After a seven hour, 15 minute delay due to inclement weather, 2010 Ryder Cup play resumed for two hours Friday afternoon and the USA team squeezed out of an early deficit before dusk halted play until Saturday. The last time any Ryder Cup match was delayed was in 1997, also due to inclement weather.
The USA Team, bogged down by waterlogged rain gear was off to a poor start, down in three matches and leading by only one on the fourth. Mid-morning play was halted giving the team a chance to warming up, drying off and go incognito in rain gear purchased onsite, sporting the European Team logo. They came back after play resumed and claimed a considerable grip on the lead.
Stewart Cink and Match Kuchar finished out 2up on Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell, the 2010 U.S Open Championship, with seven to play.
Long Bomber Bubba Watson and Jeff Overton ended 1up on Luke Donald and Padraig Harrington through eight.
Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker are all square with Ian Poulter and Ross Fisher through 10.
Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson are 1down against Lee Westwood and Martin Kaymer, but given a little more time, I’m confident they would’ve taken the lead. Phil was on fire and just has three birdies in a row before play was suspended.
“It was tough day, a tough start,” American Captain Corey Pavin said. “Obviously I’m pleased with the way U.S. came back and performed this afternoon. I’m very proud of the guys.”
“We had a good first hour of play or something, and then that two hours of play there was obviously in the Americans’ favor,” Monty said. “But at the same time, there’s no match that is anymore than 2 up or 2 down, so everyone is still in the game.”
Things are looking good for tomorrow!! GO TEAM USA!!