Unstoppable Momentum: Patrick Cantlay's Epic Finale Revives Team USA's Hopes in the Ryder Cup
Team USA's Patrick Cantlay ignites hope with a sensational finish, rescuing his team from a tough battle and injecting life into their Ryder Cup campaign
US golfer Patrick Cantlay capped off a remarkable comeback for Team USA at the Ryder Cup with a strong finish on Saturday. Despite a disappointing morning of foursomes, where Europe took a commanding lead of 3-1, American captain Zach Johnson witnessed his team finally finding their groove in the afternoon. Cantlay's impressive performance, including two closing birdies, secured a 3-1 win in the fourballs and gave the visitors their first victory of the session.
The World No. 5 joined forces with Wyndham Clark to narrowly defeat Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick by a margin of 1-up, reducing the overall deficit to 10.5 - 5.5. This victory brings a glimmer of hope for the US team as they approach the crucial Sunday singles session, where they must deliver a remarkable performance. To retain the trophy they secured in an extraordinary fashion at Whistling Straits two years ago, Johnson's team needs to accumulate 8.5 points out of the available 12. On the other hand, Luke Donald's European team only requires four more points to secure a win.
"Hopefully we have a ray of light, can build on this session and try and pull off a big victory tomorrow," Cantlay told reporters.
Team USA celebrate Cantlay's winning putt.
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Sam Burns and Collin Morikawa came together in the first afternoon match to defeat Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg with a score of 4&3. This victory served as payback for their teammate Scottie Scheffler, who had suffered a devastating loss to the Scandinavian duo earlier, causing him to break down in tears. As a result of this defeat, Scheffler was not included in the fourballs lineup. However, Burns and Morikawa stepped up to fill the void left by the absent Scheffler. Despite experiencing defeat while playing with different partners on Friday, the duo combined forces and easily surpassed the strong and in-form Hovland and Aberg.
Following his defeat in the match against Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg of Team Europe (not pictured), Scottie Scheffler from Team United States was comforted by his Wife, Meredith Scheffler, during the Saturday morning foursomes matches of the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome, Italy, on September 30, 2023.
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USAs Scottie Scheffler in tears after record Ryder Cup loss, as Europe extend dominance
After leading by six points at the 12th hole, the landing became somewhat uneasy as the European duo managed to win the following two holes. However, the American pair managed to secure a gratifying victory over the two favored home players by clinching the win at the 15th hole.
"We were well aware that the spectators would not be on our side. Nevertheless, we persevered," Burns stated to the press, as he playfully taunted the fans with a gesture of cupping his ear after sinking a birdie putt at the sixth hole.
"These guys are ready, were all positive and we know what were capable of. We know its going to be tough, we know its going to be a challenge, but were excited for it."
Burns and Morikawa toast a much-needed win.
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Max Homa further asserted his position as the standout player for Team USA in Rome, once again shining alongside Open champion Brian Harman. This time, they defeated Tommy Fleetwood and Nicolai Hojgaard with a score of 2&1. Earlier in the day, Homa and Harman had teamed up to secure their team's first victory of the week, a commanding 4&2 win over Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka, solidifying their growing camaraderie.
"We share virtually no similarities in our backgrounds, but internally, we are identical," Homa expressed to the press.
"Engaging with Brian was truly enjoyable for me as I observed his gameplay. He possesses unwavering steadfastness. It instilled in me a sense of freedom to express my true self, and I believe that's the key to our successful collaboration."
Harman added: "Its just been incredible. Love him. Youre not going to be able to take this partner away from me."
Homa and Harman have struck up a winning partnership in Rome.
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Justin Rose had a remarkable afternoon, securing the only point for Europe in the session. Teaming up with Robert MacIntyre, they triumphed with a 3&2 victory over Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. The 43-year-old continued his impressive performance after his astonishing putt on Friday that earned a surprise half point in the last match of the day. This time, Rose dominated, winning four holes while his partner won just one.
Sundays decisive singles session begins at 5:35 a.m. ET (10:35 a.m. BST) with Scheffler against Jon Rahm, matches subsequently teeing off in 12 minute intervals.
