Europe made an excellent start in their bid to secure the four points needed to regain the Ryder Cup from the United States in Sunday’s singles, taking early leads in five of the first six matches.
Europe’s English captain, Luke Donald looks on from the 1st tee during the singles matches on the final day of play in the 44th Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome on 1 October 2023. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
Luke Donald’s hosts teed off on the final day defending a 10.5-5.5 overall advantage in the Rome sunshine, with the USA hoping for a record-breaking comeback after a dramatic finish to Saturday’s play.
Jon Rahm moved 1-up through six holes on world number one Scottie Scheffler as the American’s putting woes continued.
Europe’s Spanish golfer, Jon Rahm putts on the 18th green during his singles match against US golfer, Scottie Scheffler on the final day of play in the 44th Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome on 1 October 2023. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
Viktor Hovland was also two holes to the good through five against Collin Morikawa.
Europe’s Norwegian golfer, Viktor Hovland reacts after his putt on the 2nd green during his singles match against US golfer, Collin Morikawa on the final day of play in the 44th Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome on 1 October 2023. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)
Two of the men at the center of Saturday’s controversy, when Rory McIlroy was enraged by the behavior of Patrick Cantlay’s caddie Joe LaCava on the 18th green, also made early moves at Marco Simone Golf Club.
US golfer, Patrick Cantlay (L) reacts alongside his caddie, Joe LaCava after making his putt on the 7th green during his singles match against Europe’s English golfer, Justin Rose on the final day of play in the 44th Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome on 1 October 2023. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP)
Cantlay had also brushed aside reports he was protesting at the lack of pay for players at the event by not wearing a cap.
He was met with deafening boos on the first tee before the home fans waved their caps at him all the way down the hole.
But a birdie on the second gave Cantlay a 1-up lead Justin Rose.
McIlroy took the first hole against Sam Burns, as did Europe’s Matthew Fitzpatrick in his match with Max Homa.
Europe’s English golfer, Matt Fitzpatrick reacts after missing a putt on the 18th green during his singles match against US golfer, Max Homa on the final day of play in the 44th Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome on 1 October 2023. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
US golfer, Max Homa celebrates after holing his putt to beat Europe’s English golfer, Matt Fitzpatrick on the 18th green during their singles match on the final day of play in the 44th Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome on 1 October 2023. (Photo by Andreas SOLARO / AFP)
Tyrrell Hatton then rolled in another birdie putt on the opening green to forge ahead of Brian Harman, as the cheers of the home fans continued to echo around the course.
Europe’s English golfer, Tyrrell Hatton reacts after his putt on the 2nd green during his singles match against US golfer, Brian Harman on the final day of play in the 44th Ryder Cup at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome on 1 October 2023. (Photo by Alberto PIZZOLI / AFP)
