Ryder Cup: The Rookie Factor

Continuing the discussion prompted by Colin Montgomerie's comments about the importance of rookies in the 37th Ryder Cup--there are ten in all--here's the scoring record so far:

After Day One, the American rookies maintain a slight edge over their European counterparts.

After the Saturday morning round, the rookie competition is: U.S. 3-3-4, Europe 3-2-2 or 5 points to 4, with Justin Rose and Owen Wilson helping them narrow the gap.

Paul Azinger, interestingly, will send out two all-rookie teams this afternoon: Boo Weekley and J.B. Holmes, along with Steve Stricker and Ben Curtis.

Montgomerie made the point that in 2002, when Europe also played four rookies, those players came up strong on Sunday, not losing a point and leading Europe to victory. It could well come down the rookie factor again tomorrow.

--Bob Carney