Must-see highlights from the world's top golfers as they battle at the 2023 Ryder Cup
Team Europe is determined to win back the Ryder Cup trophy after a dominant start in Italy. The Europeans took a 4-0 lead over the Americans after Friday's morning foursomes on Day 1. 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
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.