The Europeans have surged ahead on day one of the Ryder Cup taking a tied record 6.5 to 1.5 lead, with the atmosphere at crackling point as some of the US stars hit out at their European rivals.
Five-time major champion Brooks Koepka was quietly apoplectic after one of the most dramatic fourball matches played in many a year.
Matchplay golf has a way of humbling even the best in the world, and the match-up between Koepka and partner Scottie Scheffler looked to be going the way of the Americans, before a dramatic half on the last hole.
John Rahm and Nicolai Hojgaard provided high drama in Rome as the Europeans look to add to their continental record of only having lost twice at home in close on 50 years.
Rahm made an eagle on the last hole, after the US team thought they had sown up the match with a Scheffler birdie on the 17th.
Cue the 18th hole as Rahm’s eagle putt jarred into the backboard, bouncing in the air, before dropping in for the half.
The emotions of the day, with the competitive spirit of the four players, and the occasion seemed to get the better of everyone.
“I mean, I want to hit a board and pout just like Jon Rahm did. But, you know, it is what it is. Act like a child. But we’re adults. We move on,” said a stressed-out Koepka after the tense match.
Rahm and Koepka seemingly have or had a good relationship as can be seen at the past year’s Masters, where the Spaniard carded a 69 and romped to a four-stroke victory.
Ryder Cup golf does that to everyone.
