Ryder Cup / Day One

Team Europe established a commanding lead (6 and a 1/2 v. 1 and a 1/2) but you cannot yet call this winning as there is a scenario whereby the USA could come back today winning say 5-3 and are back in the game. I do not think this will happen as

1) Luke Donald is a better captain than Zack Johnson, handling his pairings especially his rookies better. His decision to open with foursomes was inspired.

2) The course is set up to favour Europe as it favours accuracy on the second shot rather than length off the tee. Team Europe has bombers like Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy but golfers like Shane Lowry have a short game which is a work of art.

3) Key American players are off form.

One is Open winner Brian Harman who had a magic touch on the greens of Hoylake but putted poorly yesterday. Contrast him with Matt Fitzpatrick who up to yesterday never had a single point but played his front nine like a dream. Other USA players who are off form are Sam Burns, Patrick Cantlay , Ricky Fowler and Collin Morakawa.

4) US morale must be low without a single win and struggling with the foursome format.

So I anticipate Team Europe will maximise their advantage today.

I spent 11 hours in front of the TV yesterday and reached saturation point.

The Sky coverage was excellent but I could have done without pictures of the exhibitionists in fancy dress and the post match interviews with players did not add much.

Personally I did not care for Sir Nick Faldo’s commentary.

I remember what a dreadful captain he was and he never seems to say much that is complimentary. Brash Wayne Tiley grates too but generally the coverage is sober and well informed with Paul McGinlay especially acute.