The Ryder Cup, one of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, got off to an unexpected start as illness struck the US team on day one of the competition at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome. Europe took a commanding 6-1 lead after the opening day, leaving the US team in an unfamiliar and challenging position.
US Captain Zach Johnson revealed that illness had swept through the team, affecting both players and caddies. This internal struggle took its toll as the US failed to secure a single victory in any of the matches on the first day, a historic first-time setback for the American side.
As the defending champions, the US needs 14 points to retain the Ryder Cup, while Europe requires 14½ points to reclaim the trophy. Johnson acknowledged the health issues within the team but stressed that it was not an excuse, emphasizing the depth of talent at their disposal.
Despite the unexpected health challenges, Johnson expressed gratitude for having a team doctor on hand to address the situation. He mentioned that while some team members were dealing with congestion and health signs, the desire to compete remained strong among all players.
The captain refrained from providing specific details about the affected individuals, but he did hint that it had influenced his decisions regarding pairings. Johnson highlighted the team’s commitment to controlling what they could in the face of unforeseen circumstances.
The Ryder Cup is renowned for its intense competition and passionate fans, and the US team will need to regroup and find their stride as they aim to bounce back from a challenging start and defend their title.
