Ryder Cup: Top 5 Performers From the First Day of Play

Ryder Cup: Top 5 Performers from the First Day of Play

Sep 30, 2016; Chaska, MN, USA; Brandt Snedeker of the United States and Brooks Koepka of the United States celebrate on the second green in the afternoon four-ball matches during the 41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports /

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Sep 27, 2016; Chaska, MN, USA; Dustin Johnson of the United States plays his shot from the fifth tee during a practice for the 41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Dustin Johnson (USA)

The opening slot in any countdown is always tough to decide. This was one of those times when it could have gone to any number of players. Rafael Cabrera-Bello, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose all had fantastic afternoons, but their poor (or nonexistent) morning performances took away from their overall success.

That is why Dustin Johnson receives the fifth position on this list. From the opening tee shot on Friday, DJ played like he was the top-ranked golfer in the field. Clutch putts on four and 15, along with his trademark massive drives, helped him dominate in foursomes.

Though the afternoon was not as kind to Johnson, he was carrying most of the load for teammate Matt Kuchar and kept the duo from sinking entirely. Look for Johnson to tattoo the ball some more on Saturday given the kind of form he is in.

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