Captains agree to try to finish Ryder Cup matches on Sunday

Captains agree to go for Sunday Ryder Cup finish

NEWPORT, Wales — Ryder Cup officials have rearranged the schedule to try and finish the matches on Sunday after rain washed away more than seven hours of play on Friday.

The new schedule calls for six alternate shot matches in the second session instead of the normal four, and two alternate shot and four better ball matches in the third session. That means all players will be out on the course for both sessions.

“It’s going to be long day with so many players out there,” Europe’s Rory McIlroy said. “Stamina will be important because the ground is so heavy.”

None of the four matches was completed on Friday, but the U.S. team rallied late and was leading in two and all-square in another. Europe was leading one match.

Officials say they hope to finish the team play Sunday morning, then try to fit in the 12 singles matches. All 28 points will still be at stake.

“We felt that we must do everything we can to finish the Ryder Cup on Sunday, the chosen day, while maintaining the integrity of the match,” said George O’Grady, the chief executive of the European Tour said. “If you look at what we are doing now, we are still playing for 28 points. Both captains have fully agreed.”

The weather forecast for Sunday is for rain, meaning there still could be a Monday finish.

Stewart Cink wasn’t looking that far ahead though, focusing on getting through Saturday.

“I just hope that every group knows what format they have to play, otherwise it could get into a mess,” Cink said.