by Jeff Skinner
It will take another “Brookline” type miracle comeback for the US Ryder Cup team to have any chance of retaining the cup. Down by three full points and needing seven and a half points from Monday’s singles matches to hold the cup, the outlook is pretty bleak for the Americans. Corey Pavin is bound to take some heat for this performance but the bottom line is the European Team has out played the Americans.
The American stars have played poorly offering few points to the US total. The flat performance by the Americans can be summed up 
by what happened on three holes in about a twenty minute span. Long after Tiger and Stricker had their clock cleaned by Westwood and Donald, Phil Mickelson three putted on 14. On the next hole the Euros took a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. On the drivable 15th Jeff Overton and Bubba Watson drove the green with Watson hitting it closer than anyone had all day. With the Euros in the rough and the hazard it looked like a sure win. When they both left their putts short and Peter Hanson flopped a beautiful shot from the hazard to mere inches it was a push. The US went one down the next hole and never recovered. About the same time Ross Fischer sunk a long putt to close out Furyk and D. Johnson and it was all really over just about then.
With the US Team playing so poorly it’s hard to find many Sunday single matchups that favors the visitors.
Stricker vs Westwood: Westwood has taken it upon himself to single handedly beat the US.
Cink vs McIlroy: Cink was a putting machine to start and Rory struggled but things have turned and Rory is riding the fans and his emotions.
Furyk vs Donald: Half a point from Furyk, unbelievable and Donald is playing like a world beater.
D. Johnson vs Kaymer: So much for the long hitters, Johnson has zero points and Kaymer hasn’t lost yet.
Kuchar vs Poulter: Kuch started off red hot but has since cooled. He may have had a chance against many other Euros but Poulter is so ready to show the world that this is his stage.
Overton vs Fischer: Overton has played well but was leaving his putts short all day on Sunday. Fischer can putt with the best of them.
Watson vs Jimenez: Bubba may overpower Miguel but Jimenez will be looking to go out a winner in what may be his last Ryder Cup.
Woods vs F. Molinari: Corey is already being second guessed for burying Woods here but what choice did he have. Tiger couldn’t hit one good shot on Sunday.
Fowler vs E. Molinari: If Fowler can free wheel it here and forget the pressure he may steal one here. But Molinari is a tough match. This guy knows how to close the deal.
Mickelson vs Hanson: The world number three has been playing his worse golf of the year. It’s a shame Pavin’s stars have failed him.
Z. Johnson vs Harrington: Harrington has been carried by his partners all tournament. Johnson should win this one.
Mahan vs McDowell: Mahan was supposed to be a stud that carried the team. This match is moot; it will be over long before these guys hit 18.
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