Europe's Stunning Triumph Over US: Unprecedented Ryder Cup Dominance

Europe shocked the United States in a historic Ryder Cup opening battle at Marco Simone Golf Club on Friday, turning Rome blue.

The hosts dominated the morning foursomes, sweeping the visitors. In an extraordinary display of skill during the closing fourballs, Europe prevented Team USA from winning any matches in a single day for the first time in the 44-edition history of the tournament. With this impressive performance, Europe surged ahead with a commanding 6.5 - 1.5 lead, setting the stage for an exciting weekend.

Jon Rahm secured a tie in a thrilling match alongside Nicolai Højgaard against world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns, thanks to his incredible second eagle in the final three holes. Just moments earlier, Viktor Hovland impressed with a magnificent 26-foot putt, resulting in a halved match with Tyrrell Hatton against Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth.

Hovland roars after his crucial last putt.

Gregorio Borgia/AP

Despite a strong performance from Matt Fitzpatrick and Rory McIlroy, who won six consecutive holes to defeat Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele 5&3, Team USA had a chance to secure their first win on Friday. Max Homa and Wyndham Clark had a two-hole lead over Justin Rose and Robert MacIntyre as they approached the 17th tee. However, Rose capitalized on his opponents' errors and secured a surprising half point, leading to celebration from teammates and fans on the 18th green.

The opening round of the Ryder Cup witnessed captain Luke Donald's team take a significant five-point lead. This outcome matches the highest recorded lead in the history of the tournament, jointly held by Europe in 2004 and the US in 1975.

McIlroy and Fitzpatrick toast a commanding win.

Alberto Pizzoli/AFP/Getty Images

They only require eight points out of the remaining 20 to secure the cup, and an additional four and a half points to equal the previous 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits from two years ago. On the other hand, Team USA, who haven't won on European soil in the past three decades, must mount a strong comeback on Sunday to end the streak. As defending champions, they must accumulate a total of 14.5 points to retain the cup.

Saturday sees a repeat of Fridays format, with the morning foursomes session teeing off at 1:35 a.m. ET (6:35 a.m. BST).

Rahm lost for words

It was six and a half hours before the Americans finally took the lead in a match Friday - and even that lasted for less than 15 minutes.

at the 2023 Ryder Cup held at the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, Italy on September 29, 2023.

Phil Noble/Reuters

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Thomas birdied the fourth hole in the morning foursomes after a poor start, which resulted in Europe sweeping the opening session at the Ryder Cup for the first time in history. Despite the Americans showing signs of improvement, the hosts continued to raise their game. Scheffler countered Rahm's amazing eagle chip-in at the 16th hole with a superb birdie at the 17th, reclaiming a one-hole advantage. However, the Spaniard managed to retaliate with yet another eagle at the end.

Scheffler looked to have put the US on course for a much-needed point.

As chaos erupted nearby, Rahm's response spoke volumes. The winner of the Masters stood unfazed, his expression a blend of complete astonishment and joyous excitement. When interviewed later, he continued to struggle to articulate his emotions.

"I don't know. I don't know," Rahm stated.

"The spontaneity combined with the occurrence of something remarkable is truly exceptional. I must commend Nicolai for granting me the liberty to approach it here on the 18th hole, as he encouraged me to attempt a putt with the intention of sinking it."

On September 29, 2023, in Rome, Italy, Jon Rahm from Team Europe successfully teed off at the first hole during the Friday morning foursomes matches of the 2023 Ryder Cup. The event took place at the Marco Simone Golf Club. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

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The crowds at the 18th green hardly had a moment to recover from Hovland's dramatic shot before his ball rolled into the cup with just the right amount of force.

Hovland chuckled, saying, "Finally, the ball found its way in!"

Thomas, who was selected as a captain's pick despite his difficulties on the PGA Tour this season, displayed remarkable composure as he skillfully made the crucial shot, preventing his team from slipping further behind.

"It's disappointing. It wasn't the beginning we had hoped for, but fortunately, we still have plenty of golf ahead of us," expressed Thomas.

"Well just go get some sleep, regroup and go try to win as many points as possible tomorrow."