PGA Results: 2012 Ryder Cup

This is a tough go this Monday morning.  I'm feeling a little beat up after the dramatic finish, and USA loss at the Ryder Cup.  What a shocker, after coming into the Sunday singles matches with a 10-6 lead.  Europe made a record breaking comeback to win 14.5 to 13.5.  Let's take a look at how it unfolded. Friday Foursomes and Fourballs The first set of matches Friday morning was the Foursome competition.  This is a two-man, alternate shot competition.  These four matches were split, with the USA winning 2 and Europe winning 2.  During these matches, Keegan Bradley provided some great energy with his partner Phil Mickelson, while Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker struggled. The Friday afternoon Fourball competition saw the USA winning 3 of the 4 matches.  The only lone loss for the USA was the Woods/Stricker team.  Following the 3-1 afternoon, the USA took a 5-3 lead in the Ryder Cup. Saturday Foursomes and Fourballs The USA team won 3 of 4 in the Saturday morning Foursomes.  The lone loss was Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson who lost to a very hot and excited Ian Poulter with Justin Rose.  Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker sat out in the morning session. Following the 3-1 morning rounds, the USA took an 8-4 lead into the afternoon. The Saturday afternoon Fourballs saw the USA team tying Europe with two victories.  Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker lost their match against Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia.  That loss put them at 0-3 for the Ryder Cup. Ian Poulter got even hotter, making amazing birdies on the last five holes.  His fire and subsequent win would add some momentum to Europe. The 2-2 tie meant that the USA team would take a 10-6 lead into the Sunday singles matches. Sunday Singles Sunday all 12 of each team's players play singles matches.  As expected, Europe captain Jose Maria Olazabal "front loaded" the team.  Being down 10-6, Jose Maria had to send out the players he thought gave Europe the best chance of closing the points game immediately.  They couldn't afford any losses.  Just as he hoped, Europe won the first five singles matches. Europe continued to ride the momentum as the USA team tightened.  It would come down to the last two matches, with USA players Steve Stricker in the 2nd to last group and Tiger Woods as the anchor.  Stricker would have to halve his match with Martin Kaymer to give the USA a chance, and Tiger would have to win his match. Instead, Stricker lost 1-down as Kaymer made the winning putt, making Tiger's match irrelevant. Europe won the Ryder Cup 14.5 to 13.5 and the champagne showers commenced.