2023 Ryder Cup: U.S. Rebounds to Split Day 2 as Europe Maintains Commanding Lead

Europe maintains a significant lead in the Ryder Cup, but the US team makes a late charge, raising hopes for a comeback.

In what seems to be a recurring pattern, Europe is once again leading the Ryder Cup heading into the final day of singles matches. This marks the 12th time in the past 20 Ryder Cups that Europe has held the advantage on Sunday. Despite a valiant effort from the Americans on Saturday, it may be too little too late for them to secure a victory in Rome.

After a thrilling first day, the competition leveled out on Saturday, with the United States managing to split the eight matches evenly with Europe. However, Europe maintained its lead with a significant 10.5 to 5.5 advantage. With only 12 matches remaining on Sunday, Europe is just four points away from reclaiming the Ryder Cup and extending its impressive streak of victories on home soil, which has spanned over three decades.

Saturday started off similarly to Friday, with the U.S. struggling to find their footing. The morning foursomes proved to be a disaster for the Americans, as they were defeated 3 to 1. The highlight (or rather, lowlight) of the morning was the formidable duo of Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka falling 9&7 to the Scandinavian super team of Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg. This margin of defeat marked the largest in Ryder Cup history in the foursomes format.

Europe continued to apply pressure throughout the day, dismantling seasoned partnerships one by one. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood overcame Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth in the opening match, while Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton brushed aside Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. The only glimmer of hope for the Americans came from Max Homa and Brian Harman, who secured their team's first match win against Sepp Straka and Shane Lowry.

Homa and Harman's success in the afternoon four-ball session was followed by a remarkable performance from Patrick Cantlay. Despite facing heckling from the European crowd for not wearing a hat, Cantlay delivered three consecutive birdies in the final three holes of his match against Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick. Not only did Cantlay remove a point from Europe's tally, but he also added a point to the American side.

The energy among the American team is undeniably high after Cantlay's heroics, but the question remains: is it too little too late? The largest comeback on a Sunday in this current format has been four points, achieved by the U.S. at The Country Club after trailing 10 to 6. The Europeans accomplished the same feat at Medinah in 2012. While history may not be on the Americans' side, momentum is certainly on their side as they head into the final day of competition.

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