With just the final day of singles left and a substantial lead, the American juggernaut has no plans to take their foot off the gas at the 39th Ryder Cup.
“There’s a lot of memories from ’99, and I think we have to know that that sort of deficit is overcomeable (sic),” said Matt Kuchar. “We have to go out and still play some really good golf tomorrow and make sure that we don’t let a comeback like that happen to us.”
Kuchar and partner Dustin Johnson were one of five American pairings that won on Saturday as the US extended their overall lead to 10-6.
To lose the Ryder Cup on Sunday, they would have to match the biggest collapse in tournament history at Brookline in 1999 when the Europeans blew a 10-6 lead heading into the final day.
American Bubba Watson said Brookline was too long ago to compare to this Ryder Cup.
“It was 13 years ago,” Watson said. “I don’t really think it can be compared to it. It was crazy what they did.
“But obviously we’re all playing good as a team. It’s just a different time, different setting, different everything.”
Kuchar said anything can happen in a Ryder Cup so they are going to have to be mentally and physically ready for a determined European team on Sunday.
“Singles tomorrow and we’ve got a nice lead, but there’s 12 points up for grabs,” Kuchar said. “We’ll enjoy the fact that we had another good day and make sure we come out tomorrow focused because with 12 points on the line. There’s still a lot that can happen.”
Masters champion Watson will lead off the singles against Europe’s Luke Donald as he tries to give the US some early momentum.
For the past two days, Watson has been urging the US fans around the first tee box to scream as loud as can while he tees off and his emotional style of play seems to be working.
Watson wouldn’t recommend it to others, but the tactic definitely gets him going.
“You get jacked up,” Watson said. “You get pumped up. You get very excited, and the adrenaline starts coming through you, and the ball could go anywhere.”
Tiger Woods and partner Steve Stricker have struggled at Medinah, failing to earn a point and going 0-3 this week.
US captain Davis Love event sat Woods out in the Saturday morning foursome, making it the first time he has been dropped from a session in seven Ryder Cup appearances.
The 14-time major winner Woods is hoping for better results in singles.
“Being up four is nice …. we are in a great spot to win the Cup,” Woods said.
“It was nice to get a little rest. I put so much effort into the last match yesterday afternoon. Five matches in three days is a lot and hey, I am not young anymore. I am one of the older guys.”
