Controversy, fireworks early in first Ryder Cup match
- By Golf Channel Digital
- Sep 28, 2012 9:23 AM ET

It took two holes to ramp up the 39th Ryder Cup.
On the par-3 second, in the foursomes format, Rory McIlroy hit his tee shot right of the green and it landed near a sprinkler head. His European partner, Graeme McDowell, requested relief, but American counterpart Jim Furyk disagreed that the sprinkler head interfered with his swing.
“We’re going to have to agree to disagree,” Furyk told McDowell.
After a 10-minute delay, rules officials agreed with Furyk. McDowell ultimately chipped to 6 feet and McIlroy missed the par putt. Brandt Snedeker made his par save for the U.S. side, to draw first blood in the matches and go 1 up.
Eight holes later the rules went against the Americans when Furyk’s ball moved on the 10th after he’s addressed it.
McDowell and McIlroy eventually won the match 1 up, holding off a furious Furyk and Snedeker late rally.
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Contributions from writers and editors on the Golf Channel Digital team.
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