Europe In Control at Ryder Cup

With Celtic Manor becoming more water-logged each day as a result of rainy weather, the 2010 Ryder Cup is now Europe's to lose. The United States started the day up 6 points to 4, however Europe lead six matches which were carried over from the previous evening.  By the end of the session, the Ryder Cup-hosts won 5 of those matches and halved the last to take a commanding 9 1/2 to 6 1/2 lead over their American opponents.  In order to reclaim the Cup, the European team needs only five points in the final sessions.

The United States have not won a Ryder Cup on European soil in 17 years.  In 1999, however, the US came back from a 10-6 deficit at Brookline to win the Cup under Captain Ben Crenshaw.  Most golf fans will remember Justin Leonard sinking a huge putt and then screaming like a banshee.  Or perhaps we will all just remember those awful golf shirts?

At this point, the Captain role becomes important for both teams: for Europe, to limit complacency; for the United States, to spark a comeback.  The first-ever Ryder Cup finale on a Monday should be quite the sight to behold.