Ryder Cup rout: Notes from an emphatic Wisconsin win for America

From the get-go, USA's debutants shone, Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele’s 5&3 win over veterans Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter a statement victory

Team USA assistant captain Zack Johnson congratulates Team USA's Justin Thomas. Picture: AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall

Rookie roosters

Half of his team were playing in their first Ryder Cup, but it didn’t look like it and US captain Steve Stricker never hid his contempt for the view that inexperience would have a decisive impact on his team’s performance. And so it came to pass from the get-go as the debutants won all their foursome games in the morning session, Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele’s 5&3 win over veterans Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter a statement victory.