Ryder Cup 2023 LIVE: Day 1 scores and results as Europe take commanding lead over US

Jon Rahm cemented his status as Spain’s latest Ryder Cup superstar as Europe claimed a record-equalling five-point lead after an extraordinary opening day in Rome.

Captain Luke Donald’s decision to start with foursomes for the first time since 1993, when the United States last won on European soil, paid handsome dividends as his side swept an opening session for the first time ever.

Roared on by a partisan crowd at Marco Simone, the home side never trailed at any point in all four matches and their opponents won just 10 holes all morning.

Zach Johnson’s side threatened to stage a fightback as they led in all but one of the afternoon fourballs on the closing stretch, only for three European pairs to snatch half a point each in incredible fashion.

The five-point lead after the opening day equals the biggest in Ryder Cup history and was last achieved at Oakland Hills in 2004, when Europe went on to win by nine points. Follow all the action from day one of the biggest event in golf below. Get all the latest golf betting sites offers here.

Ryder Cup 2023 - Day 1

• Europe take on USA in the Ryder Cup 2023 at Marco Simone, Rome

• REPORT: Europe storm into record-equalling five-point lead on first day of Ryder Cup

• Europe completed historic Ryder Cup foursomes clean sweep to take 4-0 morning lead over USA

• Hovland/Hatton tied with Spieth/Thomas - Hovland birdie on 18 ensures half for America

• Rahm/Hojgaard tied with Scheffler/Koepka - Rahm secures dramatic half with eagle on the last

• MacIntyre/Rose tied with Homa/Clark - Rose snatches a half at the last to extend Europe lead

• McIlroy/Fitzpatrick beat Morikawa/Schauffele 5&3 as Fitzpatrick gets first Ryder Cup point

• The sights and sounds of Ryder Cup first tee deliver pure sporting theatre

• Brooks Koepka hits out at ‘child’ Jon Rahm as tensions boil over at Ryder Cup

• Ryder Cup 2023 tee times and full schedule after Saturday foursomes revealed

Europe relish 18th hole drama after crushing America on day one of Ryder Cup

19:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

Europe had whitewashed America 4-0 in the morning’s foursomes, and as the sun began to set at Marco Simone Golf Club, the 18th green became the setting for late drama in the afternoon’s fourballs. Victor Hovland, Jon Rahm and Justin Rose all made crucial putts at the last to turn defeats into ties and ensure the US did not win a single match on day one – the first time that has ever happened at the Ryder Cup.

“The 18th hole was incredibly kind to us,” said Rose, after he locked in Europe’s 6½-1½ overnight lead, and celebrated wildly with his teammates watching on. “The boys made some incredible putts. Those three ties mean a lot.”

Full story:

Europe relish 18th hole drama after crushing America on day one of Ryder Cup

Brooks Koepka hits out at ‘child’ Jon Rahm as tensions boil over at Ryder Cup

18:35 , Jack Rathborn

Brooks Koepka has hit out at Jon Rahm and labelled his Ryder Cup rival a “child” for his behaviour on the course.

The five-time major winner was left frustrated after Team USA squandered a lead twice in the closing holes of their fourball match against Rahm and rookie Nicolai Hojgaard.

Rahm chipped in for eagle on the 16th to square the match and then made another eagle on the 18th after bumping a putt off the backboard before the ball bounced up and nestled into the hole.

It means Europe cemented a commanding lead 6.5 to 1.5 after day one, with Koepka upset at his side’s performance and the score.

Brooks Koepka hits out at Jon Rahm as tensions boil over at Ryder Cup

Justin Thomas produces iconic moment to validate Ryder Cup selection

18:25 , Ben Fleming

A spin and a deadly stare back towards Europe’s boisterous fans. Justin Thomas roared in delight, banishing any doubts about his presence in Rome.

It was a nervy, slippery putt from six feet down the slope on 15 and then the two-time major champion faced another, this time six feet on 18 after Viktor Hovland’s astonishing 26 ft birdie. The putts made Thomas’ shoulders and knees tremble. Yet, on both occasions, he opted to reset in a crucial, mature move that defined not just the match, but, perhaps, even the Ryder Cup if Team USA are able to summon an early charge on Saturday.

The whistling from Europe’s fans only cranked up the intensity of each moment, yet they provided the necessary stimulation to inspire Thomas’ fierce determination.

Justin Thomas came into the tournament with some questioning his selection. Jack Rathborn followed him this afternoon in his fourballs match to see how he dealt with that pressure:

Justin Thomas produces iconic moment to validate Ryder Cup selection

USA’s disastrous Ryder Cup start impacted by illness, says captain Zach Johnson

20:15 , Lawrence Ostlere

American captain Zach Johnson said illness may have affected his players after Team USA failed to register a single win in the opening eight matches for the first time in Ryder Cup history.

Europe swept to an historic 4-0 lead in the morning foursomes, before claiming another win and three ties in the afternoon fourballs to hold a 6½ - 1½ advantage overnight.

“We’ve got some congestion and some signs [of illness],” Johnson said. “Things like that are unfortunate, sometimes the energy is a little low. But the ability and desire to go out and play is still there. Every one of them wants to play every match.”

Asked whether the illness had spread through the camp, he replied: “It kind of has, if I’m being honest. It’s spread through my team.”

USA’s disastrous Ryder Cup start impacted by illness, says captain Zach Johnson

Justin Thomas speaking after this afternoon’s action

19:20 , Jack Rathborn

“It’s not the start we wanted but fortunately for us, we’ve got a lot of golf left. We’ll just go get some sleep, regroup and try to win as many points as possible tomorrow.

“Tomorrow is important. We’ve put ourselves in a spot where every session is extremely important and yeah, at the end of the day, it’s just all anybody can do is control their match.

“You can’t win more than one point in one match, and just go out and do your job and win as many as we possibly can tomorrow and get back in it going into singles.”

Ryder Cup 2023 tee times and full schedule after Saturday foursomes revealed

19:10 , Jack Rathborn

Morning schedule

6:35 Foursomes match 1: Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy vs Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth

6:50 Foursomes match 2: Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg vs Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka

7:05 Foursomes match 3: Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka vs Max Homa and Brian Harman

7:20 Foursomes match 4: Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton vs Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay

Justin Rose speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live after today’s play

19:00 , Jack Rathborn

“It was the last putt of the day, the whole team around. Bobby [MacIntyre] and I worked so hard all day to get something out of that.

“You look at the significance of the scoreboard and just the fact there was no red on the scoreboard the whole day long. Bob and I did not want it to be us today and I felt we deserved more than that.

“We did play well. Wyndham [Clark] and Max [Homa] tag-teamed nicely and were a hard team to beat. We had to work for it. It gives us huge momentum this afternoon on what could have been a huge claw-back for USA.”

Rory McIlroy speaking to BBC Sport Northern Ireland after today’s play

18:32 , Ben Fleming

“It’s amazing. The fact that the Americans didn’t win a full point was incredible and just shows the heart, grit and determination that the European team has. You look at the three matches that went up 18 and how good the 18th was to us.

“It’s an amazing day but it is just one day. There are two days left. It’s a great start but we can’t rest on our laurels. We need to go out there and try and win tomorrow’s morning session and keep increasing our lead.

“I’ve had two great partners today. Tommy [Fleetwood] played brilliant this morning and Matt [Fitzpatrick] obviously got off to that unbelievable start this afternoon. I felt like I contributed quite nicely as well but individually for myself and the team it’s been an incredible day. We’ll enjoy it, regroup and go again tomorrow.”

Viktor Hovland, Ludvig Aberg and the Scandi bromance at the beating heart of Europe’s Ryder Cup

18:19 , Ben Fleming

“Golf is easy when you’re playing with The Stud,” said Viktor Hovland at the end of his morning foursomes match, glancing up admiringly at his teammate. The Stud is Ludvig Aberg, the 23-year-old Swedish Ryder Cup rookie tipped to be the sport’s next big thing. He is tall and slender, with chiseled features, sunken eyes and a disarming smile. And Hovland is right: he makes golf seem easy.

Aberg has been a professional for only four months and has not yet played a major. He didn’t even make the top-four most recognisable faces in their foursomes match against America’s Max Homa and Brian Harman, with Novak Djokovic trailing them around Marco Simone Golf Club. But after an edgy start – “I was very nervous,” Aberg later admitted, and his legs turned to jelly “multiple times” – he soon settled into his Ryder Cup debut.

Swedish sensation Ludvig Aberg got off to a winning start at the Ryder Cup. Lawrence Ostlere followed his round this morning:

The Scandinavian bromance at the beating heart of Europe’s Ryder Cup

The sights and sounds of Ryder Cup first tee deliver pure sporting theatre

18:12 , Ben Fleming

They came in their thousands, scurrying across Marco Simone at dawn to secure a precious vantage point. A stampede of golf fans, on a pilgrimage to witness pure sporting theatre at the iconic first-tee amphitheater for the Ryder Cup. Just under 5,000 fans crammed in at 6am to witness history.

A dark blue horizon slowly transformed to a burnt orange as the sun came out over the Lazio hills. One of sport’s most unique fanbases stepped up once more, including a cluster of Swedes with A-B-E-R-G printed on the back of their shirts, and an even bigger group of Americans dressed as red, blue and white Vikings.

While waiting for Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns to grace the tee box, an impromptu orchestra provided some light entertainment. Each European player serenaded with their own song: Robert McIntyre’s name to the Kings of Leon’s ‘Sex on Fire’, Shane Lowry subbed in for ‘Zombie’ by The Cranberries and don’t you know “All you need is Nicolai Hojgaard”.

The first-tee atmosphere was something to behold earlier in the day. Luckily, The Independent’s Jack Rathborn was there to witness it all:

The sights and sounds of Ryder Cup first tee deliver sporting theatre

Rinse and repeat for Donald?

18:10 , Ben Fleming

For the European captain meanwhile, the options are plentiful. He may well opt for the exact same foursomes lineup tomorrow morning, especially after how it went today but there were signs of fatigue from a few players at the end, Hatton in particular.

Fitzpatrick was electric this afternoon and he may well have forced Donald’s hand to play him both sessions tomorrow.

Decisions, decisions, decisions

18:05 , Ben Fleming

There will certainly be two very different captain’s speeches taking place in the respective dressing rooms at some point this evening.

America have to be better tomorrow to try and claw back some of this deficit and Zach Johnson will have to move to plan B. The question is: what is plan B?

Burns and Harman struggled in the morning, while Morikawa and Schauffele flattered to deceive this afternoon so it may be tricky to put any of them back out. And what about Spieth? He really faltered alongside Thomas down the stretch in his match this afternoon and was straight back onto the range but it’s quite the risk to put him out tomorrow morning, especially in foursomes.

Plenty to mull over...

Coming up tomorrow

17:59 , Ben Fleming

It’s the same schedule as tomorrow with four foursomes matches in the morning followed by four fourball matches in the afternoon. Here are the all-important timings:

Morning schedule

6:35 Foursomes match 1

6:50 Foursomes match 2

7:05 Foursomes match 3

7:20 Foursomes match 4

Afternoon schedule

11:25 Fourball match 1

11:40 Fourball match 2

11:55 Fourball match 3

12:10 Fourball match 4

Shane Lowry ‘lost it’ before even teeing off as Europe make dream start

17:57 , Ben Fleming

Shane Lowry admitted he “lost it” on the first tee at the Ryder Cup after Europe got off to a dream start in Rome on Friday.

The fireworks began early as Viktor Hovland, playing in the second match of the day, chipped in for birdie at the first hole.

That not only fired up his playing partner Ludvig Aberg as they went on to beat Max Homa and Brian Harman 4&3, but inspired Lowry, who was playing in the next match and watching on the big screen.

“I stood on the first tee trying to stay calm, and I’m watching Viktor on the big screen and he chipped in, and I lost it,” said Lowry, who combined with Sepp Straka for a 2&1 win over Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa.

Read more of what the Irishman had to say below:

Shane Lowry ‘lost it’ before even teeing off as Europe make dream start

Luke Donald speaking at the end of Friday’s play to Sky Sports

17:55 , Ben Fleming

“I’m incredibly proud. What we did this morning, getting off to a 4-0 start, is unheard of against this strong American team. It was tough this afternoon, really hard going, with three matches coming down to 18, but the 18th was kind to us.

“We showed so much grit and determination to turn it around. It was looking like 3-1 to the US, so to win this session was huge.”

Europe storm into record-equalling five-point lead on first day of Ryder Cup

17:52 , Ben Fleming

Jon Rahm cemented his status as Spain’s latest Ryder Cup superstar as Europe claimed a record-equalling five-point lead after an extraordinary opening day of the 44th Ryder Cup.

Captain Luke Donald’s decision to start with foursomes for the first time since 1993, when the United States last won on European soil, paid handsome dividends as his side swept an opening session for the first time ever.

Roared on by a partisan crowd at Marco Simone, the home side never trailed at any point in all four matches and their opponents won just 10 holes all morning.

Zach Johnson’s side threatened to stage a fightback as they led in all but one of the afternoon fourballs on the closing stretch, only for three European pairs to snatch half a point each in incredible fashion.

Read the full report from today’s action:

Europe storm into record-equalling five-point lead on first day of Ryder Cup

Todays results

17:43 , Ben Fleming

So after that dramatic first day, it’s Europe who have a commanding 6½ - 1½ lead. They now need just eight points over the last two days to ensure that they retain the Ryder Cup. Here’s a look back at the results from today:

Morning foursomes:

Rahm/Hatton beat Scheffler/Burns 4&3

Hovland/Aberg beat Homa/Harman 4&3

Lowry/Straka beat Fowler/Morikawa 2&1

McIlroy/Fleetwood beat Schauffele/Cantlay 2&1

Afternoon fourballs:

Hovland/Hatton tied with Thomas/Spieth

Rahm/Hojgaard tied with Scheffler/Koepka

Rose/MacIntyre tied with Homa/Clark

Fitzpatrick/McIlroy beat Schauffele/Morikawa 4&3

Rose secures another dramatic half for Europe

17:35 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark - Match tied

Rose with a huge putt to snatch another dramatic half...

HE MAKES IT!

What a huge putt and what a massive celebration. All of Team Europe are camped around the green and go wild along with the crowd as the putt drops.

He and MacIntyre were two down with two to play and they’ve secured a dramatic half to ensure America went winless on the first day.

Three matches made their way to the last this afternoon with Europe trailing in two and tied in one but they have walked off with a tie in each one. That could be massive come Sunday.

Homa misses birdie to secure win

17:33 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark 1UP (17)

Clark was superb through the middle of the round but he’s fallen apart at the end here as his wedge out of the rough flies through the back of the green. He can’t make the chip so it’s all done to Homa now.

MacIntyre will go next, though, with his long-range effort but it’s just pushed out to the right.

Back to the Americans and Homa then. To secure the win from around 12 feet...but he misses! It just edges wide of the right edge and Rose now has a putt to secure a half.

Homa steps up; Rose sticks it close

17:26 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark 1UP (17)

Homa, now, has to deliver with Clark in trouble. And he does, a superb wedge into the green to give him a look at birdie.

But Rose goes on better, just landing his ball inside of the Americans and coming to rest around nine feet from the hole. MacIntyre is a bit further out but two looks at birdie for Europe.

They have to make one and hope Homa misses and Clark doesn’t get up and down.

17:22 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark 1UP (17)

Homa and MacIntyre can only hack out of the rough, leaving themselves both with wedges from a very similar spot.

Rose was briefly toying with the idea of a fairway wood out of the bunker but eventually opts against it and lays up out of the sand.

Clark now with the chance to put America in a commanding position in this match. 248 yards to the pin from the middle of the fairway. “Let’s hit a cocky shot,” his caddie says but that is way right and into the crowd. A huge unforced error from where he was and the door opens a bit for the European duo.

Up the last they go

17:15 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark 1UP (17)

A big final hole coming up. The US have to hold on to this point.

Euros up first: MacIntyre drifts right, while Rose is unfortunate to roll into the bunker. There’s pressure on Clark after Homa’s ball goes way right but the US Open champion crunches it straight down the heart of the fairway.

A slight advantage to America, one would say.

Third match heads to the last hole

17:08 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark 1UP (17)

This 17th hole has and continues to provide drama at the end of the round. This time, Homa and Clark are way out of position off the tee but the European duo can’t take advantage.

They make their pars but Clark has a chance to equal that and win the match...but it’s wide.

Back to 1UP and down the last they go. Europe couldn’t do it again, could they?

Rahm eagles last to secure dramatic half

17:02 , Ben Fleming

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka - Match tied

Koepka and Scheffler have better lies than perhaps their second shots deserved. Both show great creativity from the rough, though and set up birdie chances.

It’s all on Rahm now. An eagle putt up the slope - similar to Hovland - to secure the half...

HE MAKES IT!

What a putt. Right on target, hits the back of the cup and in it drops.

A huge eagle and Europe knick a half point on the last.

America closing in on first win

16:59 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark 2UP (16)

Disappointing from MacIntyre as the Scot three-putts at a costly time in the match, racing it past the hole and not making the come-backer. The American duo move back to 2-up with two to play.

The best the Euros can hope for is a half now in that one.

Slight opening for Europe

16:57 , Ben Fleming

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka 1UP (17)

Scheffler is right with his second and Koepka - from the middle of the fairway - is way right. Rahm, meanwhile, is on the green in two after a sparkling iron while Hojgaard joins him on the putting surface after three.

Can Europe somehow secure a last-ditch half?

McIlroy and Fitzpatrick secure fifth European win

16:54 , Ben Fleming

McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele - Europe win 5&3

It was only a matter of time but McIlroy and Fitzpatrick finally get over the line after a superb shot from Rory into the last. Schauffele can’t make the birdie putt and the victory is Europe’s. That’s a huge weight off Fitzpatrick’s shoulders who gets his first point in the Ryder Cup and it was the Englishman who set up the victory with a stellar front-nine performance.

Thomas secures half for America

16:50 , Ben Fleming

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas - match tied

Of course Thomas can! A much needed half for America but he must have thought he would have a putt for the match. A great putt from Hovland ensures Europe walk away with something but what a ding-dong affair that was to kick off the afternoon’s proceeding.

Huge birdie from Hovland

16:47 , Ben Fleming

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas A/S (17)

Hatton’s ball skips on a bit from the bunker, leaving him an outside chance at birdie. From the right rough, Thomas almost threatens the hole but gives himself a good look at a birdie.

Hovland up first, though. It’s up a big slope and right in the heart of the cup! It threatened to fall short but Hovland lets out a huge roar as he sees it drop.

Thomas now then. Can he secure the half for America?

It’s all of Thomas

16:42 , Ben Fleming

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas A/S (17)

Spieth has not been at his best on this back nine and it gets that bit worse as he finds the water on the final hole with a real unforced error. It’s all on Thomas now to bring this game home.

Hatton is in the bunker after two, while Hovland gives himself a look at birdie after his wegde into the green.

This is a massive few moments.

Europe back within one in third match

16:38 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark 1UP (15)

A potential story developing in the third match. The US looked comfortable but all of a sudden both players are in trouble and a par is enough from Rose to put the pressure on them both.

And the pressure tells. Both Homa and Clark miss out to the right and their lead is now just one as they head to the 16th.

Scheffler steals the lead on the penultimate hole.

16:34 , Ben Fleming

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka 1UP (17)

Rahm from ten feet...oh, he’s left it short! Head in his hands - that’s the one thing he couldn’t do. Scheffler is even closer in and he makes no mistake!

Some real emotion from the World No.1 as the putt drops in the hole. They take the lead heading up the last and what a vital putt that could be.

Bad miss from Schauffele; Europe closing in on bottom-match win

16:32 , Ben Fleming

4UP McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele (14)

McIlroy and Fitzpatrick are all over the place on the 14th and struggling to threaten the scorers. Schauffele has a tiddler to further eat into the Euros’ lead...but he misses! That’s a really poor one from Xander and now the best he and Morikawa can hope for is a half with four remaining.

Scheffler threatens a slam dunk

16:30 , Ben Fleming

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka A/S (16)

Anything you can do, I can do better, says Scheffler to Rahm. The Spaniard sticks in it close a the par-three 17th but the World No.1 goes even better as his ball almost goes in on the full. He’ll be inside Rahm and have a great look at the line.

All square heading up the last

16:27 , Ben Fleming

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas A/S (17)

Chances for both sides to win it on the penultimate hole. Hatton and Hovland’s efforts slide by before Thomas doesn’t quite borrow enough from left to right as his misses, too.

A big final hole coming up - can either side steal a point at the death?

Rahm chips in to hit back against Koepka/Scheffler

16:21 , Lawrence Ostlere

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka A/S (16)

Rahm has chipped in! Again! He eagles the 16th to win the hole and tie the match. It popped up over a brow, ran down the hill and he was celebrating before it fell. All square.

State of play

16:15 , Lawrence Ostlere

It feels like matches three and four are over, so there’s so much riding on these tight, tense first two battles. Hovland and Hatton have both hit good tee shots on the green on the 17th; Spieth has not, but Thomas has matched them so he will be fighting on his own.

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas - A/S (16)

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka - America 1UP (15)

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark - America 2UP (13)

McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele - Europe 4UP (13)

Thomas misses putt to pull Europe level

16:10 , Lawrence Ostlere

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas A/S (16)

After Spieth found the water and Hatton birdied, another Thomas putt from about 6ft to tie the hole... and this time he misses! The crowd roars as Hovland and Hatton march on to the 17th tee all square once more. What a match this is.

Koepka drains birdie putt to seize control of match 2

16:05 , Lawrence Ostlere

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka 1UP (15)

A big moment in the second match! Jon Rahm’s putt doesn’t quite turn enough and Brooks Koepka learns the lesson, hitting his a little straighter to find the middle of the cup on 15. A birdie, and the US are up for the first time in the match, with only three holes to go.

Spieth finds the water on 16

16:01 , Lawrence Ostlere

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas 1UP (15)

A huge roar goes up as Jordan Spieth’s ball splashes into the water short of the 16th green. Tyrrell Hatton is in prime position to take advantage.

Clark extends US lead in match three

15:57 , Lawrence Ostlere

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark 2UP (12)

Wyndham Clark birdies the 13th and the US are gathering momentum now. Up in two matches, down in one, and tied in the other.

Thomas makes it – hole halved

15:55 , Lawrence Ostlere

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas 1UP (15)

...Thomas makes it! He turns around to the crowd and eyeballs them, then punches the air. That was a huge moment and the US stay one up.

Hovland misses put by an inch – chance for the US

15:53 , Lawrence Ostlere

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas 1UP (14)

Viktor Hovland has just missed a mid-length putt on the 15th green by perhaps an inch, maybe less, and it gives Justin Thomas the chance to halve the hole from six feet, down the slope...

Hojgaard birdie saves Europe

15:46 , Ben Fleming

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka A/S (14)

Koepka is yet to make a birdie this round but breaks that trend with a superb iron into the 14th which stops within a couple of feet. Rahm, though, relishes such a challenge and follows the American in close. In the end, it doesn’t matter as his partner Hojgaard rolls his birdie effort down the slope to secure Europe’s birdie.

Still tied in this one with four left to go.

Clark holes lengthy birdie to halve hole

15:43 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark 1UP (12)

There were some concerns over MacIntyre coming into the week but the Scot is more than holding his own through 12 holes here. His eagle effort just runs past but he settles for birdie. Clark, though, who has also acclimatised very quickly to the Ryder Cup, makes a lovely roll of it to secure a birdie and make the birdie.

Hole halved and on they go.

Morikawa and Schauffele claw one shot back

15:36 , Ben Fleming

5UP McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele (11)

It’s still a long way back for the American duo but they make a start by winning the 11th. Fitzpatrick has a look at a putt for the tie but it just drifts wide on the left side. Seven holes left and still a five-shot lead, though.

Hatton birdie halves deficit in top match

15:34 , Ben Fleming

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas 1UP (14)

The US are in real trouble up the 14. Spieth gets himself in trouble off the tee while Thomas misses very uncharacteristically from the fairway, leaking his left and into some thick greenside rough.

Hatton steps up and piles the pressure on as his iron goes to just 11 feet from the hole.

A big putt needed from the Americans to avoid bogey...but neither can find one. Hatton rolls in his birdie and the US lead is just one.

Missed opportunities at 13 for both sides

15:29 , Ben Fleming

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka A/S (12)

Scheffler is in trouble off the tee but Koepka steps up to bail his teammate out with a great shot in. But Hojgaard gets in even closer with a lovely shot that just spins back a bit in front of the hole.

Koepka misses with his birdie look but Hojgaard fails to take advantage with a poor stroke, in truth. Even it remains through 12 in this one - how big it would be if either side could knick this one late on.

Honours even on the 11th in third match

15:20 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark 1UP (11)

Rose and MacIntyre are both in the left greenside bunker on the driveable par-four 10th but the Englishman gets up and down impressively to ensure a birdie. Clark’s drive ran out of green through the back and his eagle effort down the slope just misses on the right side. A birdie for him, too, and the US team keep their narrow lead over Europe in this third match.

Scheffler misses good birdie chance

15:18 , Ben Fleming

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka A/S (12)

It’s been a poor stretch of holes from the European duo and Scheffler and Koepka have a real opportunity to get America ahead in their third game. Rahm’s missed birdie chance gives Scheffler that chance but his effort just runs out of steam and falls short. It remains all square.

Birdies aplenty at ten

15:16 , Ben Fleming

6UP McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele (10)

Morikawa makes his birdie three at the par-four tenth but is muted in his celebrations as McIlroy is in close too. And the Northern Irishman makes no mistake with his effort as he pumps up the crowd. No relenting from the European duo who maintain six up through ten.

US move two ahead in top match

15:13 , Ben Fleming

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas 2UP (13)

A few signs beginning to show that the heat and sheer amount of golf may be getting to Hatton as a tired wing ends up in the bunker.

He almost holes out from there but Hovland’s missed birdie effort means the US have two goes at the hole. Thomas misses his but Spieth makes no mistake! The US move two ahead with just five holes remaining.

Rose birdie halves US lead

15:05 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark 1UP (10)

He’s the oldest man in this year’s contest but Justin Rose is here to compete. The Englishman flies a beauty of an iron in close at the ninth hole and takes full advantage to win the hole when Homa misses with his birdie effort.

He and MacIntyre are just one back now with eight to play.

Second match remains tied

15:02 , Ben Fleming

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka A/S (11)

Onto the driveable par-four 11th for the second game. Hojgaard goes long and Rahm ends up just short, but the Spaniard’s short game is excellent as he spins on to kick-in range. Scheffler makes a good birdie in response, though, to keep that one all tied.

America move ahead in first match

15:00 , Ben Fleming

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas 1UP (12)

Thomas is again creating opportunities for himself as he reaches the par-five 12th in two. He pushes his eagle right of the hole but Europe still need to find a birdie to tie this up. Hovland doesn’t borrow enough on his left-to-righter with his missing to the right and Hatton follows him there.

A poor hole from Europe and America move into the lead in the first match as Spieth knocks his birdie in.

Europe remain six up as last match makes turn

14:53 , Ben Fleming

6UP McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele (9)

The US have played this ninth hole far better than the Euros this afternoon and that trend continues with the final group as Morikawa gives himself a great look at eagle to win the hole.

Schauffele gives him the read but the putt just slides past the hole. McIlroy gets up and down from the left greenside rough to make his birdie as the hole is halved.

A commanding position for Europe in this match as they make the turn.

US pull level in second game

14:43 , Ben Fleming

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka A/S (10)

A right mess of it from the European duo on the tenth as both make birdie. Koepka missed his birdie effort but his par is a winning score as the American team get this back to all square having on two holes in a row.

The US, ever so slightly, starting to turn the screw perhaps.

Spieth birdie halves hole

14:40 , Ben Fleming

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas A/S (11)

Hovland reaches the driveable par-fourth 11th hole with a wonderful tee shot and gives his eagle run a good go with the ball just running on by. Hatton rolls it a birdie of his own but the hole is halved as Spieth gets up and down very nicely from the right side of the green.

Clark birdie doubles US lead in third match

14:38 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark 2UP (9)

Wyndham Clark is playing some of the best golf out there of anyone this afternoon. The US Open Champion reaches the green in two with a beautifully hit fairway metal which feeds down perfectly to the hole. His eagle putt, however, just evades the mouth of the hole and slides by.

McIntyre laid up and hit a wonderful chip inside of Clark’s effort but now needs this to halve the hole...but he drags it wide. The US have daylight now in that third match.

Birdie streak comes to an end

14:28 , Ben Fleming

6UP McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele (8)

After six winning holes in a row, McIlroy and Fitzpatrick finally decide to take a break for a hole. America can’t take advantage on the tricky eighth and it’s a hole halved.

Thomas running cold with the putter

14:24 , Ben Fleming

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas A/S (10)

Unsurprisingly, for a man working his way back into form, Thomas feels like he’s forcing the issue just a little. Another great iron into the green but the flat stick lets him down once again. Another hole halved after Hatton’s lovely up and down from the back of the green.

Scheffler cuts Euro lead straight away

14:21 , Ben Fleming

1UP Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka (9)

The World No.1 shows all his skill on the par-five ninth to reach the green in a great position after two. Rahm is disappointed with himself as he misses a short putt for birdie and Scheffler makes no mistake with his one to win a hole back straight after Hojgaard’s success on the previous hole.

Back to 1up as they make the turn.

American duo starting to fire

14:18 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark 1UP (8)

These two have the only US lead on the course and Homa wants to keep it that way as he pours in a lovely long-range effort, his second in three holes.

Rose, though, as he was on the sixth, is equal to it and makes the par putt. A fist bump to the crowd to fire himself up; he and MacIntyre are right in this still.

McIlroy adds more misery to Morikawa and Schauffele

14:08 , Ben Fleming

6UP McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele (7)

Fitzpatrick almost keeps his incredible hot streak going at the seventh. His putt threatens to drop but just dies away to the left at the final moment.

In his absence, however, McIlroy decides to get in on the act as he pours in a 17-footer to win the hole with birdie.

Six-up through seven. Morikawa and Schauffele with a mountain to climb.

Hovland halves hole with birdie

14:01 , Ben Fleming

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas A/S (9)

Thomas yells at his ball to go from the fairway. And go it does, rolling up onto the green in two at the par-five ninth. He lags it down in two for his birdie but Hovland is right there with him, holing out from just over 11 feet to ensure this match stays tied.

A bit of chatter between the two teams over something it would appear. Perhaps a bit of an edge with both sides realising how crucial it is to get the first point of the afternoon for their side.

The Independent’s Jack Rathborn on the course in Rome:

“We reach the turn all square and what a match this has been. Thomas and Spieth battling hard and briefly put red on the board for the first time today. Zach Johnson will be questioned as to why the pair were benched this morning. Hatton and Hovland a formidable pair after their morning momentum alongside Rahm and Aberg.”

Red on the board after Clark birdie

13:58 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark 1UP (7)

The seventh belongs to Clark after a beauty of an iron comes to rest just a few feet from the hole. Rose has an outside look at birdie on the par three but he can’t convert and Clark takes care of his chance to move the US ahead in that match.

Hojgaard extends Euro lead

13:56 , Ben Fleming

2UP Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka (8)

The Spaniard is on trouble after his second bounces into the water but he responds in brilliant fashion, chipping in from the greenside rough to secure a par.

Hojgaard is on the green and now has a free run at a birdie. The Americans first, though. Koepka misses his par putt but gives Scheffler a good look at birdie from a similar range...put pushes it out to the right as well.

Hojgaard now with a chance to win the hole and makes it! Back-to-back birdies for him and Europe move two ahead in that second match.

Another one for Fitzpatrick

13:51 , Ben Fleming

5UP McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele (6)

The kind of golf that simply defies logic from Fitzpatrick as he pours in yet another birdie at the sixth after a stellar approach shot. A reminder that he is yet to win a Ryder Cup match so far, with five defeats over two tournaments.

Morikawa misses his look at birdie but Schauffele has one in close to tie the hole...misses! Dragged from the American and Europe go 5-up. That was a poor miss from him.

Rose keeps Homa at bay

13:44 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark A/S (5)

The America is trying to get something going in for his team and that will certainly help! 30 feet but it pours into the hole on the fifth. Rose, though, is positioned perfectly after his approach into the green and makes a short-range birdie to halve the hole.

Matt Fitzpatrick playing lights-out golf

13:43 , Luke Baker

Fitzpatrick is absolutely tearing up Marco Simone right now

Hojgaard stays hot

13:41 , Luke Baker

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka - Europe 1UP (7)

Holy smokes! Nicolai Hojgaard might be the second-hottest man on the course behind Fitzpatrick. The Danish rookie looks anything but a greenhorn as he’s outplaying both his partner Jon Rahm and opponents Brooks Koepka and Scottie Scheffler. You know, those men with eight major titles between them while he has played in just five majors.

Doesn’t matter as he fist pumps away after holing a birdie putt from eight feet on the seventh to put Europe 1-up. Everything going the way of the blue team right now!

Fitzpatrick in for eagle!

13:37 , Luke Baker

4UP McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele (5)

This is getting borderline ridiculous from Fitzpatrick now. That unbelievable drive we mentioned actually left him 12.5 feet for eagle. It’s to take the hole after Morikawa’s eagle look from a shade further away burns the edge.

And of course Fitzy sinks it! Almost 75 feet of putts from him through five holes and playing partner McIlroy is literally standing their laughing. It’s incredible. A 20-foot par save at the first has been followed by birdie, birdie, birdie, eagle. It’s remarkable and Europe are 4-up!

No dice on the eighth

13:34 , Luke Baker

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas A/S (8)

Nice drives, solid iron shots across the board means it’s a birdie putt-off on the eighth green. None of them are easy and it’s four misses! Hovland has Europe’s best look but his 15-footer slides just by before Spieth has a golden opportunity to get red on the board but leaves it short.

Frustration for the three-time major champ.

Fitzpatrick hits the green in one

13:29 , Luke Baker

3UP McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele (4)

Wow! Matt Fitzpatrick is on flames right now. The driveable par-4 fifth is a shade under 300 yards and Fitzpatrick smokes the ball over the water protecting the green, it bounds on, rolls past the flag and leaves him inside 10 feet for eagle!

The way he’s putted, it feels hard to see him missing. But what a drive!

Clark takes the hole

13:28 , Luke Baker

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark A/S (5)

This match is probably the least sexy on paper and maybe isn’t getting as much attention as the others but US Open champ Wyndham Clark shows he has come to play. A nice birdie at the fifth to tie things up and haul MacIntyre and Rose back to all-square.

13:26 , Luke Baker

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka A/S (6)

Birdie putts all round in the second match on the sixth green. Rahm misses his but Scottie Scheffler - with Phil Kenyon helping as his putting coach - is looking more comfortable on the greens and nails his.

Pressure on young Nicolai Hojgaard to halve the hole. But from six feet he is nails! Four birdies in the first six holes for the Dane and he keeps that match all-square.

Fitzpatrick stays hot

13:22 , Luke Baker

3UP McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele (4)

BOOOM! A third birdie in a row for Fitzpatrick. He simply cannot be stopped with the putter - it’s four one-putts in a row for the Yorkshireman. 61 feet of putts in the first four holes as he sinks a 14-footer on four to move Europe 3-up in that final match.

McIlroy enjoying a watching brief so far, while Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele don’t seem to be able to do anything to stop a flying Fitzy either.

Hovland converts as Thomas misses

13:15 , Luke Baker

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas A/S (7)

Thomas starts his birdie putt way outside the right of the hole but he doesn’t have the speed and it dives across and short of the hole to the left. A bow of the head as he knows Hovland can win the hole from a few feet.

And it’s there! Almost a formality after his stunning tee shot. The Europeans back to all-square!

The Independent’s Jack Rathborn on the course in Rome:

Things still looking good for Europe

13:12 , Luke Baker

Plenty of fist bumps and pumps for Europe so far this afternoon, even though USA have a slight foothold for the first time.

Hovland and Thomas with duelling irons

13:10 , Luke Baker

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas 1UP (6)

Deary me! At the 182-yard seventh hole, Hovland and Thomas absolutely pepper the flag! JT skips the ball up there, a couple of bounces, bit of check and he’s got a great look at birdie from maybe 12 feet.

But anything you can do... Hovland may be the hottest golfer in the world right now and he pings his approach in, to the left of the whole and a little skip right. No more than 6 feet for a birdie look. Sublime from the Norwegian!

Fitzpatrick stays hot with the flat stick

13:07 , Luke Baker

2UP McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele (3)

There’s an argument that Matt Fitzpatrick is Europe’s best putter and he’s certainly backing that up early on this afternoon. A mid-range putt for birdie at three is never anywhere but the heart of the cup. A wry smile, a little fist pump and Fitzpatrick has birdied the last two holes to put he and McIlroy two up.

JT birdies to post some red

13:04 , Luke Baker

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas 1UP (6)

A rare miss for Hovland, who has had a stellar day but shaves the edge of hole with a makeable birdie putt at six. It gives Justin Thomas the chance to win the hole and get the first red on the board for the entire day...

Lines it up from eight feet and finds the heart of the cup! Finally something for Team USA to celebrate. They’re 1-up in that top match. After six-and-a-half hours of golf, USA leads in a match for the first time!

The Independent’s Jack Rathborn on the course in Rome:

‘Good miss’ from Thomas

12:52 , Luke Baker

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas A/S (5)

The Independent’s Jack Rathborn on the course in Rome:

Fitzpatrick comes to the party

12:50 , Luke Baker

1UP McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele (2)

Chants of “Oh Matthew Fitzpatrick!” ring round Marco Simone. The former US Open champions shows why he’s one of the best in the world with the flat stick as he drains a lengthy birdie putt and gives a knowing smile. He and McIlroy go 1-up thru 2.

Meanwhile, the lead match has reached the driveable par-4 fifth. Booming drives aplenty and eventually the hole is halved after a birdie apiece.

Here’s The Independent’s Jack Rathborn on the course in Rome:

Koepka and Scheffler level match two

12:40 , Luke Baker

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka A/S (3)

Are we finally getting some American momentum for the first time today? It’s another European lead wiped out as Jon Rahm can’t make a long-distance putt at the third and Brooks Koepka tidies up to bring that match back to all-square.

Still no red on the board but only one of the four matches going Europe’s way now.

Spieth chip-in to tie things up

12:38 , Luke Baker

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas A/S (4)

A huge moment! Jordan Spieth chips in from off the green and eradicates the European lead in the first match out on the course

Here’s The Independent’s Jack Rathborn on the course in Rome:

Rose birdie gets more blue on the board

12:34 , Luke Baker

1UP MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark (2)

Fourballs teamwork from MacIntyre and Rose as the Scot made birdie at the first and the Englishman picks up the mantle at two. Stiffs his second shot to within a few feet and rolls in the birdie putt.

While Homa halved the first, neither American can do better than par, so it’s more blue on the board as Europe go 1-up.

Good par save from Fitzpatrick

12:28 , Luke Baker

A/S McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele (1)

McIlroy is over the back of the green after two but shows great touch with his chip to guide it down to hole side. Schauffele has a good look across the green for birdie but just misses on the right side.

Fitzpatrick was off to the right side of the green but chips on and makes a solid 11-foot putt for his par. The perfect start for the Englishman and it’s all square heading to second in this final match.

Europe stay one ahead

12:23 , Ben Fleming

1UP Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas (3)

Two great looks at birdie on the third for Hatton and Thomas but both fail to find the bottom of the cup. Those two looking the sharper duo out of the four so far.

The Independent’s Jack Rathborn sends this in:

Signs of life in JT! He crushes driver off the third and looks a little surprised at just how sweetly struck it was. It’s miles down the fairway, a swig of his protein shake and then he clips a crisp wedge to within 10 feet. That birdie try is no good though! Cruel, after two beautiful shots in trademark Thomas fashion.

So close for Europe! Hatton’s birdie putt swings around the cup and that’s a trademark Team Angry glare!

The hole is halved and Europe remain one up. In truth, two back after the way both Spieth and Thomas played the last would have been a harsh reflection of this match so far.

Koepka burns the edge on the second

12:19 , Ben Fleming

1UP Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka (1)

Koepka, like Thomas in the match ahead, sees a really good look at birdie for the hole pass him by on the second. The US did not lead a match at any stage this morning and it remains the case so far this afternoon.

That needs to change quickly, however, for Zach Jonhson’s men.

MacIntyre secures half at opening hole

12:16 , Ben Fleming

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark A/S (1)

No nerves on display from the European rookies so far. Hojgaard poured from on in moments ago and MacIntyre has just stuck one close with his second into the first hole.

Homa, though, is in close, too and he makes his birdie putt from nine feet. MacIntyre to secure the half...and he does! The perfect start for the Scotsman and they stay level after the first.

Final match under way

12:16 , Ben Fleming

McIlroy/Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa/Schauffele

The final match of this afternoon session ends with a few wild tee shots from McIlroy and Morikawa. Schauffele and Fitzpatrick in good spots though and looking to attack the first pin.

Another cracking all-star match-up in the anchor position of this afternoon’s play.

Thomas misses out on the second

12:07 , Ben Fleming

1UP Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas (2)

A really good chance for Thomas on the second but his birdie effort from seven feet slides by. A good chance for the American to level things up but not to be.

Huge birdie from Hojgaard to give Europe lead

12:04 , Ben Fleming

1UP Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka (1)

Well hello Nicolai Hojgaard! What a way to announce yourself on the Ryder Cup stage as the Dane pours in a 47-footer for birdie on the first. Koepka nor Scheffler can match that and Europe take the opening hole.

Remarkable.

MacIntyre/Rose vs Homa/Clark

12:02 , Ben Fleming

The perfect start for the rookie Scot as he finds the middle of the fairway with his opening drive. Rose follow suits and that’s the perfect start for Europe in this one.

The rookie combo of Homa and Clark are also well placed as this third match heads off.

1UP Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas

12:00 , Ben Fleming

The Independent’s Jack Rathborn reporting from Marco Simone:

“Hatton and Hovland march towards the second green, one up after a perfect start. And any scrutiny on Thomas and Spieth has only heightened after the first. Hatton’s shirt is already drenched in sweat, the heat out here ought to become a factor deeper into the round, especially for those playing a both sessions.”

Rahm/Hojgaard vs Scheffler/Koepka

11:51 , Ben Fleming

Back to the first tee and the second match and what a nerve-settler that drive will be from Hojgaard - high and long but it just drifts into the same bunker that Hatton was in.

Rahm is in the middle of the fairway but the spin and the slope takes his ball off the green - that’s an unforced error from the Spaniard. Koepka is safely aboard the green but his partner Scheffler is well back as he can advance his ball a few feet from the thick rough.

Hojgaard to go last and he safely finds the putting surface.

More early blue

11:47 , Ben Fleming

1UP Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas (1)

It’s a similar story to start this morning courtesy of a superb second shot from the bunker which comes to rest just 4 feet from the whole. Spieth can’t make his look at birdie but Hatton converts - with Hovland well out of the hole - to give Europe the early lead.

Europe complete Ryder Cup foursomes clean sweep to take 4-0 lead over USA

11:40 , Ben Fleming

Europe’s bid to regain the Ryder Cup got off to a dream start as they stormed into a 4-0 lead over a shellshocked United States in Rome.

Captain Luke Donald’s decision to start with foursomes for the first time since 1993, the last US victory on European soil, paid handsome dividends as his side swept an opening session for the first time in the contest’s history.

Roared on by a partisan crowd, the home side never trailed at any point in all four matches and their opponents won just 10 holes all morning.

Read all about this morning’s scintillating action below:

Europe complete Ryder Cup foursomes clean sweep to take 4-0 lead over USA

First afternoon match under way

11:31 , Ben Fleming

Hovland/Hatton vs Spieth/Thomas

The first game is under way in this crucial afternoon session. Thomas, whose form many were questioning coming into this week, is the only player to find the fairway with a perfect drive. Hovland and Spieth are in the rough on the left, while Hatton’s ball just trickles into the bunker on the right side.

Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website