The 2018 Ryder Cup is underway and what a turnaround we've seen. The United States took the early lead with a dominant display in the morning but Europe bounced back in the afternoon foursomes.
The visitors at Le Golf National led 3-1 after the morning fourballs after Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka and Dustin Johnson all impressed on their way to victories over their European foes. But the hosts came roaring back in the afternoon taking all four matches to completely swing the contest and seize the momentum heading into Saturday
Here's how it all unfolded:
Jonathan Liew:
If Carlsberg did afternoon sessions... they would be awful, because Carlsberg tastes like piss. But nevertheless, a cracking session from Europe, and a reminder of the importance of momentum in this competition. As Europe gobbled up hole after hole, the roars whipped around the course like electricity, stiffening European resolve, charging them with belief. The turning point? Molinari and Fleetwood turning around their morning fourball against Woods and Reed. Had they been beaten or held, it’s hard to see a European comeback on that scale. Not only that, but they’ve well and truly pricked the Tiger bubble that could have powered the US all through the weekend. The Americans will come back strongly on Saturday morning - best ball format does seem to suit them a lot better - but for now, the force is with Europe.
Ed Malyon:
When life gives you lemons, make 7-Up.The bitter taste of the morning evaporated in this corner of France as Europe continued to rampage with Sergio Garcia and Alex Noren’s comfortable win over Bryson DeChambeau and Phil Mickelson seeing them seven holes ahead with nine to play.Had they held on at seven up, it would have been the biggest foursomes victory in Ryder Cup history.That their match wasn't even the biggest thumping of the afternoon, with Fleetinari (or Planet Moliwood, depending on your preference) also winning 5&4 speaks volumes to how comprehensive this sweep was from Europe.From a devastating morning to a brilliant afternoon. The wind picked up and the Americans got blown away but tomorrow is a new day. Underestimate the reds at your peril but tonight they'll be going home feeling blue.
"We were walking down the sixth and said it sounds a little bit better this afternoon and the energy that comes off those guys going in front. All the preparation you do nothing gets you ready for this. It’s just something else."
And Sergio heaps the praise right back on his partner:
I get so lucky. I get paired with amazing partners every time but we played some amazing golf on the front nine. We held on well and Alex was a rock. I helped him a little bit here and there and it was great fun to get a point.
And Alex Noren now comments on his amazing Ryder Cup debut:
Unbelievable. I’m so happy – just to get it out of the way. Get a good point and playing with Sergio was fantastic. It means a lot just to be on the team and to make a point. Great.
The captain speaks to Sky Sports:
We are one team and we did it with all 12 today. That was the plan. Those guys that sat out this morning I’m very proud of what they did because they came out and showed quality, class and this was a wonderful afternoon.
There's a long way to go in this but we go home with a good taste now and then we regroup for tomorrow.
Ian Poulter speaking to Sky Sports after today's round:
The second I got going this morning I felt good. It’s great to play with Rory, the buzz around the golf course, it’s just incredible and to hole a couple of putts. I left Rory a couple of testers and he managed to roll them in. So it was a good match and to put another point on the board, that’s key.
McIlroy speaking to Sky Sports after his victory:
The guys had a discussion earlier in the week and it was a bit of a last-minute thing that Poults and I were going to play foursomes together so it’s nice to get back out there with him and deliver another point for Europe.
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Preview
What time does it start?
It all gets underway at 12.30pm on Friday morning with the opening fourballs.
Where can I watch it?
The whole tournament is being broadcast on Sky Sports Golf. You can also stream it online via SkyGo. It is also available on NowTV.
For those without access to any of those The Independent will be live blogging the entire weekend.
Who's playing?
Some of the very best golfers on the planet. Tiger Woods leads the American team while new world number one Justin Rose is Europe's leading light.
Who's going to win?
USA Evens
Europe 5/4
Draw 11/1
