The Ryder Cup has begun, and emotions have reached a high.
The momentum is with the Europeans after the first day of play. . The Euros have dominated in Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, and are leading the United States by 6 1/2-1 1/2 heading into the Saturday play. The U.S. has never lost a match in a full Ryder Cup day.
The Americans earned their points by tying three matches, in which they were ahead on the back nine. The U.S. led by one going into the 18th hole, but lost. This included Jon Rahm’s second eagle on three holes.
Rahm and Ryder Cup rookie Nicolai Hjgaard played brilliantly in the final stretch of the match to tie it against World No. Scottie Scheffler, the World No. 1, and Brooks Koepka, a five-time major champion. The two birdied their final five holes but couldn’t get away due to Rahm’s heroics.
What did Koepka think? He fired a shot towards Rahm.
Team Europe reacts to a shot made by Jon Rahm on the 18th green during the morning fourballs of the 44th Ryder Cup, held at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. (Photo by Adam Cairns, USA TODAY Sports).
“I think Scottie and I birdied 14 or 15, 16 or 17, 18 and then we lost by two. So yeah. I’m tempted to pout and hit the board like Jon Rahm. You know, it’s what it is. Act like a child. We’re grown-ups. “We move on.”
Let the fireworks start!
What quote was it? Rahm may have hit a sign at the U.S. Open with his club in frustration. Koepka, who is not one to mince his words, will attack anyone, including his teammates.
The comments of Koepka haven’t affected European Captain Luke Donald.
Donald stated that Jon was a great supporter of Nicolai. “To hit a huge drive on 18 and land it in front of the green for an eagle and a halve is a lot passion,” Donald added. “Jon has passion, and I did not see him act any other way.”
Rahm beat Koepka in the Masters this year and Koepka won the PGA Championship a few months later.
Let’s hope the two battle it out in the heat of this weekend’s Ryder Cup.
