Tom Watson’s USA Team clearly seized the honours in morning Fourball session on day two of the 2014 Ryder Cup but it was Ian Poulter again displaying why he’s known as Europe’s ‘postman’.
The USA side went into this morning down two points 5 to 3 but at the end of the third session of the 40th Ryder Cup they had bridged the gap to just one point so to head to the afternoon Foursomes down 5 1/2 to 6 1/2.
Leading the way was the rookie pair of the all-Texas born Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed who handed out a 5 & 3 drubbing to double Major winning Martin Kaymer and Dane Thomas Bjorn.
Jim Furyk and Hunter Mahan then defeated the unbeaten Foursome pair of Lee Westwood and rookie Jamie Donaldson 4 & 3.
However again the standout duo for the Europeans was the unbeaten combination of Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson taking Europe to six points with their 3 & 2 success of Bubba Watson and Matt Kuchar.
But it was the final match of the morning that didn’t finish to near 1.30pm and with Poulter, who admitted had ‘gone to sleep mid round’, helping deliver Europe a half a point in teaming with World No. 1 Rory McIlroy.
And if you needed any better indication of the worth Poulter brings to a European Team it was his chip-in shot for eagle at the par five 15th that helped keep Europe just 1 down before Europe’s postman delivered with a birdie at the par five 16th to get Europe back to all square.
The 17th was halved and with Poulter landing his third shot close at the last to ensure the half point for Europe.
“Funny things happen in golf but it was a late delivery and second class post for me this morning,” he said smiling.
“I had a couple of quick birdies to start the match off which was great but then fell asleep in the middle, and at a time when we needed something to happen Rickie hit a fantastic second shot into 15th and looking for all intention purposed the Americans would go 2 up but then to chip in was great.
“Then turning one over at the next made a massive difference.”
| J. Rose / H. Stenson |  Wins 3 & 2
|
B. Watson / M. Kuchar | ||
| J. Donaldson / L. Westwood |  Wins 4 & 3
|
J. Furyk / H. Mahan | ||
| T. Bjorn / M. Kaymer | Wins 5 & 3
|
P. Reed / J. Spieth | ||
| R. Mcilroy / I. Poulter | All Sq. | J. Walker / R. Fowler | ||
