Britain and Ireland dominated the foursomes sessions on Saturday to seize a commanding 11-4 lead over Continental Europe at the Team Cup in Abu Dhabi. The event provides valuable match play experience for European players ahead of the Ryder Cup later this year.
Fleetwood and McKibbin Shine for Britain and Ireland
English star Tommy Fleetwood won both of his matches on the day, first teaming with captain Justin Rose to defeat Continental Europe’s Francesco Molinari and Julien Guerrier 2-up in the morning. Fleetwood then partnered with Jordan Smith for a 3-and-2 victory over the same pair in the afternoon.
“We were just very relentless tee to green today. We played very well on what I thought was a pretty difficult afternoon.”
– Tommy Fleetwood
Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin also notched two victories, first joining Aaron Rai to defeat Rasmus Højgaard and Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen 4-and-3. McKibbin then teamed with Matthew Jordan to edge Denmark’s Thorbjørn Olesen and Niklas Nørgaard 2-up.
Rose Pleased with Team’s Performance
Captain Justin Rose was delighted by his squad’s dominance of the foursomes sessions to win 7½ out of 10 available points on the day. Britain and Ireland needs only two points in Sunday singles to clinch the trophy.
“The leaderboard got more and more and more in our favor as the rounds went on and on and on. Every match that got tight we either got back to halve or turned them around to win matches. Today was the big day, 10 points up for grabs. They have done an unbelievable job.”
– Justin Rose
Ryder Cup Preparation
The Team Cup, formerly known as the Seve Trophy, serves as an important tune-up event for European players ahead of the Ryder Cup. Six players and captains from the last Team Cup in 2023 went on to participate in Europe’s Ryder Cup victory that year. This year’s Ryder Cup will be held at Bethpage Black in New York in September.
While Britain and Ireland holds a nearly insurmountable lead heading into Sunday singles, the competition provides invaluable experience for all participants as they prepare for the intensity of the Ryder Cup.
- Key Takeaways:
- Britain & Ireland leads Continental Europe 11-4 after Saturday foursomes
- Tommy Fleetwood and Tom McKibbin each won twice for Britain & Ireland
- Team Cup serves as important preparation event for Ryder Cup
- Britain & Ireland needs just 2 points in Sunday singles to clinch title
- 2025 Ryder Cup will be held at Bethpage Black in New York in September
