By Phil Casey, PA Golf Correspondent, Sheboygan
Rory McIlroy insisted Europe could recover from 6-2 down to retain the Ryder Cup, despite seeing his streak of 26 consecutive matches come to an end at Whistling Straits.
Padraig Harrington’s side lost both sessions on the opening day 3-1 and won just one match outright, world number one Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia defeating Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth in the first foursomes contest.
McIlroy lost twice in the same day for the first time and did not even reach the 16th hole in defeats alongside Ian Poulter and Shane Lowry, with the four-time major winner then left out of a session for the first time in his career.
“We can come back from 6-2,” McIlroy insisted after a 4 and 3 loss with Lowry in the fourballs which meant that the Northern Irishman has now won just two of his last eight Ryder Cup matches.
Shot of the day
?️ "That's not real. That is UNBELIEVABLE!" ?
Bryson DeChambeau hits a sensational 417-yard drive off the tee! ?
Absolutely incredible! #RyderCup ???
? Sky Sports Ryder Cup channel
? Live blog ? https://t.co/abAZP0rE3w pic.twitter.com/atH3gXugIN— Sky Sports Ryder Cup (@SkySportsGolf) September 24, 2021
Bryson DeChambeau has been preparing for a long-drive contest immediately after the Ryder Cup and it certainly looked like it on the par-five fifth.
Moment of the day
? @JordanSpieth absolutely ridiculous!@MichelobULTRA | #ULTRAMoment pic.twitter.com/ZMIaikwXKt
— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 24, 2021
Jordan Spieth was left in a near-impossible position after team-mate Justin Thomas missed the green on the par-three 17th, but not only produced a stunning recovery but also did superbly well to keep his balance while almost running into Lake Michigan.
Statistic of the day
The United States leads 6-2 after the second session. It is their largest lead after day 1 since 1977, the last Ryder Cup before the other side was expanded from just Great Britain & Ireland to all of Europe.
— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGolf) September 24, 2021
The omens do not look good for Europe after day one.
Quote of the day
“I knew if it was a little downwind I could take a unique line and I luckily was able to have that wind today. So I just aimed at the green and bombs away.” – Bryson DeChambeau describes his amazing drive on the fifth.
Tweet of the day
Sum up Europe's day in a picture: pic.twitter.com/YygyvF2zsA
— Golf Monthly (@GolfMonthly) September 24, 2021
Tommy Fleetwood pulled his second shot to the 16th into Lake Michigan and had to settle for half a point in the final match of day one.
What’s next?
Four foursomes matches on Saturday morning and four fourball matches on Saturday afternoon before 12 singles matches on Sunday.
