Europe Makes Ryder Cup History, Takes 5-3 Lead

By Two Inches Short
Updated: September 28, 2018

Team Europe came roaring back on Friday afternoon in foursomes sweeping Team USA and taking a 5-3 lead overall. Here’s what you need to know:

If you’re an American, this was bad. In fact, it was historically bad. It was the first time since 1981 Europe swept an entire session … also was the first time the U.S. has ever been swept in foursomes.

And the way the Euros did it was even more impressive.

Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose went 5-up in the first match against Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler and ended up winning 3&2.

Ian Poulter and Rory McIlroy came from 2-down to win 4&2 against Bubba Watson and Webb Simpson.

Sergio Garcia and Alex Noren got 7-up (!!!) on Phil Mickelson and Bryson DeChambeau, then closed them out 5&4.

Francisco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood led the whole way against Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth taking care of them 5&4.

This is the first swept session in Ryder Cup history in which every match was a margin of 3&2 or greater.

— Justin Ray (@JustinRayGC) September 28, 2018

Wowie. These are all the highlights you really need to see:

“That’s unbelievable!”#TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/1kJTGBP5bi

— Ryder Cup Europe (@RyderCupEurope) September 28, 2018

Ian Poulter is FEELING it 💪#RyderCup #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/S9hmEwRxT0

— PGA of America (@PGA) September 28, 2018

Francesco Molinari & Tommy Fleetwood complete the sweep! Europe goes from down 0-3 to up 5-3 in a single afternoon! 😱#RyderCup #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/v53mvNOxYZ

— PGA of America (@PGA) September 28, 2018

Sure there will be second-guessing on the pairings (like why Phil was out there when we all know foursomes are not his strength). Still, there’s a lot of golf left. We’re on to Saturday…