To competing chants of “USA! USA! USA!” and “Ole, ole, ole!” from a raucous crowd at the 1st tee, the 37th Ryder Cup matches have begun.
The honour of hitting the first shot fell to double-major winner, Padraig Harrington. He hit a magnificent drive, putting the ball in the perfect position for his partner, Robert Karlsson, to attack the green. Phil Mickelson faced the onerous task of matching Harrington’s perfect drive and he rose to the occasion, hitting the ball a good 30 yds past where the European ball lay. What a start!
However, the European had the last laugh (at the first hole!) when Karlsson hit a superb iron shot to 10ft allowing Harrington to sink the putt. Kim’s approach shot gave Mickelson a 30ft challenge, which he couldn’t meet. First blood to the Europeans.
Tags: Ryder Cup 2008, Ryder Cup News
