Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood managed a 1 Up win over Bryson DeChambeau and Ben Griffin at Bethpage Black to boost Team Europe’s lead over Team USA and Rose was quick to give his team-mate his flowers
Justin Rose admitted that Tommy Fleetwood “carried” him to victory at the Ryder Cup during Friday’s four-balls sessions. The pair of Englishmen were pitted off against stiff competition in Bryson DeChambeau and Ben Griffin at Bethpage Black.
However, they managed to clinch a 1 Up win over the American duo to boost Team Europe’s Ryder Cup lead to 5-2, in a match filled with tension that went down to the wire. And while Rose was able to hold his own against a formidable pairing put together by Keegan Bradley, he explained that Fleetwood played a major part in Europe’s success.
Speaking to Sky Sports after their win, the 45-year-old said: “That one was for Tommy that time, not the rest of the team. He carried me today, I felt like I put the ball in play nicely off the tee, but Tommy made some huge putts in the right moments and that was a huge turnaround match.
READ MORE: Ryder Cup officials forced to make clear rules update midway through opening roundREAD MORE: Rory McIlroy shows true colours as Tommy Fleetwood comment speaks volumes
“Obviously I think my moment of the day I guess was seven, when Ben holed that 60-footer and I was able to pour it in from 40 feet to not go two down. I felt like it kind of kept us in the match, and then we knew we were then coming into a different stretch of holes.
“The first few holes were playing somewhat easy, and then the course really showed its teeth a little bit. And that’s where Tommy’s ball striking and our resolve came through.”
Fleetwood also displayed humility in his post-match interview with the broadcaster, clarifying how long he has waited to share the team tournament with 2013 US Open champion Rose. He said: “The scoreboard is what counts.
“Just our team as a collective, I think. We obviously feel very prepared and we’ve been looking forward to this day for a long time now.
“So to have got off to a good start, it feels great. Of course, their team is stacked with amazing players so whoever it is the match is going to be difficult, and the points mean so much.
“And to be out there with Justin, I’ve wanted to play with Justin for a very, very long time in a Ryder Cup and it was a great match – it really, really was. So yeah, just happy to have contributed another point to overall we know what score we want to get to.”
While Rose was omitted from the earlier foursomes session by Team Europe captain, Luke Donald, it came as Fleetwood’s second point of the day for his continent. The 34-year-old was paired with Rory McIlroy to face Collin Morikawa and Harris English in the earlier session, running out with a 5&4 win.
It comes as Europe currently hold a 5½-2½ lead over USA after eight matches, a result Donald will undoubtedly be relishing in, given what his team have achieved in tense enemy territory.
Speaking after the conclusion of the four-balls, Donald said: “Yeah incredible day. I think to win this morning was huge for us and we all know how important it is to get off to a good start.
“And we knew how strong the US were in foursomes so 3-1 was a great start, and then to win those top two especially, there was momentum and inspiration for our boys. And then the guys grinded to win the session again this afternoon, that’s another tick in our box and I’m very happy where we are.”