Golf news

Team Europe are on the brink of a historic Ryder Cup title defence on away soil after overcoming a hostile crowd to build a record-breaking 11.5-4.5 lead over Team USA at Bethpage Black. Luke Donald’s side have dominated the first two days of a one-sided contest in New York, winning all four sessions – including three of the four matches in the Saturday fourballs – to take the largest lead in Ryder Cup history into the Sunday singles.

Team Europe secured an opening-day lead in an away Ryder Cup for the first time since 2004 after building an impressive 5.5-2.5 advantage over Team USA at Bethpage Black.

European captain Luke Donald has picked a series of heavyweight pairings – including reuniting Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood – as he looks for the visitors to make a fast start in the Ryder Cup against the United States at Bethpage. Northern Ireland’s McIlroy and England’s Fleetwood linked up to great effect in Europe’s victory in Rome two years ago, winning together in both foursomes sessions to contribute two crucial points.