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Split decision: Steve Stricker's bold plan pays off on Day 1 of Ryder Cup

SHEBOYGAN, Wis. – Those expecting to see the Americans’ two heavyweight partnerships all weekend were probably surprised by captain Steve Stricker’s fourballs lineup.

No Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.

No Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, either.

Stricker informed his team of his Day 1 plan on Monday, and he wasn’t about to deviate from that even when staked to an early 3-1 lead.

“I didn’t second-guess myself at all,” Stricker said Friday night. “We were committed to this plan. We were all-in on this plan. The guys were all-in and committed to this plan. It really wasn’t a difficult decision at all just to stick with what we had.