Ryder Cup: Spectators sprint to course for start of 2023 tournament
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Europe look to win back the Ryder Cup on Sunday in Rome with a 10.5-5.5 lead over the USA.
The drama of Rory McIlroy and Patrick Cantlay’s match down the 18th at Marco Simone will live long in the memory. The American’s birdie-birdie-birdie finish was the perfect response to the furore surrounding a reported dispute within the USA team over a lack of financial incentive and the rumoured statement by not wearing a team cap.
An emotional McIlroy, who will play Sam Burns in Sunday singles, was seen arguing outside the clubhouse on Saturday evening, with Shane Lowry forced to calm his teammate. Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler lead their teams out in match one of a fascinating Sunday singles draw.
Follow all the live action, score updates, analysis and reaction from Marco Simone. Get all the latest golf betting sites offers here.
Good half from Fitzpatrick
1UP Matt Fitzpatrick v Max Homa (2)
Fitzpatrick is in a spot of bother on the second but he rolls in an 11-footer from across the green to secure a half on that hole and remain ahead.
All going Europe’s way early doors.
McIlroy extends lead
2UP Rory McIlroy v Sam Burns (3)
A lot of column inches were dedicated to McIlroy’s exchange in the car park last night but the Northern Irishman looks calm and collected this morning.
Another birdie chance at three and he makes no mistake this time. A gently first bump and a nod as he moves into a nice early lead against Burns
Hatton takes early lead
1UP Tyrrell Hatton v Brian Harman (1)
Europe have dominated the first hole these last few days and that trend is continuing today. Hatton pours in a putt to give Europe another early lead in match six.
Scheffler bounces back
1UP Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler (6)
Even if he’s missing putts, Scheffler’s ball-striking is so excellent that he keeps creating opportunities for himself. That’s the case at six as he spins one back with a wedge in hand to give himself a great look at birdie.
Rahm can’t make his birdie putt and Scheffler taps in to reduce the deficit.
Missed chance for Hovland
2UP Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa (5)
Hovland is playing solid golf in these early stages but he’s being gifted openings by some fairly mediocre play from his opponent. A good chance for the European to take another hole but his putt just comes up short.
Morikawa, though, still with work to do to tie the hole...and he makes it. He remains two down.
Hovland extends lead
2UP Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa (4)
Problems for Morikawa on the fourth and Hovland’s tap-in for par is enough to secure a win on the fourth hole. Europe now leading by two in the top two matches.
More putting woes for Scheffler
2UP Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler (5)
Oh my, Scottie. He finds the par-four fifth in one but it’s an unforgivable three putt from nowhere to gift Rahm a two-hole lead.
If you want to produce a record comeback, that can’t happen.
Perfect start for Europe in match five
1UP Matt Fitzpatrick v Max Homa (1)
A great way to crush any potential comeback is with plenty of early blue. Right now, there is a sea of it as Fitzpatrick pours in another birdie on the first for Europe. Homa’s second from the rough came up short of the green and the Englishman capitalised in superb style.
1UP Jon Rahm v Scottie Scheffler (4)
The Independent’s Lawrence Ostlere is following the top match this morning at Marco Simone. He sends this in:
“So far this morning Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler are putting on a bit of a masterclass from tee to green. Every tee shot has found the target. But with the putter, Rahm is winning and he’s one up. Saying all that, Rahm has just missed trying to drive the fifth green…”
Blue, blue and more blue
1UP Viktor Hovland v Collin Morikawa (3)
Just the start Europe would have wanted as Hovland finds a birdie on the third to take an early lead in three of the first four matches. Very early days but that’s the kind fo start they would have wanted.
