September 29th 2023.
Team USA had a disastrous start to the Ryder Cup in Rome – they are currently losing 6.5-1.5. Scottish golfer Andrew Coltart, who is on punditry duty for Sky Sports, was not impressed. He labelled the Americans' preparation 'disgraceful' as nine of the 12 players had taken a five-week break before the tournament.
Coltart said, “Who on earth in their right mind thinks the best way to prepare for a Ryder Cup is to take five weeks off? We thought, two years ago, that they were going to be in this for the long haul – 10 years of domination. But their team has been a little bit depleted… and our top players didn’t pitch up at Whistling Straits. Today that’s exactly what they did do.”
Team Europe captain Luke Donald was proud of his team's performance on the opening day. He said, “What they 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.”
Team Europe now only need eight points in the remaining two days to regain the trophy. It is the joint-highest lead after day one in Ryder Cup history, level with Team Europe in 2004 and Team USA in 1975. The Ryder Cup is an important tournament and Friday's results have made it clear that Team Europe are in the lead.
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