ROME – Team Europe came out swinging on Friday morning, sweeping all four foursomes matches in the first session of the 44th Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. It marked the first time the Euros have grabbed a 4-0 lead in Ryder Cup history.
The leaderboard was bathed in blue early as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton secured the first point in convincing fashion over world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns.
It was a dream start for Luke Donald’s Euro team, who opted to open with foursomes for the first time since 1993 with the goal of getting off to a fast start. The Euros did that and then some. Team Europe hadn’t won 3½ points or more in the opening sessions since 1969, and none of the matches were even close. None of the matches made it to the 18th hole.
What a start. Great decision by Luke to start with foursomes and go all out for momentum. @RyderCupEurope
— Padraig Harrington (@padraig_h) September 29, 2023
“We can’t get complacent at all,” McIlroy said. “This is an unbelievably long American Team. Last week the American girls went up 4-0 in the first session there (at the Solheim Cup) and Europe were able to come back, so we are not taking anything for granted here. It’s a great start but we need to keep our foot on the pedal and keep winning points.”
Here’s a match-by-match summary.