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Ryder Cup: Which rookie was most impressive at Hazeltine?

CHASKA, MN - OCTOBER 01:  Thomas Pieters of Europe reacts on the 17th green after winning the match during afternoon fourball matches of the 2016 Ryder Cup

The 41st Ryder Cup featured some high-quality golf, particularly from the six rookies on show. But which of the debutants made the biggest impact at Hazeltine National?

Team USA won the Ryder Cup for the first time since 2008 and inflicted Europe's heaviest defeat for 35 years with a rousing 17-11 victory at Hazeltine on Sunday.

USA coast to Ryder Cup glory
USA coast to Ryder Cup glory

Team USA cruise to 17-11 victory at Hazeltine

The European team appeared to be in transition in Minnesota with the new breed now aiming to come good in two years time, with many of the players hoping to be around to go to Le Golf National in 2018.

Here, we pick out the performances from the six rookies on show. Who impressed you the most? Vote below.

CHASKA, MN - OCTOBER 01:  Thomas Pieters of Europe reacts on the 17th green after winning the match during afternoon fourball matches of the 2016 Ryder Cup

Belgian rookie Thomas Pieters produced the best individual display on any side in the defeat with four points in five matches. The 24-year-old was one of captain Darren Clarke's wildcard picks after finishing fourth in the Olympics, second at the Czech Masters and first at the Made in Denmark - the three events leading up to selection.

CHASKA, MN - SEPTEMBER 30:  Rafa Cabrera Bello of Europe reacts to a birdie putt on the sixth green during afternoon fourball matches of the 2016 Ryder Cup

Spain's Rafa Cabrera Bello kicked off his Ryder Cup career with a win alongside compatriot Sergio Garcia and went on to pick up two and a half points from three. Andy Sullivan and Masters champion Danny Willett failed to land any.

CHASKA, MN - OCTOBER 02:  Ryan Moore of the United States reacts on the 16th green during singles matches of the 2016 Ryder Cup at Hazeltine National Golf

Davis Love III blooded Ryan Moore on the opening day and the 33-year-old, who didn't find out he was on the team until last Sunday, went from being the final captain's pick to clinching the Ryder Cup for Team USA a week later.

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Brooks Koepka was the only American rookie to qualify for the team and weighed in with three points. He routed Danny Willett in the shortest of singles matches.

Most points won by a European rookie at the Ryder Cup

Vote up for the rookies who looked the most impressive, and vote down for those who may have struggled in the pressure cauldron that is the Ryder Cup.  

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