Ryder Cup Results 2014: Final Points, Standings and Stars from USA vs. Europe
The United States really never had a chance at the 2014 Ryder Cup.
Paul McGinley's European team won 3.5 of the four points on Day 1, and it followed that effort with another strong showing on Day 2. Not so shockingly, the Europeans locked it up on Day 3 at Gleneagles.
Despite strong showings from a few unexpected names, the United States simply didn't have the consistent performance necessary to keep up with the powerhouse that is Europe. The final score of the tournament was 16.5 to 11.5.
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You'll find everything you need to know about the Ryder Cup below—final points, standings, stars and more.
Noteworthy Performances
There were few bright spots for the United States, but Patrick Reed and Jordan Spieth stood out on the team. The two young golfers won 5 and 4 in fourball on Friday morning then questionably sat the afternoon session after captain Tom Watson chose to go a different route.
This confused Spieth, and rightfully so. He spoke to Stephanie Wei of Wei Under Par about the strange decision by Watson:
"We win 5&4 and figure we’re going to play alternate shot. So I went and asked, ‘Should we go back and get ready, we’re wondering if we’re going off.’ He said, ‘We’re going to sit you guys. It was a decision we made. It was a tough call, coming down to you guys, and Jimmy, Rickie, and Phil and Keegan, but we’re going rest you guys today.’
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The pair came back to win again on Saturday morning 5 and 3 and then halved their opponents in the afternoon session. Reed and Spieth were certainly the top players for the United States, though that wasn't exactly difficult to do seeing as the team struggled up and down the roster.
Phil Mickelson hasn't played all that well despite being the man Watson picked to replace Reed and Spieth on Friday. He earned a par on the 18th hole to score the U.S. a point, but he should've played far better.
He played so poorly overall that Watson sat Mickelson for the entire day Saturday, according to The Associated Press (via FoxSports.com).
The day off appeared to help Lefty, as he won his singles match on Sunday against Stephen Gallacher 3 and 1. He played in just three matches in his ninth consecutive Ryder Cup, so his status moving into future installments of the tournament could be in question.
For the Europeans, many stars have played well. Justin Rose has been exceptional, however.
He opened up his Ryder Cup with three wins. He and Henrik Stenson combined to not only dominate Bubba Watson and Matt Kuchar but also steal the show by making 10 straight birdies in the process. Eight of those birdies were off Rose's ball.
Rose didn't notch a win in singles play, as Hunter Mahan matched him hole-for-hole and the two halved the match.
Rory McIlroy was rather pedestrian in the tournament, though that didn't have a negative impact on the rest of his teammates. He hadn't won a match through Saturday morning, earning two halves up to that point. While not losses, those two matches were ones many expected McIlroy to win as the No. 1 player in the sport.
He teamed up with Sergio Garcia in the afternoon Saturday to oust Jim Furyk and Mahan, however, so he earned a much-needed point there. He also earned a point Sunday against Rickie Fowler, defeating him 5 and 4.
Singles play on Day 3 sealed the deal for Europe, meaning it will be another two long years before the United States has another chance at winning the popular Ryder Cup.
Follow Kenny DeJohn on Twitter: @KennyDeJohn_BR
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