The tranquil morning of the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club was brimming with European flags, setting the stage for an exhilarating afternoon session. Despite falling behind 4-0, the United States team made a valiant comeback and seemed poised to close the gap. However, Europe’s top players surged ahead in the final stages, thwarting the American team’s efforts.
In a remarkable display, the European team overcame American leads in three four-ball matches, ending Day 1 of the Ryder Cup with a commanding 6.5 to 1.5 lead. This five-point advantage is the largest lead for either side after Day 1 in the history of the Ryder Cup. Notably, it also marked the first time that the United States team completed the first day without winning a match. Their 1.5 points were solely from ties in four-ball matches that they had previously held the lead in. Moreover, Europe became only the second team in Ryder Cup history to start the event with a 5-0 lead, following the 1947 United States side. This impressive feat was achieved by relying heavily on their star players, who rose to the occasion when the pressure was at its highest.
The standout matches of the day included Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick’s dominant performance against Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa in the anchor four-ball match. Additionally, Viktor Hovland and Jon Rahm showcased their skills individually, repeatedly delivering crucial shots that shattered the hopes of the American team in both Day 1 sessions.
The United States had their sights set on a 3-1 victory in the four-ball session, with American flags waving proudly in the first two matches. However, Hovland and Rahm demonstrated their resilience with clutch short games, extinguishing the American team’s momentum. Hovland’s chip-in eagle on the par-4 16th, his fourth hole-out from off the green in two matches, truly set the tone for their remarkable comeback.
In another closely contested match, Rahm and Nicolai Hojgaard, making his Ryder Cup debut, signed for seven birdies of his own, squaring off against Brooks Koepka and Scottie Scheffler. Scheffler’s crucial birdie on the 17th gave the United States team an opportunity for a significant point in the second match as they headed to the 18th with a 1 UP lead. However, Hovland and Justin Thomas had birdie putts on the green below, and Hovland delivered a tremendous putt from just outside 25 feet, securing the first half point for Europe. Although Thomas and Jordan Spieth held a 2 UP lead with five holes to play, Thomas’s swing faltered, resulting in missed opportunities for the U.S.
Hovland expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance, remarking, “It was about time the ball went in. I felt like we played some really good golf today, and the Americans played some great golf as well, and they kept pushing us, and yeah, to make a putt like that on the last hole, that was huge for the team.” Rahm also played a significant role, particularly in the anchor match, where he exhibited remarkable skill and composure. His putt from outside 33 feet for eagle on the 17th was emblematic of his exceptional performance throughout the day.
With a commanding lead of 6.5 to 1.5, the European team undoubtedly had reason to celebrate. Justin Rose added insult to injury for the American team, overcoming a two-hole deficit with two holes to play and ultimately pulling even with Max Homa and Wyndham Clark. Rose’s decisive birdie on the last hole ensured that the U.S. remained winless across the first eight matches. Despite the disappointing outcome, U.S. captain Zach Johnson expressed optimism, emphasizing that there is still plenty of golf to be played and ample opportunity for his team to make a comeback.
The European team managed to fend off the American barrage in the afternoon four-ball session, thwarting their opponents’ best efforts. Although there is still a significant amount of golf remaining, the Europeans’ deft maneuvering on Day 1 places them in a favorable position to extend their 30-year winning streak on home soil.
In summary, Day 1 of the 2023 Ryder Cup showcased a dominant performance by the European team. With an impressive 6.5 to 1.5 lead, Europe demonstrated their skill and composure, ultimately preventing the United States team from gaining an advantage. The European players, particularly Rory McIlroy, Matt Fitzpatrick, Viktor Hovland, and Jon Rahm, delivered outstanding performances that contributed to the team’s success. However, there is still a long way to go in the tournament, and the United States team, led by Captain Zach Johnson, remains determined to mount a comeback.