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Ryder Cup live updates: U.S. players pound beers with crowd; TV ratings high on Golf Channel

After three years of waiting and speculation, it’s time to put the tees in the ground and balls in the air. The 43rd Ryder Cup is here.

The biennial event between 12 of the best golfers from the United States and all of Europe began on Friday morning at Whistling Straits’ Straits Course in Haven, Wisconsin, and it was all America on Day 1. Europe may have won seven of the last nine events, but they’ll need to come from behind, 6-2, if they’re to win or even retain the cup.

From impressive shots to funny fans and everything in between, stay up to date with all the latest news and analysis from Saturday at the 43rd Ryder Cup.

Ryder Cup: Live scores | Format, scoring explained

Postman delivers

It’s not a Ryder Cup until Ian Poulter starts delivering his classic fist pump.

Golf Channel wins big with Ryder Cup

As golf continues to rise in popularity, the Golf Channel is reaping the rewards, at least according to the announced ratings from Friday’s opening day of action at Whistling Straits.

According to stats released by the network, Friday’s lengthy stay on the Golf Channel represented the best weekday telecast on record, averaging a total audience delivery of approximately 1.5 million viewers, with a peak of over 2.1 million during the dinner hour.

Viewership for the event, which will be held at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in 2023, was up 16 percent over the last time it was held in the United States, back at Hazeltine in 2016.

— Tim Schmitt

Thomas, Berger enjoy a break — and a beer

After almost a week in Wisconsin, Daniel Berger and Justin Thomas look like natives.

The United States golfers, perhaps feeling ultra-confident with a 9-3 lead, came out to the first hole at Whistling Straits to pump up the crowd before the afternoon matches.

There were the perfunctory chants of “U-S-A!” and a quick session of “the wave” in the grandstand.

But the fans really lost their minds when Berger and Thomas dug into a cooler and started chucking beers into the crowd.

After it looked like the golfers had exhausted their stash, a couple cans were tossed back onto the course.

The crowd immediately implored Berger and Thomas to chug them.

There seemed to be a moment of hesitation before the U.S. golfers slammed down the beers with gusto. They looked like seasoned pros.

The crowd, many of whom have been imbibing on the grounds since the gates opened at 6 a.m., predictably ate it up.

Imagine the celebration if the Americans can finish off the victory over Europe.

— Ben Steele, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Saturday morning brought out the hoodies

Team USA player Daniel Berger plays his second shot on the fourth hole during day two foursomes rounds for the 43rd Ryder Cup golf competition at Whistling Straits. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

The chilly temps at Whistling Straits forced the hoodies to come out on Saturday morning.

Justin Thomas even went hood-up for a bit in the opening stages of his match, pairing with Jordan Spieth in a match against Viktor Hovland and Bernd Wiesberger. Daniel Berger, who is paired with Brooks Koepka, did the same.

The hoodies are just part of the ensemble provided by Ralph Lauren, which has been the official outfitter for the 2021 U.S. Ryder Cup team for years. The team is wearing a variety of pieces in red, white and blue colorways.

While the hoodies have helped players stay warm, they’ve also been hot off the shelves at the event, as patrons have been gobbling them up in massive numbers at the Ryder Cup Shops. Here’s a look at what else is available.

Although temps dipped into the 40s on Saturday morning, things look a bit milder on Sunday — high temps in the 70s and lows in the mid-50s are expected.

— Tim Schmitt

Michael Jordan is back at the Ryder Cup

Michael Jordan wants to see more golf.

Jordan, spotted at the tournament Friday cheering after Dustin Johnson made a huge putt on the 11th hole, was back at Whistling Straits Saturday.

On Friday, the NBA legend, who is also famous for his love of golf, was with broadcaster Ahmad Rashad and he had his signature cigar out on the course.

— Christopher Kuhagen, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Americans start red, white and blue hot

You thought Team USA played well yesterday? Just check out how the first two Saturday matches began.

Playing against Spaniards Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia, the Florida State connection of Brooks Koepka and Daniel Berger started the day with three straight wins on the opening holes. Playing behind them, Dustin Johnson and Collin Morikawa followed suit. Not too shabby.

Pre-matches

Watch how the players warm up on a dark, chilly range along Lake Michigan.

More 2021 Ryder Cup