• Ryder Cup

Colsaerts enjoys Ryder Cup pants party

Nicolas Colsaerts was on fire for Europe © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Love hails US spirit
  
• News: Olazabal defends player rotation
  
• Match report: Spoils shared on first Medinah morning
  
• Match report: US flex muscles as Europeans flounder
  

Nicolas Colsaerts was delighted to produce one of the most remarkable rookie performances in Ryder Cup history to prevent Europe being whitewashed in Friday's fourballs at Medinah Country Club.

Colsaerts, playing in his very first match in the competition, almost single-handedly kept his team in the competition with a sterling display against Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker - firing eight birdies and an eagle to grab a one-hole victory with playing partner Lee Westwood.

It was the only afternoon point for Jose Maria Olazabal's team, who slipped 5-3 behind heading into the second day. Nevertheless Colsaerts, who was estimated to have shot a round of 62 on his own, was elated to produce his best golf on the biggest possible stage.

"It was a lot of fun," Colsaerts said. "I've never had so much fun and I want to have more.

"There are no tools you can use out there. You've just got to go with what you have in your pants."

He added: "You know, when you're a kid and you dream about playing in this tournament, you get a chance to go out with somebody like Lee who has a lot of experience. I felt very comfortable going out with Lee.

"And you know, I was just very ... I was so focused and I was having 'my eyes', as I call it; it felt wonderful to be able to produce and deliver on such a big stage with a lot of eyes on you and this unbelievable atmosphere."

Tiger Woods, who played some sparkling golf himself, claimed afterwards that Colsaerts had produced "one of the greatest putting rounds I have ever seen."

The Belgian was pleased, noting: "When somebody like Tiger Woods looks at you and goes, 'Great playing, man,' you understand you've done something pretty good."

The point was a vital one for Europe, who would have struggled for confidence had they lost a session 4-0. Westwood, who contributed little himself as Colsaerts caught fire, admitted the visitors need to improve on Saturday.

"Yeah, it's a massive point," he said. "If we would have lost the day three and a half to a half, it would have been difficult to come back. We've still got our backs against the wall, but two down after the first day, it could have been worse."

Colsaerts will get the chance to cement his growing reputation on Saturday, as he plays in the foursomes alongside Sergio Garcia against Jason Dufner and Zach Johnson - who beat Westwood and Francesco Molinari in the same format on Friday.

Tiger Woods, meanwhile, will not play - the 14-time major champion being rested for the first time in his Ryder Cup career by captain Davis Love III.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.