Prediction: Difficult to call, so I'll sit on the fence and predict a tied match.

Report: by Jason Chuba

• Hole #1 Par 4 418 Yards
  We both got off to a rough start missing the fairway. Kurt had some tree trouble on his third shot which led him to a bogey. I was able to 2 putt for par and the win.
  Chuba 1up
• Hole #2 Par 4 413 Yards
  I again hit an awful tee shot and Kurt was able to find the fairway. Kurt hit his second over the green and we both scrambled to make bogey and a halve.
• Hole #3 Par 3
  After both players hit this green with their tee shots, Kurt runs his birdie putt off the green but makes a great chip in to save his par. I was able to make my 5 footer for birdie and another win.
  Chuba 2up
• Hole # 4 Par 5
  Both players found the fairway on this hole and then hit their second shots left of the green. I was able to get my next on the green and make a 17 footer for another birdie and Kurt just missed his to halve.
  Chuba 3up
• Hole #5 Par 4 449 Yards
  After another terrible tee shot by myself Kurt plays the hole text book and makes his par and a win to close the gap.
  Chuba 2up
• Hole #6 Par 4 478 Yards
  Both players found the fairway. Kurt knocked his second shot to 6 feet and I left myself a 15 footer. I made my 15 foot putt for birdie and Kurt just slid his birdie by.
  Chuba 3up
• Hole #7 Par 415 Yards
  Both players found the fairway here, but Kurt made the mistake of flying the green with his second leading him to double bogey and I made a very safe par to stretch my lead.
  Chuba 4up
• Hole #8 Par 3 173 Yards
  Kurt played this hole beautifully hitting his tee shot to 11 feet and putting the pressure on me. I was not able to better Kurt and left myself a much longer birdie. I missed my birdie leaving the door opened for Kurt and he took advantage draining his birdie and winning the hole.
  Chuba 3up
• Hole #9 Par 4 420 Yards
  Both players scrambled on this hole. Kurt almost won on a chip in par but was forced to settle for bogey and putting pressure on my 7 foot putt for bogey which I made to halve.
• Hole #10 Par 5 584 Yards
  I played this hole terribly and Kurt played it well. I conceded Kurt a birdie on this hole to Kurt.
  Chuba 2up
• Hole #11 Par 4 44 Yards
  Again I hit a poor tee shot and Kurt hit a beauty. We both struggled and left ourselves long par putts Kurt missed his 11 footer and I capitalized by making my 10 footer for the win.
  Chuba 3up
• Hole #12 Par 3 173 Yards
  I hit my tee shot to 9 feet on the difficult pin and kurt responded with a good shot of his own. We both proceeded to two putt for par.
• Hole #13 Par 4 430 Yards
  I finally hit a fairway on this hole and it helped me make a two putt par. Kurt hit his second over the green but was able to chip up and make his par.
• Hole #14 Par 3 213 Yards
  In my opinion the most difficult hole on this course, we both left our tee shots short and were both able to chip up and make our pars. Kurt had a 12 footer that he drained to halve the hole.
• Hole #15 Par 4 453 Yards
  Both players were able to hit the fairway again but not the green. I was able to chip up and get a gimme par. Kurt again just misses a chip in birdie that would have won the hole
• Hole #16 Par 5 512 Yards
  Both players again were able to find the fairway with their tee shots. I played the hole safe laying my second shot up short of the water. Kurt knew he had to go for the green and he found the front left trap. Kurt found himself with a 26 foot birdie putt that would keep him in the match but his effort just slid by and the hole was halved with par. Chuba wins 3&2
  

2 up

Robert returned to the tour this year with new enthusiasm and vigour and has quickly put himself back into the leading group of players, with a lot expected of him in this Ryder Cup. Mel is a world apart from the struggling rookie of years back and is now one of the most solid players on the tour despite the occasional lapse into putting hell. This match will be a close one, and as such is a very important point that could easily go either way.

Verdict / Prediction: A close game that will depend a lot on who has the putter going

Report: by Mel Henry
Well, got my singles match and it was a struggle. Sorry to say, I couldn’t pull it out.

I played Robert Dickerson and he had the lead several times. All I could do is square it up a couple of times.

• Hole 1. He chipped in for an excellent birdie. World 1 up
• Hole 2. We both par. World 1 up
  
• Hole 3. A repeat of 2. World 1 up
  
• Hole 4. We both manage to birdie the hole from about 8 feet. World 1 up
• Hole 5. I luck out with my 3rd shot and get it to 34 inches from the hole. Robert putts his fourth shot to 3 inches to let me take it with par. All Square.
• Hole 6. Two more pars after I manage a 12 footer. All Square
• Hole 7. My putting woe returns to find me carding bogie to his par. World 1 up
• Hole 8. I put my tee shot long, past the green and in front of the spectator stands. I’m unable to see how far back my swing goes and short chip it. Meanwhile Robert sinks a magnificent birdie out of the right bunker. World 2 up.
• Hole 9. Hole wins this one when we both bogie the hole. World 2 up at the turn.
• Hole 10. Robert just misses a bid for birdie and pars the hole. I luck out with a 16 foot putt for bird. World 1 up
• Hole 11. Robert hits the rough off the tee and puts his second shot 115 yards from the hole. My second shot of 171 yards hits near the edge of the green, rolls, curves, and drops in for an eagle to win the hole !! All Square again
• Hole 12. Two pars to keep it even. All Square
• Hole 13. My putter lets me down again. I bogie , he pars to win the hole. World 1 up
• Hole 14. Hole wins again as we both bogie again. World 1 up
• Hole 15. Although I get to within 8 feet for a possible par, Robert drains a 16 footer for a birdie and a win. World 2 up.
• Hole 16. Robert hits the left rough and lays up his second shot. His third shot puts him 31 feet from the hole. He putts closer to 9 feet but his next putt slides by the hole and keeps on going for 24 feet. I put my second shot 24 feet from the pin and putted to within 29 inches. Robert conceded and the World was 1 up after that.
• Hole 17. Robert made a great chip onto the green which rolled 15 feet from the pin. He drained that to salvage par. I was 8 feet from the pin, a little under it. I putted and it lipped out to give Robert the win and to halt the match with the World 2 up.

Great time. I think I need a new putter now, LOL.Good luck guys in the rest. I still have a foursome next weekend so pray to the golf gods for me !! USA all the way !!!

4 up

It was a brave move by Gutierres to switch swings this season after being the tours best player in recent years at RTS. However, at PS he has steadily climbed the rankings and is now a very accomplished player there too. Klodzen is a player who can match the best at times, but can't quite put it together for four rounds - though he's come awfully close on many occasions. Seems to have overcome early nerves and now revels in these matches. Will fancy his chances

Verdict / Prediction: A close game, may well turn on a bit of good or bad luck. Narrow win for the USA.

Report: by Paul Klodzen

Wow! What a topsy turvy match, that really was much closer than the final score indicates.

Jag wins three of the first five holes, with Paul winning two holes back on #2 and #5 by chipping in for birdie. Paul makes another birdie on hole #6 to bring the action back to all square. Holes 7 through 10 are all halved with both some brilliant play and some very poor play as well. Jag finds trouble on #11 and concedes, but gets that hole right back on #12 when Paul can’t get up and down from the greenside bunker, and we’re at all square once again. Paul gets a gimme bird for a winner on #13 to get 1 up. Hole #14 finds both players scrambling for par, but Paul is able to get up and down, but Jag can’t quite get there and suddenly Paul is 2 up. Jag finds the water off of the tee on #15 after Paul is safely in the fairway, and Paul is beginning to smell victory and hits to 5 feet, and Jag concedes after missing his bogie putt, and we’re dormie. Hole 16 find both player laying up on their second shots, with Paul finding the green about 20 feet away on his third shot. Jag’s chip over the water is short, and that seals the match for Paul 4 & 2.

3 up

This should be an interesting matchup = Pyhtila has struggled at times this season but has also found some good form in short bursts, while Walker has been hampered by back problems, he still fought hard to make the team and fully justified his captains selection. Neither will want to finish wi