Ryder Cup 2014: How to View Live Scores, Points and Standings Updates on Day 1
Europe enters the 2014 Ryder Cup as the two-time defending champion, but an upstart Team USA is hopeful to get off to a great start during Friday's opening day of the event.
Day 1 will feature both fourball and foursomes play involving 24 of the world's best golfers. Europe is heavily favored due to its advantage in terms of the world rankings, however, the Americans are out to prove that they mesh and thrive as a cohesive unit.
Doing so won't be easy in hostile territory on the PGA Centenary Course at Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, Scotland. Starting off on a high note will be key for both teams as it figures to set the tone for the remainder of the event.
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Here is all the information you need to follow Friday's Day 1 Ryder Cup action.
Day 1 Scores, Points and Standings
Day 1 Schedule
| Fourball | 2:35 a.m. | 7:35 a.m. |
| Fourball | 2:50 a.m. | 7:50 a.m. |
| Fourball | 3:05 a.m. | 8:05 a.m. |
| Fourball | 3:20 a.m. | 8:20 a.m. |
| Foursomes | 8:15 a.m. | 1:15 p.m. |
| Foursomes | 8:30 a.m. | 1:30 p.m. |
| Foursomes | 8:45 a.m. | 1:45 p.m. |
| Foursomes | 9 a.m. | 2 p.m. |
Players to Watch on Day 1
If Team USA is going to make a run at the Ryder Cup, there is little doubt that veteran leader Phil Mickelson will have to perform well. Although 2014 hasn't been a great year for Lefty, he is the type of player who is capable of churning out incredible rounds when he hits his stride and goes on a hot streak.
That is extremely valuable in this kind of match play event, but there is also a chance that Mickelson's mediocre play from the PGA season will carry over to the Ryder Cup. Nobody is quite sure of what to expect out of Mickelson or Team USA as a whole, but the five-time major winner seems to be relishing the underdog role, according to the PGA Tour's official Twitter account:
As important as individual play can be in the Ryder Cup, chemistry between partners is a huge deal as well. Mickelson and Keegan Bradley were perfect as a pairing at the last Ryder Cup in 2012, and Lefty confirmed that they will once again team up this year, per PGA.com:
Even though Bradley's hasn't had a particularly strong year either, there is something special about the bond that he has with Mickelson. It almost comes across as a father-son relationship, and they always appear to enjoy each other's company on the course.
Having Bradley in tow will only help Mickelson's play on Friday, and it wouldn't be hugely surprising if that pairing helps push the United States into an early lead.
Rory McIlroy
As the top player in the world, there will be a great deal of focus on Rory McIlroy throughout the Ryder Cup. The Northern Irish star won both the Open Championship and PGA Championship titles this year, and there is no question that he is the event's biggest star with Tiger Woods out of the picture.
Europe boasts an extremely deep and talented group of players; however, the expectation is that McIlroy will have to lead the way. Despite the extra pressure that is likely to be put on his shoulders, McIlroy is excited about the opportunity to be "the guy" in Scotland this week, according to SuperSport.com.
"I'm the sort of character that would enjoy that, enjoy that environment, enjoy being in the spotlight and being one of the guys that sort of everyone is focusing on. I like that. I'll embrace that, and it comes as part of what I've done this year and who I am. Being No. 1 in the world and all that comes with that, you expect that and you just try to handle it as best that you can.
"
McIlroy hasn't been deterred by pressure too often during the 2014 season, but the Ryder Cup is a totally different dynamic. Rather than playing for himself, McIlroy will be playing for the glory of an entire continent.
He will also undoubtedly be a marked man in the eyes of the American players. Although beating McIlroy is no different than beating anyone else from a scoring perspective, one can only assume that Team USA would receive a huge psychological boost by besting McIlroy.
That is something that must be taken into account, and it is a big reason why Europe needs golf's top player to be at his very best.
Rickie Fowler
Although Rickie Fowler hasn't quite reached the same level as McIlroy, it stands to reason that he isn't too far off. The 25-year-old star is in the midst of his best year as a pro, and all signs point to him being Team USA's anchor.
Fowler is the only golfer to finish in the top five at all four majors in 2014, and it is only a matter of time before he wins one. McIlroy vs. Fowler has all the makings of an incredible golf rivalry for many years to come. Fowler needs a big performance in order to truly emerge from McIlroy's shadow, and he will have the opportunity to do that on the Ryder Cup stage.
While much of the praise was being tossed in Europe's direction prior to the start of the Ryder Cup, Team USA definitely has enough talent to make things interesting. Fowler tops the list, but playing partner Jimmy Walker has been playing spectacularly as well.
According to Shane Bacon of Back9Network.com, Fowler and Walker could very well end up being the talk of the event:
It can be argued that Fowler is more excited for the Ryder Cup than anyone else. In fact, he even went so far as to get "USA" shaved into his hair, as seen in this photo courtesy of SportsCenter:
Fowler is a fiery and talented competitor who can lift the play of those around him with his enthusiasm. If Fowler is in dominant form, then Team USA is going to be a handful.
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