In a momentous start to the 44th Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf Club, Europe showcased unprecedented dominance, achieving a sweep in the Friday morning foursomes for the very first time in the event’s history. The European team, eager to retrieve the trophy after their 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits in 2021, outperformed the U.S., not conceding the lead in any of the morning clashes.
This powerful commencement marks only the fourth occasion the Europeans have remained undefeated in a session. Not since their triumph at the K Club in Straffan, Ireland in 2006, where they bested their competitors 18½ – 9½, has the European team taken the lead post the inaugural session.
“Irish golfer Shane Lowry encapsulated the sentiment, stating, “Today, we achieved the start we envisioned. Although it’s still early, with plenty of golf left, our momentum is palpable.” The U.S. team faces the herculean task of overturning this deficit in the upcoming 24 matches. The trophy will remain with the U.S. if they manage 14 points, but Europe requires 14½ points to clinch victory.
In a thrilling display, Spain’s Jon Rahm and England’s Tyrrell Hatton sealed the first European victory, overpowering the world’s top golfer Scottie Scheffler and his teammate Sam Burns. The duo’s command over the game was evident from the third hole, and they sustained this momentum throughout the match.
In another gripping face-off, Viktor Hovland from Norway and Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg outmatched Open Championship victors Brian Harman and Max Homa. Hovland’s initial birdie set an energetic pace, which the Europeans maintained, despite spirited efforts from their American counterparts.
Similarly, the European duo of Shane Lowry and Austria’s Sepp Straka secured a win against U.S. Ryder Cup veteran Rickie Fowler and double major champ Collin Morikawa. Meanwhile, the typically formidable American duo of Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele met their match against Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and England’s Tommy Fleetwood.
As the competition advances, spectators keenly await the Friday’s four-ball clashes. Top golfers like Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Rory McIlroy are set to display their prowess, ensuring more thrilling golf action.