For the first time since 1991, the Ryder Cup came down to the final singles match. Although the Americans were on the losing end of the rain-delayed event, U.S. captain Corey Pavin‘s four picks — Tiger Woods, Rickie Fowler, Stewart Cink and Zach Johnson — were the reason they nearly overcame a three-point deficit on Monday.
The foursome went 2-0-2 during the singles session and helped earn 8 ? of the Americans’ 13 ? total points.
Did anyone really think Woods didn’t deserve a spot on the U.S. team? His 3-1 record should silence anyone that doubted his inclusion on the squad. On Monday, Woods resembled his 14-major winning form –routing Francesco Molinari 4 and 3.
Fowler was the most scrutinized of Pavin’s selections. The 21-year-old was the first PGA Tour rookie on the American team and the first captain’s pick to have never won an event on tour. Fowler solidified Pavin’s decision by mounting one of the greatest comebacks in Ryder Cup history. Eduardo Molinari was up four after a birdie on No. 12, but the rookie stormed back. He won the 13th with a par and birdied the last four holes — highlighted by a 15-footer on 18 to earn a halve and keep the Americans’ chances alive.
Cink halved Rory McIlroy on Monday and ended with an undefeated 1-0-3 record. During a dismal session Sunday, it was Cink and Matt Kuchar who had the only half-point the Americans earned in six matches.
Johnson had an impressive win over Padraig Harrington during the singles session, racing to a 5-up lead and winning 3 and 2. The 2007 Masters champion finished the Ryder Cup with a 2-1 record.
These Americans were viewed as one of the biggest underdogs in the history of the event. Woods is finishing his worst season of his career, Phil Mickelson has struggled since winning the Masters and the U.S. lacked the depth of the European team — which left Paul Casey (No. 9 in the world) and Justin Rose (two-time PGA Tour winner this year) off its roster.
With low expectations, the U.S. team should hold their heads up high for keeping this close … especially Pavin’s fabulous foursome.
