Ryder Cup notes: Official facts and stats headed to Sunday's singles round

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Ryder Cup notes: Official facts and stats headed to Sunday's singles round

By PGA of America On October 1, 2016 11:38 UTC

Here are the most notable Ryder Cup stats and facts headed to Sunday's final round:

SUNDAY TEE TIMES:

Singles - 11:04 a.m. - 1:05 p.m. Central (11 minute intervals).

UPDATE: Complete pairings for Sunday singles are here.

U.S. Leads Heading into Sunday

For the sixth time dating back to Continental Europe’s inclusion in 1979, the United States holds the Ryder Cup lead heading into Sunday’s Singles session by the score of 9½ to 6½. They have gone on to win three of the five previous times, including most recently in 2008. Europe came back to win in 2012 after trailing 10-6 prior to Sunday’s matches.

Following in The King’s Footsteps

With their 2 and 1 victory on Saturday afternoon, Jordan Spieth and Patrick Reed tied Arnold Palmer and Gardner Dickinson for most career points by a U.S. Ryder Cup partnership with five. Palmer and Dickinson had a perfect 5-0-0 record together, while Spieth and Reed currently stand at 4-1-2.

Did We Just Become Best Friends?

Rory McIlroy and Thomas Pieters capped off an impressive first couple days by winning 3 and 1 versus Dustin Johnson and Brooks Koepka, bringing their partnership record to 3-0-0. Prior to McIlroy and Pieters, only Sandy Lyle and Bernhard Langer have gone three for three as a pairing in a single Ryder Cup for the Europeans (1987). McIlroy and Pieters never fell behind during the three matches, and held the lead for 45 of the 49 total holes played.

Pieters Making History; Joins Sergio, The Mechanic, Lawrie

Once Thomas Pieters strikes his first tee shot during Sunday’s Singles match, he will become the first European rookie to play in all five sessions since 1999, when Miguel Angel Jimenez, Paul Lawrie and Sergio Garcia each accomplished the feat. With his record currently standing at 3-1-0, Pieters has the opportunity to become the first rookie on either team to win at least four matches in a single Ryder Cup since Larry Nelson won five in 1979. Four wins would also set the record for the most-ever by a European rookie.

One-and-Done

European rookies Matthew Fitzpatrick, Andy Sullivan and Chris Wood will be well-rested before tomorrow’s Singles matches, as each played just one match through the first four sessions. Wood came away with the lone victory of the bunch, defeating Jimmy Walker and Zach Johnson with his playing partner Justin Rose in the Saturday morning Foursomes.

Sneds and Zach Join American Marshals

The patriotic, Ryder Cup hockey-jersey clad American Marshals began as a group of 13 passionate fans in Minnesota Vikings regalia, who fired up the crowd at Valhalla in 2008 through chanting and song. On Saturday, the iconic Viking headgear-wearing, red, white and blue choir featured two rather conspicuous members. Brandt Snedeker and Zach Johnson made cameo master performances with Hazeltine's hit acapella group in the First Tee amphitheater-like setting. Among the original American Marshals was now late Minnesota Timberwolves Head Basketball Coach Flip Saunders. In addition, PGA of America Board Member Jeff Drimel of Medina, Minnesota, is a key member of America's harmonic and patriotic baker's dozen answer to the Guardians of the Cup.

Captain’s Picks Update

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