"The one time America has won the Ryder Cup this century came in 2008, when Tiger Woods wasn't playing, " said Colin Montgomerie, who captained Europe to victory in 2010.

WSJ: It's All Down to Ryder Cup Luck

The first four U.S. golfers out had all played well so far in the Ryder Cup. (The really big question is whether Tiger could have made a difference coming out somewhere in the first half of the order).

FORBES: 10 Reasons Why The U.S. Lost The Ryder Cup

The 37-year-old Ryder Cup star needs to finish in the top two to replace Tiger Woods as world number one but ended 10 shots off the pace at two under.

BBC: Lee Westwood bid for world number one hit by injury

Westwood, on the back of helping Europe to Ryder Cup glory on Monday, needs a top-two finish to usurp American Tiger Woods at the top of the rankings.

BBC: Ryder Cup heroes eye Dunhill Links Championship test

Tiger Woods and Steve Stricker, who won four points out of four in the Presidents Cup last year, were together for the second day running, playing with 21-year-old Rickie Fowler and Jim Furyk.

BBC: Ryder Cup 2010: Seve Ballesteros inspires Europe team

Meanwhile, US captain Corey Pavin put world number one Tiger Woods alongside Hunter Mahan while Steve Stricker, who won all four matches alongside Woods in the Presidents Cup a year ago, joined Zach Johnson.

BBC: Ryder Cup 2010: Harrington 'best' in Cup practice