Steve Palmer’s Ryder Cup blog: Day one fourballs tips

Racing Post golf expert Steve Palmer is on the ball, with day one of the 2016 Ryder Cup’s fourballs battles confirmed and he previews the best value bets as the USA lead 4-0 visitors Europe at Hazeltine National.

So, who does Steve fancy in the fourballs for this team golf event? Read all about it as he provides his day one fourballs tips for Coral customers…

Ryder Cup latest

The United States took control of the Ryder Cup in the opening session of foursomes at Hazeltine National, Minnesota. The favourites were 4-7 with Coral to regain the Cup on tournament-eve and have shortened to 2-13 after taking a 4-0 lead. Europe are out to 6-1.

Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed beat Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson in the top match 3&2, then Dustin Johnson and Matt Kuchar completed a 5&4 victory over Lee Westwood and Thomas Pieters.

Zach Johnson and Jimmy Walker came from behind to see off Martin Kaymer and Sergio Garcia 4&2 to make it 3-0 to the USA. Andy Sullivan dumped his tee-shot into the water at the 17th hole, narrowly losing his match alongside Rory McIlroy to Rickie Fowler and Phil Mickelson.

Day one fourballs tips

Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed versus Justin Rose and Henrik Stenson

The putting superiority of Spieth and Reed was the difference in the foursomes against Rose and Stenson, and that edge on the greens will probably count for even more in fourballs. Expect a narrow States win.

JB Holmes and Ryan Moore versus Sergio Garcia and Rafa Cabrera-Bello

Holmes makes his first Ryder Cup appearance since 2008, when he starred for the States in his home state of Kentucky. He is bursting with power and will have licence to attack, with Moore tasked with providing the pars in a balanced alliance. The USA could go 6-0 up by taking this point.