Most of Friday did not go to plan for Bradley and his team though.
Much had been written about the frosty welcome Europe’s players could expect from the local fans and after what Morikawa called a “tame” opening to the week, he hoped for “absolute chaos” on Friday.
There were glimpses of that as the final two matches of the day went down the 18th and the home support tried to will their players over the line.
But Europe claimed 1½ points from those two rubbers to end a scintillating day three points ahead.
“It’s been a great day for Europe,” was McIlroy’s verdict, despite him missing a 12-footer to win the final match out on the course.
US captain Keegan Bradley was keen to put a positive spin on his side securing a half point in that match. “That was big,” he said.
“We’ve only played 28% of the points. This is first quarter. We’ve still got three quarters to go. I’ve got a lot of faith in my boys.”
The American fans’ faith will be tested on Saturday though.
Thousands had excitedly scurried through the entrance gates before sunrise to claim a spot in the huge 5,000-capacity grandstand on the first tee. They were left trudging away from the 18th in dismay as the sun set over the Long Island course.
World number one Scottie Scheffler, who won The Open and US PGA among six titles in another stellar year, finished with two defeats, as did their talisman DeChambeau on a chastening day for the hosts.
Europe’s Jon Rahm was the common denominator in those defeats. The Spaniard, forced to rely on a wildcard pick because playing on the LIV Golf circuit limits his automatic qualification prospects, repaid the faith shown in him by Donald. He led from the front in both sessions and delivered two huge points.
After the morning atmosphere had been stifled by European blue dominating the scoreboard – with their three points all being won by big margins in the space of 11 minutes – the afternoon matches were livelier both inside and outside the ropes.
And while the behaviour stayed largely on the right side, frustration boiled over for a few home fans, who turned on Scheffler during his afternoon defeat alongside US Open champion JJ Spaun. “Come on Scottie show up,” said one, while another shouted: “You’re the world number one, show us what you can do.”
The European players were also targeted with Robert MacIntyre forced to back off a shot because of a heckle mid-swing, while McIlroy appeared to react and make a gesture towards the spectators as he walked off the 11th green.
Donald said he was unaware of the McIlroy incident, but added: “I was proud of the guys, how they handled the situation, a tough environment.
“There’s a lot of hospitality. In the afternoon, maybe guys have had a couple more beverages. You know, it gets loud.”
