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 30, 2016; Chaska, MN, USA; Brandt Snedeker of the United States plays a shot from a bunker on the fourth hole in the afternoon four-ball matches during the 41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Brandt Snedeker (USA)

Snedeker played lights-out in the afternoon. Unfortunately for Team USA, afternoon four-ball was the only session in which he played. It was tempting to leave Snedeker off this list because of his morning absence, but it would be foolish to not give him recognition for his outstanding performance.

He and Brooks Koepka formed the only American duo to defeat Europe in four-ball. With the help of a whopping four birdies in 14 holes, as well as some long putts that were the definition of clutch, Snedeker gave the Americans the extra bit of cushion they needed heading into Saturday. Look for USA captain Davis Love III to use an in-form Snedeker more often as the weekend progresses.

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