PATRICK REED REVELLED in a “fun and hard-fought” victory over Rory McIlroy that put the United States on the road to Ryder Cup victory.
In a blockbuster opening match for Sunday’s singles, Reed won 1up over McIlroy after a thrilling battle that went the distance at Hazeltine.
The 26-year-old’s win over the world number three set the platform for a likely home triumph, with many of the matches behind him going the way of the hosts.
“I knew today was going to be tough going against a guy like Rory, especially with how he was playing earlier this week,” he said.
“To come out and play as well as we did, especially on that front nine, it was definitely something fun to be a part of and pretty sure fun to watch.
“We were both playing really well early on, the game started picking again up towards the end. It was a fun and hard-fought match.”
Reed added on his first home Ryder Cup experience: “To have these guys do what they did, to have the team come together and when we’re down having these crowds picking us up, cheering our names. It gets you going and keeps you going.
“If you hit a bad shot, they pick you up so you can get out of it. If you hit a good shot, it just builds more momentum over the putts.”
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