Ryder Cup 2014: Live Updates for Day 3 Scoring and Standings
When Europe won the 2012 Ryder Cup after a dramatic comeback at Medinah, the United States were leading 10-6 going into the final day. And just as fate would have it, Tom Watson's team will have to overturn a four-point deficit themselves if they're to take home the Ryder Cup two years on.
The European team put in another excellent performance in the foursomes to streak away from the Americans at the end of Day 2, giving Paul McGinley's players some vital momentum ahead of the final day.
It's an occasion which is typically one of the most enthralling on the sporting calendar, so be sure to check back here for all the latest goings on from Gleneagles, as the United States look to mount a late charge for the trophy and Europe do their utmost to keep it within their grasp.
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Key Information
Where: Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, Scotland
When: Sept. 26–28
Watch: NBC and Golf Channel (US), Sky Sports (UK)
Live Stream: NBC Sports Live Extra, Sky Go
Live Updates: Official Ryder Cup Site
Players to Watch
Team USA: Jordan Spieth
When Jose Maria Olazabal plotted Europe's sensational fightback two years ago, he loaded the front end of his singles line-up with his best players. When you're behind, there's nothing to lose anyway and a strong start can set a positive precedent for the rest of the day.
Luke Donald did exactly that two years ago, and his win gave Europe some crucial impetus. The man looking to get the United States off to a comparable start is the Ryder Cup rookie Spieth and after the manner in which he's played at Gleneagles over the first two days, expect him to come out firing.
Jonathan Wall of the PGA Tour has been very impressed with the 21-year-old:
The youngster has taken two-and-a-half points from a possible three available so far, but he'll be put to the test in his singles match when taking on the experienced Graeme McDowell.
If Spieth loses this one then Europe would only need another three points to retain the cup. If he wins the gap will look a lot more surmountable at three points. There's a lot of pressure on the young man, but he's shown plenty already in his short career to suggest he's well capable of handling it.
Team Europe: Rory McIlroy
McIlroy will be going off third for the Europeans and, as luck would have it, the Northern Irishman goes up against the American golden boy Rickie Fowler in the singles, as noted here by the team Europe account:
These two went head-to-head on the final day of The Open at Hoylake, with McIlroy preserving his lead to win the major championship that day and the prospect of the duo going to war at the Ryder Cup is a scintillating one.
Indeed, there is little doubt that McIlroy and Fowler are the best two young golfers on the planet, and players that should play in many, many more Ryder Cups down the years. And although he hasn't been at his sparkling best at Gleneagles, McIlroy looks as though he has the edge over his American counterpart at this juncture.
The four-time major winner has played in all four sessions so far for Europe, and after he paired up with Sergio Garcia in the Day 2 foursomes for a 3 and 2 win over Jim Furyk and Hunter Mahan, McIlroy should have some big momentum behind him.
In short, he's the best player in the world at the moment, and a golfer that'll relish the singles competition. If McIlroy plays to his best, Fowler won't be able to live with him.
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