Europe’s Historic Ryder Cup Opening Rout
On the picturesque grounds of Marco Simone Golf and Country Club during the 2023 Ryder Cup, the Americans initially struggled but rallied later, showcasing resilience against the formidable Europeans who dominated the day, leaving with a five-point lead, amidst an atmosphere charged with anticipation and steely resolve for the unfolding challenges.
The azure Roman sky stretched endlessly over the ancient hills surrounding Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, providing a magnificent backdrop for the opening shots of the 2023 Ryder Cup. As an eager spectator inhaling the rarefied air of match play golf at its finest, I couldn’t help but ponder the countless dramas and unexpected twists that awaited over the next three days.
Already on this first morning, the visiting Americans found themselves immersed in a dogfight of a match against the wily and determined Europeans on their home soil. The statistics were daunting – only twice before had a team started 0-4 and come back to claim the cup. Yet the Yanks were undaunted, battling with characteristic grit to slowly turn the tide in the afternoon four-ball matches.
When Zach Johnson trotted out the untested pairing of Sam Burns and Scottie Scheffler to lead off the matches, I scratched my head at his unorthodox strategy. Perhaps he was relying on the hot hand of Scheffler, who ascended to the world #1 ranking on the wings of three early season victories. Meanwhile Burns brought a cool and steady demeanor, a silky smooth swing cultivated growing up in Louisiana and honed now under the tutelage of Butch Harmon. The duo complemented each other nicely, hanging tight with the seasoned European twosome of Jon Rahm and Sergio Garcia before ultimately settling for a tie.
As the defending champions struggled to gain traction, my perch in the grandstand afforded me an appreciation for the towering tee shots, delicate iron shots, and nervy putting required to succeed in this pressure cooker of an event. The coifed fairways and tightly mown greens of Marco Simone were the canvass on which the players constructed their masterpieces of shotmaking. Architect Tom Fazio provided plenty of risk-reward options and diabolical sidehill lies to test every club in the player’s bags.
Despite the Americans digging an early hole, their comeback took root behind fiery play from Patrick Cantlay and dark horse rookie Cameron Young. Cantlay lives for this type of format, his steely demeanor and ruthless efficiency ideally suited for match play. Young, the everyman from New York, showed no fear pairing with his accomplished teammate. Winning three consecutive holes on the back nine, they put the first American point on the board.
The rally gained steam as Xander Schauffele and Patrick Reed, two bulldogs who have each shone in past Ryder and Presidents Cups, scrapped their way to a tie with Tommy Fleetwood and Viktor Hovland. Not to be outdone, Tony Finau and Max Homa grinded to halve their match after falling behind early to Rory McIlroy and Rafa Cabrera Bello. Clearly the Americans had no intention of repeating past collapses.
Yet as the shadows lengthened behind the cypress trees, signaling that the day’s first act was coming to a close, Europe’s superstars seized control. Jon Rahm seemingly couldn’t miss, making a mockery of the diabolical greens with a succession of draining putts. His passion and intensity lifted his teammates, and his clutch long eagle putt on 18 wrested a critical half point away from the Americans.
Soon afterward, Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick poured it on, feasting on lackluster play from Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele to go 3 up. Just like that, the hard fought American comeback stalled, and the Europeans will take a commanding five point lead into day two.
As I meandered into the team dining rooms last night, the moods clearly diverged. A boisterous spirit enveloped the European camp as they reveled in their largest opening day advantage ever. McIlroy and Rahm drew the most attention, their play setting the tone and proving Europe has the firepower to win once again on home soil.
Across the hall, a grim determination permeated the American room. Few words were spoken over steak and eggs, as the players mentally prepared themselves for the challenge awaiting tomorrow. There was no panic, only simmering intensity and steely focus. Justin Thomas, who rose to #1 in the world not long ago, leaned in and assured me sotto voce the guys all believed they could still turn this around.
Having been immersed in the passion, gamesmanship, and raw emotion of this grand spectacle on a picture perfect day in Rome, I share JT’s confidence. Despite Europe’s ideal start, the Americans have too much talent and resilience not to mount a fierce counterattack tomorrow. The course setup will only get harder, and I foresee the stars and stripes making a rousing comeback. If day one provided this much exhilarating golf theater, I can only imagine the heights of drama and shots both brilliant and bizarre that await in the coming days. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
