Ryder Cup: 5 Key Takeaways from Hazeltine National

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Oct 2, 2016; Chaska, MN, USA; Patrick Reed of the United States reacts to a putt on the 12th green during the single matches in 41st Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports /

The Patrick Reed-Rory McIlroy Matchup Exceeds the Hype

Never have we seen such emotional performances from two competitors at the top of their games. Patrick Reed and Rory McIlroy, running on the steam from their outstanding FedEx Cup performances, went blow-for-blow with each other in a singles battle for the ages on Sunday.

As the first pairing to tee off on Sunday, both men were responsible for setting the emotional tone for the day. Fist pumps, screams, finger wags and visible “shhhh’s” were all part of the repertoire of emotion that these two brought to the table.

The matchup hit its peak on the par 3 eighth hole. After hitting an average tee shot onto the green, McIlroy drained a 50-foot putt for birdie. His celebration was emphatic, but short-lived. Reed responded with a cold-blooded 25-footer for the half, then proceeded to wag his finger in the direction of McIlroy, saying, “Not so fast.” The two would combine for eight birdies and an eagle on the front nine alone.

Reed eventually dealt the knockout punch, sinking a 12-foot birdie putt to clinch his 1-Up win and giving the Americans their first singles point. Reed improved his overall Ryder Cup record to 6-1-2, as well as 3-1-1 on the week, and served McIlroy with his first-ever Ryder Cup singles loss.

It’s safe to say that this matchup will go down as one of the greatest in Ryder Cup history, and it could even challenge the legendary Mickelson-Stenson Open Championship duel from earlier this year as one of the best of all-time.

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