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Record breaking Ryder Cup in Rome

Ryder Cup: New Records in Italy

The 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy set new records across the board, with Europe’s 16½-11½ victory against at United States attracting unprecedented levels of engagement across social media and global broadcasts.

A total of 271,191 people from 100 different countries attended the 44th Ryder Cup in person at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome, with millions more following the action from afar on television and digital platforms.

There were 2,653 posts across official Ryder Cup Europe, Ryder Cup USA and joint Ryder Cup social channels during the Ryder Cup week, which led to more than 600million impressions and pageviews. Furthermore, early figures show views of Ryder Cup official social media channels amounted to 197.6million, with a total of 26.7million interactions, contributing to the channels gaining 500,000 new followers.  

On Ryder Cup Europe’s platforms alone, impressions numbered 347,106, 426 – a remarkable 117 per cent increase on the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris which totalled 160million.

Footage from the European Team Bus on the Sunday night particularly resonated with fans, with 14,054,985 views across all channels in the first 48 hours, total impressions of 19,188,189 and engagement amounting to 1,482,709.

Early figures also show notable increases across global broadcasts, with a rise in average viewership on Sky Sports in the UK of 38 per compared to the 2021 Ryder Cup at Whistling Straits and 25 per cent up on the 2018 edition at Le Golf National, making it the most watched Ryder Cup on Sky Sports on record.

Significant Increases

Guy Kinnings, Executive Director – Ryder Cup, said: “The 2023 Ryder Cup in Italy once again underlined the global appeal and continued growth of one of the world’s leading sporting events.

“This year’s contest, played against the backdrop of the historic city of Rome, truly connected with fans around the world, and our early figures show significant increases in engagement even from the recent record-breaking editions.

“The Ryder Cup is undoubtedly a unique and special event in sport. These extraordinary numbers certainly are testament to that and to the wonderful entertainment the European and US team provided on the course, as well as the unforgettable scenes of Luke Donald and his players celebrating a memorable victory at Marco Simone. Luke was a magnificent captain and those scenes really captured what it means to play for something bigger than yourself, which is something that inspired Luke and his players throughout his Captaincy.”

Written by European Tour Group Communications

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Ryder Cup 2023: Ten goosebump moments on the greens in Rome

Year after year, things happen at the Ryder Cup that wouldn’t happen in ordinary surroundings. The stars set off bombs, save balls and hole putts that would otherwise not fall. The competition always produces magical moments, creating a very special atmosphere. This year was no exception, as the players once again worked their magic on and around the greens. We take a look at the ten most magical moments and most incredible shots.

Ryder Cup 2023: Ten of the biggest goosebump moments

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Dramatic final phase: Team Europe wins the Ryder Cup 2023

Team Europe wins the 2023 Ryder Cup, with captain Luke Donald’s twelve-man squad defeating the team from the United States at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy. The Europeans needed four more points in the final twelve singles matches on Sunday, having already collected 10.5 points on Friday and Saturday. Tommy Fleetwood put on 2 on hole 16 in his match and could not lose to Rickie Fowler. He thus secured the decisive half point for his team. For the USA, it is the seventh defeat in a row on European soil. The often favored team has not won an away match since 1993.

Tommy Fleetwood secures half point to Ryder Cup victory

Team Europe was already at 14 points after the first six singles matches on Sunday, but then had to wait for what felt like an eternity for the decisive half point. Match after match went to the USA, so that it became more and more exciting in the late started matches. Here, the Europeans were more often in the lead, but all duels were extremely close. Fleetwood finally took advantage of a mistake by his opponent Fowler, who sank his tee shot in the water at the 16th, a short par-4. The Englishman holed out for birdie to put him up 2 with two holes to go, securing the half-point needed to win the 2023 Ryder Cup.

“I didn’t want it to be down to any of the players at the end at all” said Fleetwood afterwards. “We have an incredible squad. This year the team has definitely changed, but I couldn’t ask for a better team. We’re a gigantic family.” Luke Donald, who expressed his gratitude and pride to his team, also broke voice and tears came. Most of all, said the European captain, who won the Ryder Cup four times as a player, he is now “looking forward to a drink.”

Europe vs USA
16,5 11,5

Ryder Cup 2023: The results of the singles on Sunday

Jon Rahm vs. Scottie Scheffler

Europe Result USA
Jon Rahm all square Scottie Scheffler

The world’s No. 1 was set up by his captain in the first match to provide momentum for Team USA and secure an early point. Of course, Europe’s captain, Luke Donald, knew this would happen, so he also lined up his most in-form player at position 1. This meant that Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler were the first to go out on the final day of the 2023 Ryder Cup. In a high-class duel, the Spaniard initially held the cards in his hand after Scheffler missed two short putts and had to give up holes. On the back nine, the lead then changed and the world number one went 1 up on the 18th. On the par-5, however, Rahm then played another birdie, Scheffler could not draw level after his approach into the rough and had to give up half a point at the last moment.

Viktor Hovland vs. Collin Morikawa

Europe Result USA
Viktor Hovland 4&3 Europa Collin Morikawa

With the 4&3 victory of Viktor Hovland over Collin Morikawa, the first point of the day at the Ryder Cup 2023 went to Team Europe. The Norwegian dominated the match from the beginning and was already 3 up after six holes. Morikawa could not really counteract at any time and only shortened on two occasions, but never took the lead himself. Hovland thus takes three points from four matches in his second participation in a Ryder Cup. Especially his historic victory alongside Ludvig Aberg will be remembered.

Justin Rose vs. Patrick Cantlay

Europe Result USA
Justin Rose 2&1 USA Patrick Cantlay

Patrick Cantlay cruised to victory for eleven holes against Justin Rose, who had been playing so strongly so far. But then the Englishman finally found his way into the match and put the American, who remained 1 up, under pressure with two hole wins in a row. First Cantlay freed himself a bit on the 14th before Rose hit back directly on the 15th. In the end, however, the European’s deficit could no longer be made up and Cantlay used a strong tee shot on 17 (par-3) to close the bag with 2&1.

Rory McIlroy vs. Sam Burns

Europe Result USA
Rory McIlroy 3&1 Europa Sam Burns

Rory McIlroy had already declared before the Ryder Cup 2023 that he wanted to take responsibility and go ahead. And the Northern Irishman did just that on Sunday. Although his opponent, Sam Burns, won four holes for the USA in the course of the match, the duel was over on 17. McIlroy used a strong tee shot on 17 (par-3) to birdie and set an unassailable 3&1. This means McIlroy has four points from five matches – he was the only European to play in all sessions. This is the most ever for the 34-year-old at a Ryder Cup.

Matt Fitzpatrick vs. Max Homa

Europe Result USA
Matt Fitzpatrick 1auf USA Max Homa

Matt Fitzpatrick had the first opportunity on the 18th to get the last necessary half point for Team Europe and make his team an early Ryder Cup winner. But his opponent Max Homa saved par after he had to declare a ball unplayable on the final hole. Fitzpatrick narrowly missed the opportunity with a putt from just over four meters, so instead of a shared match, a 1-up win for the USA went on the leaderboard.

Tyrrell Hatton vs. Brian Harman

Europe Result USA
Tyrrell Hatton 3&2 Europa Brian Harman

With Tyrrell Hatton’s victory over Open winner Brian Harmann, Team Europe clinched the 14th point. From then on it was a matter of waiting for at least another half point to win the Ryder Cup 2023. The Englishman was already leading after four holes with 3-up and did not come under serious pressure anymore. The American managed to close the gap to 1down, but then Hatton controlled the action and ended the duel with a hole win on the 16th hole.

Ludvig Aberg vs. Brooks Koepka

Europe Result USA
Ludvig Aberg 3&2 USA Brooks Koepka

Brooks Koepka had to make up for his defeat on Saturday morning (9&7) with Scottie Scheffler against Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg. The five-time Major winner then lived up to his role as favorite against the Swede, who only turned professional four months ago, in the singles match. Koepka went 3 up after eight holes and Aberg only won a hole on the 10th for the first time on this Sunday. Not much more came from the 23-year-old, who nevertheless showed a strong debut at the Ryder Cup. Koepka finished the duel of 16, where a split hole was enough for him.

Sepp Straka vs. Justin Thomas

Europe Result USA
Sepp Straka 2auf USA Justin Thomas

Sepp Straka had to deal with the multiple Major winner Justin Thomas on Sunday. The German-speaking Ryder Cup debutant did well. Thomas took an early lead, but the Austrian did not let himself be distracted by it. On the back nine, Straka won two holes, one of them with a spectacular eagle, which he called the highlight of his week after the round. In doing so, he cut Thomas’ lead to ‘1Up’. In the end, however, he succumbed to him and Thomas won the match with ‘2Up’.

Nicolai Hojgaard vs. Xander Schauffele

Europe Result USA
Nicolai Hojgaard 3&2 USA Xander Schauffele

Nicolai Hojgaard started strongly against Xander Schauffele and won two of the first three holes. But then the Olympic champion made a spurt on holes five to seven and turned the match around. However, the Dane hit back immediately and so it was all square on the back nine. Here, however, the American with a German father turned up the heat and, with four birdies on the next seven holes, secured victory over the European Ryder Cup rookie.

Shane Lowry vs. Jordan Spieth

Europe Result USA
Shane Lowry all square Jordan Spieth

Shane Lowry and Jordan Spieth played an exciting match on Sunday of the Ryder Cup. The American major winner and especially the emotional Shane Lowry created a great atmosphere on the course of the Marco Simone Golf & Country Club. While Spieth initially had the upper hand for a long time, Lowry caught up on the back nine, forced Spieth to the 18th green and secured Team Europe a half point with the final putt of the tournament.

Tommy Fleetwood vs. Rickie Fowler

Europe Result USA
Tommy Fleetwood 3&1 Europa Rickie Fowler

The match between Tommy Fleetwood and Rickie Fowler decided the victory of the European team. Both players played a match on equal terms. In the end, however, Tommy Fleetwood had his nose in front. Team Europe was already at 14 points for a long time and was waiting for redemption. The crowd favorite Tommy Fleetwood won both holes 16 and 17 and thus redeemed players, captains and fans. He didn’t even have to hole his last ball – Rickie Fowler gave his competitor the last short putt for the European victory.

Robert MacIntyre vs. Wyndham Clark

Europe Result USA
Robert MacIntyre 2&1 Europa Wyndham Clark

The last flight of the day was Robert MacIntyre and Wyndham Clark. At the beginning of their round Robert MacIntyre showed himself clearly superior and brought his score up to ‘3Up’. However, he lost this clear advantage in the course of the round and so it became exciting again in the final flight. Finally, the 27-year-old Scot decided the match with 2&1 for Europe.

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Ryder Cup 2023: Sepp Straka makes it exciting with chip-in eagle

Some dream shots have already fallen in this Ryder Cup week. After a Sandy Eagle by Tommy Fleetwood in the singles matches on Sunday, Austrian Sepp Straka also manages a surprising eagle. The German-speaking Ryder Cup rookie presents himself from his best side in his debut in golf’s biggest team competition and fights bravely against Justin Thomas on Sunday. With his chip on the par-4 16th everything is right and he sinks the ball with shot number 2 in the hole. With this stroke win, he shortens his match to just ‘1Up’ for Team USA and gets another chance to turn the tide on the last two holes.

Ryder Cup 2023: Chip-in-Eagle for Sepp Straka

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Ryder Cup 2023: Europe heads into final day with five-point lead

Saturday afternoon in Rome brings a small turnaround in the narrative of the 2023 Ryder Cup so far. The Americans can at least fight their way back into the tournament with three wins in Saturday’s fourballs. Only Ryder Cup veteran Justin Rose secures a point in his match with Robert MacIntyre. Thus, Europe nevertheless goes into the singles matches and the final day in Rome with a comfortable lead.

Europe vs USA
10,5 5,5

Ryder Cup 2023: The results of the four Fourballs of Saturday

Europe Result USA
Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg  4&3 USA Sam Burns and Collin Morikawa

After the incredible performance in the foursomes with the 9&7 victory over Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka, the Scandinavian duo can’t keep their form in the afternoon in the Fourballs. Hovland and Aberg have to fight for every tied hole from the start after the Americans can already take the lead on hole 1. The only point win on the front nine for Team Europe comes on hole 4.  Team USA goes into the back nine with 4Up and Hovland/Aberg fight to stay in the match. At one point it looked like a comeback with scores on holes 13 and 14, but they would have to win every hole to turn the match around. Then on number 15, the par was enough to “All Square” the hole and win the match for Sam Burns and Collin Morikawa. This means that Hovland has to give up the first point in this Ryder Cup 2023.

Europe Result USA
Nicolai Hojgaard and Tommy Fleetwood 2 & 1 USA Max Homa and Brian Harman

The match Tommy Fleetwood and Nicolai Hojgaard against Max Homa and Brian Harman developed early in favor of the American team. After a few hole losses on the front nine, Team Europe goes into the second half of the round with 4Down. It was not until the back nine that Team Europe was able to catch up and win a few holes. Fleetwood and Hojgaard show strong nerves and fight their way back to the dominating Americans with scores on holes 10 and 14. The first match hole then follows on hole 16, where Harman and Homa could decide the match in their favor. With a strong chip-in, Fleetwood at least temporarily prevents the match loss. At the following hole, however, the Europeans finally have to admit defeat after neither Fleetwood nor Hojgaard could hole the birdie on the par 3. Team USA wins 2&1 and secures the second point of this fourball session.

Europe Result USA
Justin Rose and Robert MacIntyre 3 & 2 Europa Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas

Rose and MacIntyre start with an exchange of blows on the front nine. Two holes go to the Europeans, Spieth and Thomas can secure two points. But on the back nine, the veteran of Team Europe really turns up the heat and relegates the duo from the USA to the spectator ranks. First, Rose gets the important point on the 10th hole for 1-up, then “Bob” MacIntyre can hole out for a birdie and a win on the 13th hole. Rose then takes the third point of the back nine on hole 14. After that, the two only had to maintain their lead to finally end the match on hole 16. Of course, Justin Rose shows his Ryder Cup strength here as well and holes the putt for a 3&2 win in front of the packed grandstands on the 16th hole.

Europe Result USA
Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick 1Up USA Patrick Cantlay and Wyndham Clark

Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick find themselves in probably the most even match of the afternoon. The thriller between the Europeans and Cantlay/Clark allows only one hole win for Europe on the front nine. Team USA can secure two holes on the back nine, the most important of which is certainly hole 17 with a nerve-racking putt from around three meters to bring the match to a split on the 18th hole. Team Europe secured another point on hole 14 to make it all square before the final hole. After two weak drives by the Europeans, Cantlay and Clark have every chance to win the 18th hole. Finally Cantlay holes for birdie and Fitzpatrick has the chance for a tie with the birdie putt on the part of the Europeans, after McIlroy already missed the birdie. The putt falls short and the Americans finish the afternoon with three points out of four.

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Collin Morikawa And Sam Burns Defeat Scandinavian Record Duo

Collin Morikawa and Sam Burns defeated the so far so strong duo Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg, who had celebrated a historic victory with 9&7 in the morning. Now they lost in the afternoon session on Saturday at the Ryder Cup 2023 in Rome. The Americans defeated the Europeans with 4&3 on the 15th hole. The two PGA Tour stars were in the lead from the first hole and did not relinquish it at any point during the match. In the interview, Burns and Morikawa talk about the importance of the point for their team, which is chasing a deficit ahead of the final singles on Sunday.

Collin Morikawa and Sam Burns interviewed at the 2023 Ryder Cup

Question: Congratulations, your first Ryder Cup point has come on an afternoon when your team really needed. Just how good does it feel to get that?

Sam Burns: Yeah, it feels great. I mean, just an awesome team effort today. I just said earlier, I mean, it’s so fun and playing with a guy like Collin. He’s just — I said every time I play with him, I’m more and more impressed.

Today that just continued. He’s so fun to play with. He’s never out of the hole. Every time I look up his ball is headed right at the flagstick. And that just gives our team more confidence.

So we did a good job out there. We knew it was going to be tough. We knew the crowds were going to be against us. We just kept fighting, and glad to put a point on the board for our team.

Question: Collin, did the fact that you knew you really had to win this session to give yourself at least a chance tomorrow affect how you went about the match sort of tactically, mentally?

Collin Morikawa: No, I mean, our energy was up. We know where we stand, and we know what we’ve done so far and in the past, you know, kind of first sessions, but we were leading. At the start seeing red on that first hole was very important for us. I’m glad we got that started. We kind of kept that momentum going and finally got that point on the board.

Question: No team has ever come from seven points back after three series of matches. What gives you the belief that this team can?

Sam Burns: This team. I mean, these guys are ready. We’re all positive. We know what we’re capable of. We know it’s going to be tough. We know it’s going to be a challenge. But we’re excited for it.

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Rory McIlroy And Tommy Fleetwood: “Just Another Incredible Match”

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood remain undefeated in their third match together at the 2023 Ryder Cup. Together they have now collected three points for Team Europe. Naturally, they were happy after the narrow victory against the American dream pairing of Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, as they report in the interview.
In the afternoon session on Saturday at the Ryder up in Rome, however, they will have to manage without each other. Fleetwood will start in the bestballs with Rasmus Hojgaard, McIlroy will play with Matt Fitzpatrick.
Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood remain undefeated in their third match together at the Ryder Cup. Together they have now collected three points for Team Europe. Naturally, they were happy after the narrow victory against the American dream pairing of Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, as they report in the interview.
In the afternoon session on Saturday at the Ryder up in Rome, however, they will have to manage without each other. Fleetwood will start in the bestballs with Rasmus Hojgaard, McIlroy will play with Matt Fitzpatrick.

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood at the 2023 Ryder Cup

Rory McIlroy: I think they get more special as you go on because you realize you don’t have that many left. Hopefully I have a few Ryder Cups left in me. It’s been an absolute pleasure to share the golf course with this man beside me over the last couple of days.

Yeah, last night we talked about enjoying what we did yesterday but coming out and showing no mercy today. Obviously the way Ludvig and Viktor started off and the way we started off, you know, that set the tone for the day again.

Yeah, just another incredible match. We played great there. We held some good putts when we needed to and delighted to get another point on the board for Europe.

Question: They are already talking about this pairing possibly being one for years to come, two eagles back-to-back, 5-under par wedge in foursomes. You’ve be playing with him for a while?

Tommy Fleetwood: If he’ll have me. Like I said yesterday, there’s so many people on this planet that dream of playing with Rory and I’m the one who has had the opportunity to do it for the last two mornings. Just happy to be along for the ride and play some good golf. Yeah, we did very, very well. We were pretty — there was a couple of hiccups here and there but we held the putts when we needed to and thankfully Rory bailed me out on the last one.

Question: Mollywood 4-0, Fleetwood Mac 3-0 —

Rory McIlroy: There is a common denominator there.

Question: How good a partner is he to play with?

Rory McIlroy: He’s great because he makes you feel so at ease and you know that you can play loose. You can’t play tight. You don’t feel like you need to be perfect because you know you’ve got a partner beside you that’s going to bail you out if you need to and is going to hit the right shots at the right times.

I think in foursomes, someone that strikes the ball like this man, you feel really comfortable playing alongside none like that. As I said it’s been a great couple of days.

Question: A second straight day, 2&1 foursomes victory. A wonderful start for both of you. How much momentum does this team have right now?

Rory McIlroy: Yesterday was an amazing day and we wanted to enjoy it because it’s not very often you go out on a full day in a Ryder Cup and don’t lose a full point. We enjoyed last night but at the same time we knew the Americans were going to be hurting a bit and they obviously want to get off to a fast start this morning, and our objective is to just not let them do that.

We went out first and we got blue on the board early, the boys behind got blue on the board early and that set the tone for the day. Another great start, what we have been talking about all week and we just need to keep it going.

Question: Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas are historically a very strong team for the Americans. Do you sense they are a little bit out of sorts this week?

Tommy Fleetwood: Well, me and Rory are a good team as well. Very happy to play whoever it was we were put alongside. We were just very focused on what we were doing. We played very well yesterday. Wanted to come out of the blocks fast, and we did. Just continue to focus on what we were doing, and yeah, I actually thought it was a great match, especially on the back nine. I thought things really got going on the back nine with some eagles and birdies.
(Transcript by asapsports)

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Ryder Cup 2023: Watch The Highlights of Europes Clean Sweep

Europe clearly dominates on the first day of the 2023 Ryder Cup. In the morning they beat Team USA in the Fouresomes without losing any points. In the afternoon, too, the Americans remain without a win in a match. This has never happened before in the history of the Ryder Cup. See the highlights of the first day of the Ryder Cup in Rome here.

Watch: Highlights Ryder Cup 2023

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Ryder Cup 2023 – Rory McIlroy: “At least I contributed twice”

Team Europe has made a strong showing at the Ryder Cup 2023 in Italy. After the Foursomes in the morning ended with 4:0 for the Europeans, the hosts defended the lead strongly in the Fourballs in the afternoon. Rory McIlroy, who did not start too well into the tournament, won both of his matches – in the morning together with Tommy Fleetwood, in the afternoon with Matt Fitzpatrick. The afternoon match in particular caused quite a stir, as the two Europeans literally overran the guests on the front nine. Read the interview with McIlroy and Fitzpatrick.

Ryder Cup 2023: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick thrilled about Team Europe’s great start

Q. Mat, Rory, incredible performance, relief, elation, what does this mean for you personally and for Europe?

Matt Fitzpatrick: For me, it’s very, very special, and to play with this man, and to get out to the start that we did, yeah, just phenomenal.

Q. A hot start, Rory, as far as Ryder Cup Matches, where does that rank for you, and near the top, I’m sure?

Rory McIlroy: Yeah, absolutely amazing. You know, for the first nine holes I was trying to hang on to this man’s coattails. I said to him walking up 10, “At least I contributed twice.”

And then the boys made a few birdies, you know, on the back nine there and we had to just sort of hang in and hit some good, solid shots down the stretch.

But yeah, I mean, just a great day in front of some amazing home fans, and I said to Fitzy there, you know, for his first point for Europe, I’m happy that I was the one to get it with him. Proud of how him and I played, and we just have to go out and regroup for tomorrow.

Q. Going out in four-balls this afternoon gave you some freedom, didn’t it?

Matt Fitzpatrick: Yeah, absolutely, my first four-balls match. I was laughing to Rory, what do we do here. I’m just so excited to be out here, and it’s very different playing a home Ryder Cup than away to. Have the fans cheering you on makes a hell of a difference.

Q. First point in Ryder Cup competition, you got off to a hot start, what was working so well for you early on?

Matt Fitzpatrick: Six one-putts in a row is normally a big help. Yeah, felt really good with the putter on the front nine and just got off to a really hot start.

Q. Why did this pairing work so well for you today?

Rory McIlroy: Matt and I have known each other for a long time now. We have played, yeah, this is our third Ryder Cup Team together, and yeah, it’s a really comfortable pairing. I’ve been so lucky with the two partners that I’ve had with Tommy in the morning and this man, the start that he got off to, I was trying to hang on to his coattails. I contributed a couple of times there around the turn and thankfully we did enough to get it done.

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Ryder Cup 2023: Europeans remain undefeated on Friday

In the morning, the Europeans gave their opponents no chance and made history with a score of 4 to 0. In the afternoon, the fourball matches for the stars were on the agenda. Here, Team USA made it much more difficult for the host team. While the duo McIlroy/Fitzpatrick won a clear point for Europe, the three remaining flights provided for highest tension. Team Europe secured a shared point three times at the last moment.

Europe vs USA
4   0

Ryder Cup 2023: High Voltage on the 18th Green

Europe Result USA
Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton  4 & 3 Europa Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth

As the first flight of the tournament, Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton made it to the 18th hole of the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in a duel against Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth. Both the European and American teams were ahead at times, but each relinquished the lead. Finally, on the decisive 18, it looked as if Team USA would win the whole point, but Viktor Hovland holed a last, long putt and thus saved a half point for Team Europe. One person in particular was delighted: Shane Lowry, who did not play in the afternoon, was visibly cheering along with his teammates.

Europe Result USA
Jon Rahm and Nicolai Hojgaard  4 & 3 Europa Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka

Jon Rahm and Nicolai Hojgaard delivered at least as exciting a finish to share the point. In the duel against world number 1 Scottie Scheffler and LIV player Brooks Koepka, there was no clear favorite over 18 holes. In the end, the Americans dominated the match, which spurred Jon Rahm on to top performance. After already causing a roaring crowd with a chip-in eagle on hole 16, he also holed out for an eagle on hole 18 to secure another half point for the hosts.

Europe Result USA
Robert MacIntyre and Justin Rose  2 & 1 Europa Max Homa and Wyndham Clark

The final four players on the course early Friday evening were Robert MacIntyre and Justin Rose in play against Max Homa and Wyndham Clark. Those two duos also turned in similarly strong performances, leaving Team USA teeing off at ‘1up’ on the 18th tee. But all good things come in threes: In this flight, too, the Europeans grabbed a half point at the last second, sending the American team into the second day without a single full point.

Europe Result USA
Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick  2 & 1 Europa Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele

The only full point for the Europeans was secured in the afternoon by Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick in their battle against Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele. The duel was already over after 15 holes, because the Americans had no chance against McIlroy and Fitzpatrick. Matt Fitzpatrick in particular delivered a flawless performance on Friday afternoon and gave Team Europe an early lead. At times they dominated the duel with ‘6up’.