Pairings for Saturday’s Ryder Cup foursomes revealed as US captain insists he will ‘stick to the plan’

Pairings for Saturday’s Ryder Cup foursomes revealed as US captain insists he will ‘stick to the plan’

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood helped get Europe off to a fine start (Mike Egerton/PA)

Rory McIlroy heralded a “great day” for Europe, despite him appearing to make an offensive gesture towards the crowd on the opening day of the Ryder Cup.

Luke Donald’s side led the United States 5.5-2.5 after a memorable Friday at Bethpage Black where McIlroy was at the centre of the action.

After his ‘Fleetwood Mac’ reunion ended in perfect harmony as he and an on-song Tommy Fleetwood thumped Collin Morikawa and Harris English 5&4 in the morning fourballs, he was engulfed in a thrilling fourballs battle where drama was never far away.

It came down to the last putt where the Northern Irishman was