The Ryder Cup is underway, and emotions are high.
Momentum is well on the European side after the opening day of play, as the Euros have dominated at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club to the tune of a 6 ½-1 ½ lead against the United States heading into Saturday’s play. For the first time in Ryder Cup history, the U.S. didn’t win a match during a full day of play.
In the afternoon session, the Americans tied three matches to earn their points, but in each of them, they led on the back nine. The U.S. was 1 up heading to 18 and lost, including on the second eagle in three holes from Jon Rahm.
Rahm, paired with Ryder Cup rookie Nicolai Hojgaard, played brilliantly down the stretch to tie the match against World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and five-time major winner Brooks Koepka. The duo birdied their last five holes and somehow couldn’t pull away because of Rahm’s heroics.
How did that make Koepka feel? He took a shot at Rahm.
“I mean, I think me and Scottie birdied, what did we say, 14, we birdied 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, and then lost by two. So yeah. I mean, I want to hit a board and pout just like Jon Rahm did. But, you know, it is what it is. Act like a child. But we’re adults. We move on.”
Let the fireworks begin!
What was the quote in reference to? Possibly when Rahm hit a sign with his club out of frustration at the U.S. Open. But there’s no telling, as Koepka isn’t one to mince words and will go after anyone, even his own teammates.
European captain Luke Donald isn’t concerned by Koepka’s comments.
“Jon was a big support system for Nicolai today, and to hit a big drive down 18 and hit it on the front of the green and make an eagle for a halve, that’s a lot of passion,” Donald said. “Jon is a passionate person, but I didn’t see him acting any other way.”
Rahm topped Koepka to win the Masters earlier this year, and Koepka bounced back winning at the PGA Championship a month later.
Here’s to hoping the two can battle it out again in the heat of the Ryder Cup this weekend.
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