A breathless first day of the Ryder Cup has ended with Europe 5-3 ahead of USA following a remarkable day of drama and fluctuations in fortune. Rory McIlroy's opening day alone was the epitome of Ryder Cup golf as he went from zero to hero with arguably THE shot of the day at Le Golf National.
McIlroy had a morning to forget as he failed to birdie a single hole during his fourballs defeat in partnership with rookie Thorbjorn Olesen, with the pair suffering a 4&2 defeat to USA's rampant Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler.
McIlroy's performance was part of woeful opening morning for Thomas Bjorn's European team as they found themselves 3-1 down before a remarkable turnaround during the afternoon's foursomes saw them complete a whitewash with victory in all four matches.
McIlroy and his partner, Ian Poulter, were slow out of the blocks in their match as they were quickly two-down against Webb Simpson and Bubba Watson, before turning the match on its head with some wonderful golf.
The Northern Irishman found himself in a sticky spot at the thirteenth hole though as he was in an awkward position in sloping rough, but somehow he managed to lift the ball up over the water and onto the green. It seemed impossible but the former world number one showed his class.
Poulter looked on in disbelief at his partner and it is well worth watching the video below to see the shot in all of its glory. Poulter duly nailed the resulting putt as the European pair went on to seal a comprehensive 4&2 win.
Europe are now favourites according to the latest Ryder Cup odds and there is sure to be plenty more drama on Saturday. In the meantime, sit back and watch Rory McIlroy's shot at the thirteenth on repeat...
