01 October 2023 , 08:00
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Team USA's woes at the 2023 Ryder Cup were summed up on Saturday afternoon, after a contentious call from Zach Johnson cost one of his star players, Jordan Spieth.
The Americans head into the final day of play with a mountain to climb, with Team Europe just four points away from winning the Ryder Cup. After losing all three of the opening sessions, the U.S. knew they realistically needed a clean sweep on Saturday afternoon, and came close to achieving the feat.
Their only fourballs defeat came in match three, as the usually firing Spieth and his trusty partner Justin Thomas lost to Robert MacIntyre and Justin Rose 3&2.
Stood on the 16th tee the Americans found themselves three-down with three to play, knowing they needed to win the hole to at least take the match to the 17th. In a bid to keep their hopes alive, Spieth pulled out driver at the short-par four in a bid to find the green, but was soon talked out of it by Johnson.
Bizarrely the American captain stepped in on the tee, and appeared to tell Spieth to change his decision and to take a more cautious three-wood instead. Following orders, the former Masters champion put his driver away but this proved costly as his tee shot came up short and found the water.
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Spieth was left to take a drop shot, all but ruling himself out of the hole with the Europeans putting two balls in play. His partner Thomas looked to keep the match alive after making birdie, but he was matched by Rose to secure an all-important win for the home team.
Jordan Spieth changed his club after a conversation with his captainSpeaking on TV commentary, PGA Tour star and former Ryder Cup player Hunter Mahan expressed his surprise at the decision. Mahan said: "I'm not sure I made myself clear how dumfounded I am by that decision. I just have no idea what was going on there."
Spieth will no doubt be out for redemption on day three, as he chases down his first win of the week in Sunday's singles matches. The 30-year-old will look to play his part in the American fight back at 12:23pm (BST), as he takes on Shane Lowry in match 10.
Captain Johnson knows his team will need win a mammoth nine points to win the Ryder Cup, or eight-and-a-half to retain the title with a 14-14 tie. Despite the task at hand, Johnson has placed his trust in his 12 players ahead of Sunday, telling reporters: "We've got 12 guys; we've got 12 points. I believe every 12 -- every guy on my team can win a point. I'll just say that."