Ryder Cup Day 1 Update

How bout them Americans? I doubt their ability to win (like everyone else) and they jump out to a lead! Not too bad USA. Some quick analysis from your truly.

Mickelson/Kim (USA) vs. Harrington/Karlsson (EUR) - I figured the Mickelson/Kim pairing would be a good one and it proved true down the stretch. The youngster and vet fought back from 3 down thru 12 to win 3 in a row to make it all square and walk away with a half point against a good Harrington/Karlsson team that had plenty of chances to really put this one away, including a putt from Paddy on 18. Kim played pretty well for a rookie so props to him.

Leonard/Mahan (USA) vs. Stenson/Casey (EUR) - I did not see this one coming at all. They get off to a terrible start but sounds like Leonard calmed down Mahan and that ended being huge because he became a shot maker. Stenson and Casey just simply didn't make shots to win. Hence why Leonard/Mahan won easily 3&2

Cink/Campbell (USA) vs. Rose/Poulter (EUR) - This one also saw a 3-up lead from a Euro team but the USA squad fought back and ultimately, made the putts that mattered. On the 18th, Poulter and Rose missed putts to a get a half point out of it but instead, both missed and gave the U.S. a point that in these competitions could be huge.

Furyk/Perry (USA) vs. Westwood/Garcia (EUR) - I also didn't think this one would eb clsoe but Furyk/Perry gave them a fight the whole way. Well, actually, until the 16th hole. U.S. up 2 with 3 holes to play and Furyk has a par putt to win the match. In other words, the Europeans are giving the hole away with a bogey. But Furyk misses it badly and they halve the hole. On 17, Perry misses a par putt that kept Euro alive. And then the drive on 18 by Perry finds the water. Oy! What should have been a point becomes a half and not even because Westwood/Garcia worked for it.

Score after the morning: 3-1 USA

AFTERNOON PREVIEW:

We're playing fourball in the afternoon. In other words, everyone plays their own ball and the best score from one player on a team is what counts so a lot of birdies will be made.

Mickelson/Kim (USA) vs. Harrington/McDowell (EUR) - After their hot finish, I see no reason not to keep the Mickelson/Kim pairing together. Not to mention both are birdie machines on the Tour so putting them together in this format is scary good. Harrington is a clutch putt machine so expect him to keep the Euro squad in this match as McDowell goes through some Ryder Cup rookie jitters.

Stricker/Curtis (USA) vs. Poulter/Rose (EUR) - Stricker and Curtis get their first action of the day and I like this pairing of two players who are quiet, midwestern guys who scratch and claw for everything. I think they will work well together. Same goes for Poulter and Rose. They worked well in the early session but just couldn't make putts. But now, they play their own ball so I can see them playing a lot better.

Leonard/Mahan (USA) vs. Garcia/Jimenez (EUR) - First off, love the fact that Jimenez was smoking a cigar during the morning matches. Like he was claiming victory already. Well, after the way Leonard/Mahan played in the morning, just seems right to throw them together here. Should be a good match.

Holmes/Weekley (USA) vs. Westwood/Hansen (EUR) - I know Paul Azinger wants to have each of his players get on the course today unlike Nick Faldo (Oliver Wilson DNP today) but this pairing scares me. Holmes and Weekley are rookies in the Ryder Cup and not exactly PGA veterans either. They're taking on a pairing that is a bit more seasoned and includes Westwood who is clutch in these kinds of situations.

I would predict who will win each matchup but I just wanna stick to my overall prediction. I have my thoughts though. Back to the golf!