In response to a seven-hour rain delay on day one of the Ryder Cup in Wales, officials have scratched the fourth session of play and opted for full participation in the next two sessions on Saturday.
All 12 players from both teams will compete in six foursomes (alternate shot) matches Saturday morning, followed by four four-ball and two foursomes matches in the afternoon.
The format change means the teams will still play for 28 points, and, if all goes as scheduled, the matches will end, as usual, on Sunday with the singles competition.
Speculation is that the format change could work to the advantage of the deeper European side.
While captains Corey Pavin (America) and Colin Montgomerie (Europe) will be relieved of the burden of sitting some players out, they will have to figure out which players are better suited to the different formats (foursomes and fourball) of the third session.
Friday’s play ended before the first session (fourball) could be completed. The U.S. leads two matches. Europe leads one. The other match is all-square.
