European Domination at the Ryder Cup Leaves the US Stunned: Unleashing the Power of Fleetwood Mac
Europe takes a thrilling leap at the Ryder Cup, rocking the US with a sensational opening sweep The dynamic duo, known as Fleetwood Mac, seals a dream start for Europe in the morning foursomes session, leaving the competition in awe Morning blues turn into a symphony of triumph
In a commanding display, Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy of Team Europe, known as "Fleetwood Mac," secured a dream start for Europe at the Ryder Cup. This remarkable duo dominated the Friday morning foursomes sessions, defeating Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay of Team USA. Their victory propelled the hosts to a resounding 4-0 lead at the lively Marco Simone Golf Club, astonishing Team USA with the first-ever opening session clean sweep in the tournament's 44-edition history.
Still reeling from the painful defeat at Whistling Strait two years ago, European captain Luke Donald was determined to infuse his team with a sense of urgency. In a departure from tradition, he called for a fast start by opting for foursomes, a format that Europe had not used to open a home event since 1997.
Viktor Hovland from Team Europe acknowledges the spectators after hitting a hole-in-one on the fifth hole during a practice round before the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome, Italy. The photograph was taken by Richard Heathcote and is courtesy of Getty Images.
Viktor Hovland impressively scores a hole-in-one during the Ryder Cup, but unfortunately a day too early. The plan worked beyond expectations as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton effortlessly defeated Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns, securing a 4&3 victory. Similarly, Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg triumphed with an equal scoreline against Max Homa and Brian Harman.
Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka achieved a memorable 2&1 victory against Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa, while McIlroy and Fleetwood overcame a late scare to secure their own 2&1 win, ensuring a fantastic start for the hosts. "It has been an incredible session," expressed McIlroy to We.
This year, we changed the format and decided to start with foursomes as it has statistically proven to be our stronger session. Throughout the entire week, our focus has been on starting strong.
Right from the first tee shot, it was evident that we were fully prepared and motivated, as showcased by everyone's exceptional performances.
Crowds pack the first tee grandstand to watch McIlroy tee off.
US captain Zach Johnson is eager for a strong comeback in the afternoon fourball session following a disappointing start to their attempt to break a 30-year winless streak on European soil.
"Hats off to the European team for their exceptional display of skill in the game of golf... However, there are still ample opportunities for us," Johnson expressed.
"I have a group of determined individuals who embrace and thrive in the face of challenges. I have complete faith in their abilities and potential."
"Its about doing what they do, staying committed and I feel weve got the right guys to do it."
Morikawa and Fowler look on during defeat to Lowry and Straka.
Jamie Squire/Getty Images
Morning blues
Incredibly, there was never even a flicker of red on the scoreboard as the US failed to take the lead at any point in the four matchups.
In an exciting opening match, the world's highest-ranked players from Spain and England, Rahm and Hatton, displayed exceptional teamwork to effortlessly defeat Scheffler and Burns. Rahm, the reigning Masters champion, further impressed with a remarkable chip in from off the green on the 10th hole, securing Europe's first point and celebrating with a passionate fist pump.
Norwegian world No. 4 Hovland has established himself as one of the most in-form players in Europe. However, there were concerns about his Swedish rookie partner Aberg, who is only 23 years old and has been a professional golfer for less than 100 days. They were up against the experienced pairing of Homa and Open Championship winner Harman, but the Scandinavian duo proved their doubters wrong by convincingly defeating their older opponents. This victory was greeted with great enthusiasm by the supportive home crowd.
"The crowd is unbelievable and we can really feel the support," Aberg said.
"Thats what we need to keep winning points here in Rome. It was a lot of fun today."
Aberg and Hovland paired superbly.
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Irelands Lowry and Austrias Straka were run closer by Fowler and Morikawa, but held their nerve to give McIlroy and Fleetwood the opportunity to complete the sweep.
Team USA made another attempt at a comeback after the turn, but England's Fleetwood extinguished any hope with a confident putt at the 15th hole, reinstating a two-shot lead. Fleetwood's partner from Northern Ireland followed with an effortless conversion after a remarkable tee shot at the par-three 17th, allowing Fleetwood to tap in and secure victory over a pair who had never been defeated in their previous five foursomes matches together. The European team then celebrated on the green.
Team USA will be hoping for an inverse of the Solheim Cup last week, where Europe suffered an unprecedented opening sweep before clawing their way back dramatically to retain the trophy.
