US Refuseed to Any Excuses

The Americans came within a whisker of completing one of the greatest comebacks in the competition's history yesterday as they suffered an agonising 14 1/2-13 1/2 loss in Newport.

The event went to a fourth day for the first time since it began 83 years ago after rain marred the first and third days.

But in a desperate bid to get the contest finished on schedule, both teams agreed to an emergency revamp of its format, which saw all 12 players involved in foursomes or fourball play on Saturday and Sunday.

The change appeared to work in Europe's favour as they routed the Americans 5 1/2-1/2 on Sunday to turn a 6-4 deficit into a commanding 9 1/2-6 1/2 lead.

Indeed, it proved the decisive session, with the United States edging the other three, including winning yesterday's singles 7-5.

But captain Corey Pavin insisted he had no problem with any of the changes made.


"I think what we care about is that these matches were played to their completion and they were played fairly, in great sportsmanship."

"I thought the fans were fantastic all week. They were respectful."

Stewart Cink, who conceded a crucial half to Rory McIlroy in a singles match that went all the way yesterday, said: "To hear that kind of callaway diablo edge irons excitement for golf really is spectacular for us. We don't get a chance to play in front of crowds that boisterous and spirited."

"Though they were cheering for the Europeans, the fans here are really respectful for all good shots and they have a lot of respect for all of us."

"It was really cool to see that just for the game of golf."

Jim Furyk, who finished one down to Luke Donald in a match that was also decided at the 18th, said: "Hats off to the fans here.

A distraught Hunter Mahan was unable to hold back the tears while reflecting on his 3&1 loss to Graeme McDowell in the final match of this year's competition, which decided the destiny of the Ryder Cup for the first time since 1991.

Two hours after he appeared to choke under the pressure on the 17th hole, the circumstances of his defeat were still too painful for the 28-year-old to discuss at length.

The Americans came within a whisker of completing one of the greatest comebacks in the competition's history yesterday as they suffered an agonising 14 1/2-13 1/2 loss in Newport.

The event went to a fourth day for the first time since it began 83 years ago after rain marred the first and third days.

But in a desperate bid to get the contest finished on schedule, both teams agreed to an emergency revamp of its format, which saw all 12 players involved in foursomes or fourball play on Saturday and Sunday.

The change appeared to work in Europe's favour as they routed the Americans 5 1/2-1/2 on Sunday to turn a 6-4 deficit into a commanding 9 1/2-6 1/2 lead.

Indeed, it proved the decisive session, with the United States edging the other three, including winning yesterday's singles 7-5.

But captain Corey Pavin insisted he had no problem with any of the changes made.


"I think what we care about is that these matches were played to their completion and they were played fairly, in great sportsmanship."

"I thought the fans were fantastic all week. They were respectful."

Stewart Cink, who conceded a crucial half to Rory McIlroy in a singles match that went all the way yesterday, said: "To hear that kind of excitement for golf really is spectacular for us. We don't get a chance to play in front of crowds that boisterous and spirited."

"Though they were cheering for the Europeans, the fans here are really respectful for all good shots and they have a lot of respect for all of us."

"It was really cool to see that just for the game of golf."

Jim Furyk, who finished one down to Luke Donald in a match that was also decided at the 18th, said: "Hats off to the fans here.

A distraught Hunter Mahan was unable to hold back the tears while reflecting on his 3&1 loss to Graeme McDowell in the final match of this year's competition, which decided the destiny of the Ryder Cup for the first time since 1991.

Two hours after he appeared to choke under the pressure on the 17th hole, the circumstances of his defeat were still too painful for the 28-year-old to discuss at length.