2023 Ryder Cup highlights: Watch best moments as Europe takes big, early lead over US

Jon Rahm and Team Europe got out to an early 6.5 - 1.5 lead amid a sweltering day at the Ryder Cup. However, there was drama and great shots to be sure from US players.

Europe is determined to win back the Ryder Cup trophy after a dominant start in Italy. The Europeans took a 6 and a half -1 and a half lead over the Americans to end Day 1 after winning the opening session of the Ryder Cup 4-0. The scoring system for the Ryder Cup is straightforward. Whenever a team wins a match, they earn a point for their team. In the event of a tie, both teams receive half a point each. To secure a victory in the Ryder Cup, a team must earn a total of 14 points. If the final score is tied at 14-14, the current trophy holders will maintain possession of the cup.

Experience all the thrilling moments and highlights from the 2023 Ryder Cup held at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, located just outside Rome.

Become an expert: Ryder Cup 2023 format explained: What you need to know about rules and scoring

Ryder Cup Saturday: Day 2 Information

Team Europe leads Team U.S. 6 1/2 to 1 1/2 after dominating Day 1. Here are the starting times for Day 2 of the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, as the world's best golfers hit the course bright and early.

• Morning: Foursomes start at 7:35 a.m.-8:20 a.m. local time (1:35 a.m.-2:20 a.m. ET)

• Afternoon: Fourballs start at 12:25 p.m.-1:10 p.m. local time (6:25 a.m.-7:10 a.m. ET)

NBC and the USA Channel will cover all the action beginning at 1:35 a.m. ET.

Justin Rose caps it off for Team Europe

In the last match of Day 1, Max Homa came close to giving the United States their first full point, but Justin Rose managed to sink his putt and tie the match. As a result, Team Europe scored 6 ½ points while the United States scored 1 ½ points.

Rahm comes up big for Team Europe

As Day 1 of the 2023 Ryder Cup is close to ending, Europe holds a 6-1 lead over the United States. Jon Rahm and Nicolai Hojgaar managed to tie their match against Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka, with Rahm impressively sinking his putt on the 18th hole amidst the cheers and excitement of European fans.

Hovland makes it look easy at the 18th

Viktor Hovland effortlessly sinks a 25-foot putt while remaining calm, cool, and collected under pressure. Justin Thomas responds and matches, resulting in a half point for Team U.S and they are officially on the board at the 2023 Ryder Cup.

Rahm short on 17

After hitting two excellent tee shots, Rahm falls short and the world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler sinks his putt, giving the American a one-up lead in Match 2 heading into the 18th.

Justin Thomas comes in clutch

Justin Thomas kept the Americans alive with a putt on No. 15, with three holes left to play. He seized the opportunity after Hovland missed a chance to level the score.

The Matt Fitzpatrick Show

After winning the last six holes in a row, Team Europe's Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick have taken a massive lead of 6 against Collin Morikawa and Xander Sxhauffele.

The pair initially tied with the Americans on the first hole through pars, but Fitzpatrick took the lead and dominated the next five holes by scoring six under par. He even managed to score an eagle on the 276-yard, par-4 fifth hole and sank a 12-foot putt.

Celebrities at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club

Novak Djokovic, Gareth Bale, and Carlos Sainz Jr. were seen cheering for Team Europe. The 24-time Grand Slam champion even asked Tommy Fleetwood for a photo.

Clean sweep for Team Europe

Team Europe's Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood maintained their dominance by winning their match 2 & 1 against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele.

At the 15th hole, McIlroy and Fleetwood helped Team Europe take a 2-up lead with three to play after Fleetwood made a long par putt. Cantlay and Schauffele made an effort to come back with a great tee shot on the 17th, but McIlroy sealed the deal with his tee shot to 2 feet on the 17th hole, an outstanding performance that clinched another point for Team Europe.

This was the first time since 2006 that the Americans lost the opening session of a Ryder Cup.

Lowry and Straka make it 3-0 for Team Europe

Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka secured a 3-0 lead for Team Europe by defeating Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa 2 & 1, with Straka sinking the winning putt on the 17th. Throughout the morning, Lowry enthusiastically celebrated and encouraged European fans to support Team Europe's record-breaking performance.

Åberg and Hovland keep it rolling for Europe

Rookie Ludvig Åberg and Norway's Viktor Hovland defeated Max Homa and Brian Harman 4 & 3, securing a 2-0 lead for Team Europe. Hovland, ranked fourth in the world, started strong in the Ryder Cup by sinking an impressive chip shot from just off the green on the first hole. He then made a 20-foot putt, giving his team the lead.

Åberg made history as the first player to participate in a Ryder Cup event before playing in a major championship. A captain's pick, he joined Team Europe only four months after turning pro. Aberg was born in Eslov, Sweden and played for Texas Tech University in 2019. He finished his studies in May of this year.

Rahm and Hatton dominate for Europe

Masters champion Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton built an early lead for Team Europe, winning the first match against world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns. The Americans only won one hole in the match that ended 4 & 3 on No. 15.

Fans storm the golf course

Fans were eager to start Friday's action as they ran into the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club before sunrise.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Ryder Cup updates, highlights: Rahm, Europe take big lead over Team USA