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Ryder Cup: 5 Key Takeaways from the USA’s Day 2 Play

By Sam Belden

Oct 1, 2016; Chaska, MN, USA; Patrick Reed of the United States plays his shot from the 11th tee during the afternoon four-ball matches in the 41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Chaska, MN, USA; Patrick Reed of the United States plays his shot from the 11th tee during the afternoon four-ball matches in the 41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 1, 2016; Chaska, MN, USA; Thomas Pieters of Belgium reacts after making a birdie putt on the first green during the morning foursome matches in the 41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Chaska, MN, USA; Thomas Pieters of Belgium reacts after making a birdie putt on the first green during the morning foursome matches in the 41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Thomas Pieters is a Giant Killer

Speaking of Pieters, the young Belgian is due for some special recognition — even in a USA-centric slideshow. Poised to become the first European Ryder Cup rookie to play in all five sessions since 1999, Pieters has been a consistent bugaboo for the United States, scoring three points off of them through the first two days.

While it certainly helps to have Rory McIlroy as a playing partner, you can’t help but be impressed by Pieters’ performances against some prominent names. He’s knocked off Dustin Johnson not once, but twice, and his Saturday morning win over Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler did away with two of the most towering figures in American golf. While his Ryder Cup career has only just begun, he’s already established a reputation as a bona fide giant killer — no American envies J.B. Holmes, his Sunday singles opponent.

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