As if Rome does not have enough ruins. The US challenge is crumbling before our eyes here in the Eternal City as first they were whitewashed 4-0 in the foursomes. And then, just as Zach Johnson’s team looked like fighting their way back into the tie, they suffered a succession of 18th hole setbacks that thrust Europe into a 6^1/2-1^1/2 lead.

‌It got worse. Brooks Koepka, Johnson’s only LIV player, all but accused Jon Rahm – one of the blue and gold heroes of their best opening days in 19 years – of “acting like a child” and twice, Johnson, was asked by Europe players to remove himself from their eyeline off the tee.

‌So much for the brave new Stars and Stripes arriving here with no scar tissue to right the wrongs and win their first Ryder Cup on away soil in 30 years. Same old, Team USA, always bleating. This was as bad as it has got for the supposed dominant force in global golf. Johnson’s decisions were deplorable and their inability to kill off the fourballs verged on the pathetic.

What a last hour it was. The huge crowds thought they had seen it all when for the first time in the 96-year history of the Cup, the Americans were wiped out in the opening session. But that was nothing to drama on that closing hole, which saw exactly no action until the afternoon and that was overloaded with the stuff.

First Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton arrived on the par five all square with Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth, the renowned pairing who Johnson inexplicably benched for the foursomes. Having been two up with five remaining, it appeared that the great frathouse pals would squeeze through when Thomas chipped to four feet with his third. But Hovland holed a 15-footer up the hill and his roar was heard all the way to the Colosseum.

Next up was Rahm, with rookie Nicolai Hojgaard. They were down against Koepka and world No 1 Scottie Scheffler, but Rahm hit the green in two and then, unbelievably, holed his own 20-footer up the same hill. Rahm had eagled the 16th with a chip-in and Hojgaard, the 22-year-old Dane, challenged his partner to do it again and so emulate Seve Ballesteros. Rahm almost cried and probably did later with laughter when reading Koepka’s statements.

I mean, I want to hit a board and pout just like Jon Rahm did,” he said. “But, you know, it is what it is. Act like a child. But we’re adults. We move on.”

‌Goodness knows what he was referring to, but he is not stupid and knows the tension that will build. A Rahm-Koepka match-up in the next two days is a delicious prospect.

The last fourball to be settled at the 18th, when Justin Rose and Bob MacIntyre – who were two down with two left – scraped another half thanks to a birdie from Rose. With Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick romping home against Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa 5&3 (Fitzpatrick at last winning his first ever Ryder Cup point in his third match courtesy of an astounding run of four birdies and an eagle from the second) America also lost the fourballs 2^1/2-1^1/2 which, with the position they were in for much of the afternoon was a sporting crime. It is difficult to see how they will come back from it. But then it seemed that way from lunchtime.

Donald told his “fearless gladiators” to march out on to a Marco Simone layout bathed in sun and “write their own history and his players followed his instructions to the tee.

After 30 years of starting with the fourballs in the matches held in Europe, Donald decided to flip flop, ignoring the historical portents. The most recent occasion a blue-and-gold captain opted to begin with the alternate-shot format was in 1993, and that happens to be the last time Team USA prevailed on foreign soil.

‌At the Belfry, Tom Watson’s men managed to draw the opening session 2-2. What Zach Johnson would have given for even one point to take in the afternoon fourballs. Incredibly, they were not up in a single of matches at any time. A thorough, undeniable thumping.

‌The morning started with the by now traditional party-like atmosphere on he first tee – in truth, golf could have done without the booing and certainly the idiot who shouted abuse on Scheffler’s opening drive – and within half an hour the place was jumping.

‌Hovland holed his chip on the opening green and his enthusiastic fist-pump was the first suggestion that visitors were about to be KO’d.

‌Hovland and Ludvig Aberg, the stunning rookie, beat Max Homa and Brian Harman 4&3, the same scoreline as Rahm and Hatton over Scheffler and Sam Burns. “Team Angry” were all smiles after accounting for the world No 1 and his misfiring friend. Rahm almost made a hole-in-one on the seventh.

In the third match, Shane Lowry quietened the critics who suggested he was not deserving of a wildcard ahead of Adrian Meronk by teaming up with rookie Sepp Straka to see off Collin Morikawa and Rickie Fowler 2&1, but the most intriguing tussle was left to last.

McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood – AKA Fleetwood Mac – defeated the crack US pairing 2&1, after a brilliant McIlroy tee-shot on the par-five 17th was sent to within a few feet.

Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay were five out of five foursomes in team golf – including two at Whistling Straits two years ago – but found Europe’s new pairing too hot. Their morning, and America’s as a whole, was summed up on the 16th, where Fleetwood holed a 20-footer for a par and their rivals three-putted from the same distance.

McIlroy went out to win two points out of two games, leaving behind his poor form of the last two Ryder Cups. This is already Europe’s match to lose, but unless Johnson’s men buck up their ideas and their attitude this is yet another drubbing in waiting.

Europe stun USA to take 6½–1½ lead into day two: As it happened. . .

06:34 PM BST

What a momentous day for Europe

The job is not done yet, but that they have already claimed six of the 14.5 points they need to regain the Ryder Cup. It is such big task for Team USA to get anything out of this now. It’s the same tomorrow, though, with eight points available and you would think they need to win at least five points out of the eight to give themselves an outside shot come Sunday.

If Europe play the way they did today you would almost rule that out entirely. USA were very poor in the morning but looked like reducing the four-point deficit come close of play... but with some late drama, the gap grew to a record-equalling five points. Join us here tomorrow from around 6.30am BST, when the morning foursomes begin.

06:31 PM BST

Player ratings after day one: Hovland sets tone with blistering start in Rome

Tom Morgan was there at Marco Simone to run the rule over the players on a captivating opening day. Read his ratings here. 

06:20 PM BST

TV showing live footage of the US players on the practice range

Koepka previous, now Rickie Fowler smashing some balls. Not sure I’d bother, really. Perhaps a bit of stress release as much as anything else.

06:15 PM BST

Brooks Koepka brands Europe hero Jon Rahm a 'child'

Read more from James Corrigan on the incident here. 

06:05 PM BST

Some great photos of the drama today

05:51 PM BST

Watch: Rose's half-point clutch putt on 18

05:45 PM BST

Europe captain Luke Donald speaks after a brilliant day

05:39 PM BST

4-0 after the foursomes would have been tough for USA

But they had the fourballs to get back into it. It looked like they might be able to get back in it going into day two but Europe pulled out some astonishing golf in the final few holes to turn the red to blue.

6.5 to 1.5 is a long, long way back for USA. Just eight points from a potential 20 needed for Europe to regain the Ryder Cup. USA need to win almost two-thirds of the points remaining to do that. That would be some comeback.

05:37 PM BST

Rose and McIntyre speak after that half-point

Justin Rose:

McIntyre, who had a difficult afternoon:

05:34 PM BST

ROSE SINKS HIS PUTT! Rose and McIntyre tie Homa and Clark for half a point!

Dead weight almost and into the right-side of the hole! Europe win the hole, tie the match and deny USA from winning a single match on day one of the Ryder Cup. Astonishing stuff on a tremendous day, scarcely almost believable, for Luke Donald’s men.

Europe lead USA 6.5 to 1.5. 

That is a shellacking of the highest order on day one.

05:32 PM BST

Homa slips his putt past the hole

So it’s a five for USA... Europe can win the hole and claim half a point with Rose’s eight-footer. It’s fairly flat.

05:29 PM BST

Never going in, really for Clark

It’s always left of the hole and too strong... he’s left himself a five-footer for par, but that’s all a bit academic with Homa and Rose so close.

Bob McIntyre to have a go at his 20-footer for four, then... with Homa and then Rose to have their much shorter ones soon after.

It’s not a bad putt but didn’t turn enough. Homa can win the point for USA if he sinks it.

05:27 PM BST

It's a poor shot from Clark

Took a bit too much grass... probably difficult to get underneath it and it’s a bit thin, bounces a couple of foot before the hole and nearly rolls into the water behind the green... it’ll be Clark to play next. He could hole it to secure the point for USA, I guess, but he’s having a difficult hole after a wonderful drive. May as well be bold...

05:26 PM BST

It's merely an "ok" shot from McIntyre

It’s a bit long and a bit pull-y from the lefty. About 30ft or so. Not awful but it’d be an unlikely birdie putt.

We still have to see what Clark can do from deep inside the galleries for his third. He’s playing off grass, but the very trampled down stuff, on a downslope, though he does have a decent amount of green to work with. He should be able to stick it fairly close, I think.

05:23 PM BST

A four might be good enough to win the hole here

Homa, from the light rough sticks it to about 12ft, to put a bit of pressure on Rose and McIntyre, who are both on the fairway but a little further along. Rose looks interested as his shot flies in and well he might... it’s inside Homa’s and he doesn’t have the ridge to putt over. Probably about 8ft. What can Bob McIntyre do from here?

05:21 PM BST

It is not a good shot from Clark

It was a superb drive. A “fan” in the crowd shouts “go in the water” but it’s not going in that direction. Instead he slices it into the crowd onto the right. Poor and it puts Team USA under pressure.

05:19 PM BST

Second shots in the remaining group on 18

Homa plays out from the rough on the last and it’s an okay shot, just finding the first cut of rough. Rose’s turn from the fairway bunker, but McIntyre is going to play from the right rough, the deep stuff. He punches it down and ends up about 20 yards in front of Homa on the left-hand side of the fairway.

What can Rose do from the bunker? It’s a decent lie but the bunker is not a flat one and it looks like an iron. he finds the fairway. Clark will have a very good chance to get to the green in two.

05:16 PM BST

Rahm and Hojgaard speak after their half-point

Jon Rahm: 

Nicolai Hojgaard: 

05:12 PM BST

Drives away on 18 in the last remaining fourballs match

It’s a bit leaky for McIntyre’s drive on the 18th and it has slipped into the rough, probably the deep-ish but not deepest stuff. Ryder Cup veteran Rose nails his drive... but it painfully rolls into the rough and then into the fairway bunker. It’s going to be hard for Europe to make an eagle three now.

Max Homa slices his into the rough on the right... Wyndham Clark, over to you. No doubt about that one. Same shot shape as Homa, but it’s longer and straighter. Advantage USA in this one.

05:08 PM BST

It's going down 18 for McIntyre and Rose against Clark and Homa...

Wyndham Clark has a putt on the 17th to win the match and win Team USA’s first full point outright. It’s a difficult one of about eight feet or so but he doesn’t put enough on the borrow and it slips past the outside of the hole and Europe go onto the final tee with a chance of claiming half a point... the USA are 1 up with one to play. 

The drama continues... and Europe have the chance to inflict another sickening blow on the USA’s chances. 6-2 would be fantastic for them on day one, but 6.5 to 1.5... “dreamland”, I believe.

05:05 PM BST

Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick speak after their 5&3 win

Matt Fitzpatrick: 

Rory McIlroy: 

05:01 PM BST

Oh my word!

Jon Rahm has juts made eagle on the 18th with the most mettlesome putt you can imagine. Eagle at 16 and 18 to tie the match by Rahm. Amazing. He looks gobsmacked … as does Brooks Koepka.

The cries of ‘Rambo’ resound around the galleries.

AS: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth     
AS: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 17               
USA 2UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 16             
Europe win 5&3: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele

EUR 6 USA 1

Over to Luke Slater for the final match.

04:58 PM BST

Dormie two in match three

Macintyre’s wonderful tee shot that fades elegantly on a lefty’s trajectory into the front of the green on this short par four isn’t matched by his putting and the Americans take the hole to go 2UP

AS: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth    
USA 1UP: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 17              
USA 2UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 16            
Europe win 5&3: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele

04:53 PM BST

Fitzpatrick breaks his Ryder Cup duck

McIlroy puts the heat on USA with a wonderful second to 15 to within 10ft which means Schauffele has a 25-footer to keep the match alive … and cannot make it. Fitzptrick has his first Ryder Cup point at the sixth attempt.

AS: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth   
USA 1UP: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 17             
USA 1UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 15           
Europe win 5&3: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele

EUR 5½ USA ½

04:48 PM BST

Hovland secures the half

Terrific chip and run from Thomas at 18 to put it within 5ft. Which means Europe will have to hole out to guarantee at least a half. Hovland has to go up and over a ridge from 18ft and he … drains it. It just rolled in to make fourth. ‘It rolled into the hole drunk,’ says Butch. Thomas has 4ft for the half and he wobbles it in.  Finally something in red on the board.

AS: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 18           
USA 1UP: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 17             
USA 1UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 15           
Europe 4UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 14

EUR 4½ USA ½

04:40 PM BST

Europe narrow gap inthird match

Wyndham Clark needs to drain a 15-footer for par after a USA minor meltdown on 15 and slides it to the right. Par gives Justin and Macintyre the hole and cuts the lead to 1UP. It’s dormie four in the last.

AS: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 17          
USA 1UP: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 17            
USA 1UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 15          
Europe 4UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 14

04:33 PM BST

USA guarantee at least a half in match two

Amazing Scheffler tee shot at 17 falls within 6ft of the pin, outdoing Rahm and giving him a fantastic birdie chance.

Rahm goes first and leaves it three inches high from 10ft. ‘Hit it,’ says Nick Faldo, explaining what he failed to do.

Scheffler rams in his birdie putt and match two goes red with one to play.

On 14 Xander slides his birdie effort to win the hole wide to the left. Europe ask him to hole out to take it to the 15th but it’s only 3ft and he makes it. The USA or on life support in match four but still alive.

AS: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 17         
USA 1UP: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 17           
USA 2UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 14         
Europe 4UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 14

04:26 PM BST

Driving issues

Hojgaard swipes his tee shot into the waterfall off the 17th tee and shouts something beginning with F. But Rahm keeps Europe out of the soup with a glorious tee shot to keep them in the hunt.

Up on 18 Hovland is in the trees off the tee. Hatton, though, is in the heart of the fairway.

04:23 PM BST

Rahm chips in

Sensational from Rahm on 16 to chip in from the greenside rough, probably 50ft to win the hole and turn match two all-square. The crowd goes berserk, as did the office I’m in, even if it seemed to be on delay on Sky as they focused on Hatton.

Thomas has a 12-footer to win the 17th for USA but curls it first to the left and then it breaks right. He needed to hit it fractionally harder to hold its line.

AS: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 17        
AS: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 16          
USA 2UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 14        
Europe 4UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 13

04:13 PM BST

One step forward, one back

Up on 16 Thomas plays a gorgeous second to put the pressure back on Europe who need to hole out with theirs to win the hole. Difficult for Hovland from the bunker to the left of the green. He gets the line right but it doesn’t skid on. Now Hatton seems to mishit his uphill putt, leaving it a couple of feet short. Now Thomas can halve it from 6ft but he smears it wide to the right. This time the gallery can enjoy his discomfort, cheering the miss wildly, all the more wildly because he had the last laugh on the preceding hole after they doubted him.

But what Europe gains on the swings …

One hole back Brooks Koepka harpoons a 30ft serpent into the heart of the cup for birdie and to turn this match red.

AS: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 16       
USA 1UP: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 15         
USA 2UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 13       
Europe 4UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 13

04:01 PM BST

Another shift in momentum?

Is the fightback on in the fourth match? Morikawa’s tee shot gives him two putts to win the hole and knock another off the blue lead … he needs only one. Swing shift!

USA 1UP: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 15       
AS: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 14        
USA 2UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 13      
Europe 4UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 12

03:57 PM BST

Thomas saves the day (and 15th)

Oh my word. Hovland leaves his birdie putt on 15 half an inch too short. Thomas’s superb third from under the green gives him an 8ft par chance to square the hole. He lines it up and then just before he plays it, wafts away a fly. The crowd howl in derision, mocking his ‘fear, trying to rattle him but he sets himself and drains the putt, staring out the gallery. What a save that was. Cojones.

And back on 13 Wyndham Clark drains a 25-footer for birdie adds another hole’s security to the red.

USA 1UP: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 15      
AS: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 14       
USA 2UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 13     
Europe 5UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 11

03:46 PM BST

Advantage Europe on 15

On the 15th tee Thomas slices it right into a fairway bunker and Spieth pulls his left into the hay. The Europeans find the fairway. Speith’s second finds the bunkers to the left of the green. Hovland wedges it to 12ft, Hatton with an eight iron to 20ft. It’s all on Thomas out of the flattish fairway bunker. He takes out his nine iron and leaves his shot on the front apron and it rolls back. Europe may win it with par like they did on the last.

Koepka sinks a birdie on 14 to save USA’s half.

Wyndham Clark rattles in a monster putt on 12 to claim the half and preserve their one hole lead.

USA 1UP: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 14     
AS: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 14      
USA 1UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 12    
Europe 5UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 11

03:35 PM BST

Swings both ways

Thomas has an uphill lie about 20 yards from the pin in knee-high filth. He needs to smash it and plays it beautifully running it maybe 8ft past the flag after grazing the edge of the cup.

Both Hovland and Hatton have birdie putts to win the 14th. Hovland’s is about 50ft and through bumpy terrain but he makes a valiant effort. Spieth’s putt for par, about 25 ft, stays 3ft short.

Thomas goes next from about 18ft and again, it’s close but stays up. Chance now for Hatton as he has two putts to win the hole and needs only one, nailing the birdie, gift wrapped by the USA duo’s second strokes.

In the fourth match, Fitzpatrick, whose putter has been glowing red, skirts the hole with his birdie putt and USA cut their lead to five with six to play.

USA 1UP: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 14    
AS: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 13     
USA 1UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 11   
Europe 5UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 11

03:27 PM BST

Hojgaard misses birdie putt

Brooks Koepka leaves his birdie putt high on the 13th, leaving Hojgaard a chance from 8ft to win the hole but he reads it all wrong and snakes it to the right by a considerable distance.

USA 2UP: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 13   
AS: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 13    
USA 1UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 11  
Europe 6UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 10

03:24 PM BST

USA in trouble at 14

Spieth finds the woods from the tee at 14 then flays his next shot out of heavy rough into the cabbage at the front and right. Justin Thomas bursts the green with his second at 14 and Europe have a fine chance now of winning a hole back, after Hatton chips to 10ft.

03:19 PM BST

Rose battling hard to keep Europe in touch

Scottie Scheffler has about 14ft for birdie on 12 and pushes it as close as you can reach without actually dropping. The ball flirts with the lip but stays up. They stay at all-square in match two. In the final match McIlroy rolls in a birdie to cancel out Morikawa’s. If Matt Fitzpatrick ever doubted he would earn a point after losing his previous five matches, he isn’t now.

Rose chips to within 5ft to halve the 11th.

USA 2UP: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 13  
AS: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 12   
USA 1UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 11 
Europe 6UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 10

03:13 PM BST

Spieth and Thomas double their lead

Up on 13 Justin Thomas has the chance to put the pressure on with a 25ft putt and he reads it brilliantly but leaves it a few inches short. No worries for USA, though, as Spieth nails his, sweeping it in the right of the cup from about 8ft after Hovland could only make par. USA are back to 2UP in match one:

Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth 2UP thru 13

03:07 PM BST

Good afternoon

Rather a rolling start for me I’m afraid and we are whisked straight to the 10th green in match three, where Max Homa has a chance for a birdie from about 10ft which he slides wide. Justin Rose, about half as much closer in, drains his and Europe cut the lead in this match to one hole:

USA 1UP: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 12 
AS: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 11  
USA 1UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 10
Europe 6UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 9

02:59 PM BST

How things stand after a Spieth birdie wins the par five 12th

USA 2UP: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 12
AS: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 11 
USA 2UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 9
Europe 6UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 9

That’s all from me today, Rob Bagchi will see you home for the remainder of the fourball matches.

02:50 PM BST

McIlroy birdies the 9th to keep the lead six

Europe look assured of the point in that match as they head for home but the other matches are in the balance.

02:43 PM BST

Scheffler and Koepka bouncing back

Rahm and Hojgaard made a bit of a mess of the par four 10th, and USA level the second match. This fourball session is in the balance now, with two matches all square and Europe and USA up in one match apiece.

AS: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 10

02:41 PM BST

The hot temperatures causing problems in Rome

Six spectators have already required medical attention for heat-related issues at Marco Simone, with temperatures reaching 30C on the sun-drenched Rome course.

The numbers are in line with what had been expected by Ryder Cup officials, who issued warning to ticket holders about the heat on the eve of the golf match.

“We have shaded areas – included parasols in the village – and free drinking water around the site,” a spokesman said.

There are signs on the big screens also warning the crowds to stay hydrated and seek shade.

02:40 PM BST

The top match halve the 11th in birdies

Hatton and Spieth take advantage of the driveable par four 11th,  and this nip-and-tuck match remains at all square.

AS: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 11

02:37 PM BST

Wyndham Clark is carrying the fight to Europe

Two corking hits down the par five ninth to set up an eagle putt to win the hole from 20 feet or so. Very good try from Clark, but it lips out on the left.

MacIntyre’s poor birdie putt however, means a birdie four is good enough for the Americans.

USA 2UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 9

02:27 PM BST

European fans keeping well refreshed

02:23 PM BST

How things stand in the fourball matches

AS: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 10
Europe 1UP: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 9
USA 1UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 8
Europe 6UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 7

02:16 PM BST

Max Homa is the one American who has the pace of these greens

He drains a long par putt on the par four eighth but Justin Rose replies in kind from 15 feet, to keep the third fourball match at all square.

USA 1UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 8

02:07 PM BST

McIlroy has come to the party!

Fitzpatrick’s birdie attempt on the par three seventh slipped by but no matter, McIlroy steps up and holes his from fully 20 feet instead. These two are unplayable at the moment. Utter European dominance in the bottom match. It is surely curtains for Morikawa and Schauffele.

Europe 6UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 7

01:58 PM BST

Thomas thought his birdie had won the ninth...

But Hovland steps up and drains his putt for the half right on top of him. It is proving an uphill struggle for the Americans even to get themselves in a lead right now. This match has the feel of one that might go all the way to the 18th.

AS: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 9

01:55 PM BST

Hojgaard birdies to win the eighth!

That is three birdies in a row for the rookie, who is fully justifying Donald’s captain’s pick and looking like a player who has won around this golf course before. Europe now have a solid lead in two matches.

Europe 2UP: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 8

01:54 PM BST

Wyndham Clark is playing solid golf

Clark and Homa put a slither of red in the board with a birdie at the par three 7th. Clark hit his tee shot stiff.

Before that, USA had only led matches for a total of 12 minutes since the start of play.

USA 1UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 7

01:50 PM BST

Schauffele drags his birdie putt - Europe FIVE up in the bottom match

His putt was always left, right off the blade, and the final American pair are being left in the dust by the excellence of Fitzpatrick.

Europe 5UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 6

01:45 PM BST

Fitzpatrick is taking on the Americans single-handed

And that is no reflection on McIlroy’s play. Fitzpatrick has just dissected another hole, skipping a wedge into the par four sixth from 128 yards to within a couple of feet. That will surely put Fitzpatrick six-under thru six. This has been spectacular golf from Sheffield lad.

To Schauffele’s credit, he hits a fine approach of his own to give USA a good chance of a half in birdies.

01:38 PM BST

This wedge shot from Rose was only good enough for a half

Homa holed his birdie putt from 30 feet away, but Rose steadied himself to knock in his putt and keep the match all square.

AS: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 6

01:37 PM BST

Fitzpatrick eagle at the fifth!

McIlroy is barely having to lift a finger here because Fitzpatrick is on fire. Birdie-birdie-birdie-eagle and Fitzpatrick is five-under through five, and Europe are four up on Morikawa and Schauffele. That was all made possible by a magnificent tee shot at the short par four.

Europe 4UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 5

Ahead at the seventh, Hojgaard has made a birdie at the par three to put himself and Rahm one up. Europe motoring again.

Europe 1UP: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 7

01:32 PM BST

The birdie putts at the 8th fail to drop

So Hatton and Hovland remain at all square against Spieth and Thomas.

Back at the sixth, Justin Rose rips a wedge back to within four feet. A good chance to turn that match blue once again.

01:27 PM BST

Impressive golf from Spieth and Hovland

Both players set up birdie chances at the testing par four 8th where water lurks everywhere.

Back at the short par four fifth, Fitzpatrick hits the perfect tee shot to set up an eagle putt from 10 feet. Fitzpatrick will be five-under after five holes if he knocks that one in.

01:22 PM BST

Wyndham Clark draws USA level in the third match

His birdie at the short par four fifth wins the hole, and MacIntyre and Rose are pegged back to all square. Three of the fourball matches are level, so this session feels pivotal.

AS: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 5

01:19 PM BST

Three birdies in a row for Fitzpatrick!

The man without a Ryder Cup point to his name has a red hot putter! What a start from last year’s US Open champion and Europe in charge of the bottom match.

Europe 3UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 4

01:16 PM BST

Hovland gets Europe back on terms in the top match

He gets his reward for a cracking tee shot on the par three seventh, and Spieth and Thomas cannot match the birdie. Back to all square.

AS: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 7

01:06 PM BST

Thomas and Spieth the first Americans to lead a match

Hovland missed his birdie putt but Thomas did not make the same mistake. For the first time since play began at 6.30am this morning, there is some red on the scoreboard.

USA 1UP: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 6

In the match behind, Koepka shows he has the minerals for the fight by rolling in a lengthy putt for the half.

AS: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 5

Another player with a hot putter is Matt Fitzpatrick, who has sunk another birdie try over at the third to put Europe two up in the bottom match.

Europe 2UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 3

12:55 PM BST

Two very good wedge shots on the sixth from Thomas and Hovland

Short-range birdie putts coming up for the Europe and USA in the top match. You would rather have Thomas’ putt from below the hole. Hatton is thoroughly disgusted by his second shot but it’s only 20 feet or so away.

12:46 PM BST

Fitzpatrick nails a birdie putt for the win on the second!

He certainly looks at home in the Ryder Cup, now. Judged his downhill putt from around 20 feet to perfection and Europe lead in the bottom match.

Europe 1UP: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 2

12:43 PM BST

Hovland and Thomas trade birdies at the short par four fifth

Thomas’ bunker shot was very tidy and Hovland also gave another exhibition of his improved short game. That top match remains all square.

AS: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 5

12:38 PM BST

Koepka's par at the third is good enough for the win

Not too often you see par prevail on a hole in fourballs, but Koepka kept his head while all around were losing theirs. USA on terms in that match.

AS: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 3

12:35 PM BST

Rose makes birdie at the second!

Found the fairway, stuck his iron shot to six feet and holed the putt after Homa missed his chance. Europe lead in two matches

Europe 1UP: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 2

12:32 PM BST

Spieth chips in for birdie at the par three fourth!

He missed the green on the tightside to the right, but Spieth produces some trademark short game magic. Taking the pin out was a statement of his intentions, and he chopped his ball out of the thick stuff and saw it rattle into the cup.

Hatton had a decent look at birdie, but his putt slides past. Thomas and Spieth on level terms again.

AS: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 4

12:28 PM BST

Fitzpatrick and McIlroy scramble well for pars

It is a halved first hole against Schauffele and Morikawa. Fitzpatrick is yet to win a point in two Ryder Cup appearances, which perhaps explains his absence this morning. He is a far stronger player nowadays though.

AS: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick vs Morikawa and Schauffele thru 1

12:22 PM BST

Hatton's birdie putt for the win on the third lips out

That was a chance to extend the advantage after Thomas’ putt slipped by. Still, a solid start to the match for Hovland and Hatton.

Europe 1UP: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 3

12:16 PM BST

MacIntyre and Homa trade birdies on the first

Credit to Homa for matching the fine golf produced by the Scot, and the third match walk to the second tee all square.

AS: MacIntyre and Rose vs Homa and Clark thru 1

12:14 PM BST

Back on the first tee

The last of the four fourball matches is under way: McIlroy and Fitzpatrick against Morikawa and Schauffele. Morikawa tweaks his drive left of the bunkers and into the thick stuff, he was playing for a fade that never arrived. Schauffele helps him out by finding the fairway though.

Fitzpatrick picks his tee up straight away and looks happy with his drive, but fails to cut a corner on the dogleg and it settles in the semi rough. McIlroy’s drive is sloppy, but so far left he may be on grass that has been trampled down.

12:10 PM BST

MacIntyre flag hunting on the first

He was shouting for his approach shout to go, but he need not have worried. Straight over the pin, and stops five or six feet behind the hole. Another great chance for Europe on the way, this is still one-way traffic.

12:02 PM BST

Hojgaard holes a tram-liner to win the first!

From 47 feet, back down the green to the front pin. What a start for the rookie, although he is no stranger to Marco Simone as a former Italian Open winner. That’s a sandy birdie from the fairway bunker and it wins Europe the first hole. Yet more blue on the board.

Europe 1UP: Rahm and Højgaard vs Scheffler and Koepka thru 1

Hatton and Hovland have halved the second to stay one up on Thomas and Spieth.

12:01 PM BST

Back on the first tee

The third match is Rose and MacIntyre, a combination of experience and youth, against Homa and Wyndham Clark. Clark’s tee shot is a very good one, down the right half of the fairway.

MacIntyre follows him with a very sensible tee shot, while Rose sends one straight down the middle. An excellent group of tee shots at the first.

You can read more about MacIntyre’s upbringing in Oban, his love of Shinty and the legend of his one-eyed uncle Gordon here.

11:55 AM BST

Interesting insight from Eddie Pepperell

11:53 AM BST

The great and the good in attendance

The circus following the ‘Fleetwood Mac’ group this morning was quite the spectacle. Besides golf obsessive Gareth Bale, Novak Djokovic was an interested observer inside the ropes, stopping to talk to Rory McIlroy’s father Gerry. While the winner of 24 major titles in tennis only occasionally swaps his racket for clubs (in stark contrast to his old adversary Rafael Nadal, who plays off scratch), he was quickly seduced by all the hoopla. “They told me about the Ryder Cup, but I didn’t expect it to be like this,” said Djokovic, speaking in his near-fluent Italian. “This is one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt in sport.” Also following the star pairing was Richard Masters, chief executive of the Premier League.

11:49 AM BST

Hatton converts the birdie! Europe one up in the top match

Hatton and Hovland have also split the fairway on the par four second. Yet more blue on the board.

Europe 1UP: Hovland and Hatton vs Thomas and Spieth thru 1

11:47 AM BST

This was a thorough, undeniable thumping handed out by Europe

As if Rome does not have enough ruins. The US challenge is crumbling before our eyes here in  the Eternal City as for the first time in the 96-year history of the Ryder Cup they were whitewashed 4-0 in the opening session.

Luke Donald told his “fearless gladiators” to march out on to the Marco Simone layout and “write their own history” and his players followed his instructions to the tee.

After 30 years of starting with the fourballs in the matches held in Europe, Donald decided to flip flop, ignoring the historical portents.  The most recent occasion a blue-and-golf captain opted to begin with the alternate-shot format was in 1993, and that happens to be the last time Team USA prevailed on foreign soil.

At the Belfry, Tom Watson’s men managed to draw the opening session 2-2. What Zach Johnson would have given for even one point to take in the afternoon fourballs. Incredibly, they were not up in a single of matches at any time. A thorough, undeniable thumping.

The morning started with the by now traditional party-like atmosphere on the first tee - in truth, golf could have done without the booing and certainly the idiot who shouted abuse on Scottie Scheffler’s opening drive - and within half an hour the place was jumping.

Viktor Hovland holed his chip on the opening green and his enthusiastic fist-pump was the first suggestion that visitors were about to be KO’d.

Havland and Ludvig Aberg, the stunning rookie, beat Max Homa and Brian Harman 4&3, the same scoreline as Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton over Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns.
“Team Angry” were all smiles after accounting for the world No 1 and his misfiring friend. Rahm almost made a hole in one on the seventh.

In the third match, Shane Lowry quietened the critics who suggested he was not deserving of  a wildcard ahead of Adrian Meronk by teaming up with rooke Sepp Straka to see off  Collin Morikawa and Rickie Fowler 2&1, but the most intriguing tussle was left to last.

Rory Mcilroy and Tommy Fleetwood - AKA Fleetwood Mac - defeated the crack US pairing 2&1, after a brilliant McIlroy tee-shot on the par-five 17th to a few feet.

Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay were five out of five foursomes in team golf - including two at Whistling Straits two years ago - but found Europe’s  new pairing too hot. Their morning - and America’s as a whole - was summed up on the 16th, where Fleetwood holed a 20-footer for a par and their rivals three-putted from the same distance.

Johnson was inevitably under criticism for deciding to bench Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas, but put out the double act first in the fourballs against Hatton and Hovland. All 24 players got to play on the first day, with McIlroy again the anchor role alongside Matt Fitzpatrick against Morikawa and Schauffele. Johnson was desperate for a fightback.

11:44 AM BST

Back on the first tee

Rahm and Hojgaard take on what many believe to be USA’s strongest pairing in Scheffler and Koepka. Scheffler’s drive is down the left wing and settles in the first cut of rough. It was a hell of hit. Koepka then stands up and smokes one into the ideal position.

Hojgaard struck his tee shot well, too well if anything Clive, and his ball chases through the fairway into the bunker. Rahm takes three wood for position, and finds the fairway short of the right bunkers.

11:38 AM BST

Zach Johnson on America's miserable morning

Tom Cary looks at some of the calls Johnson got wrong on a disastrous morning for the Americans.

11:37 AM BST

Hatton has picked up where he left off

Rips one back to the front pin from the fairway bunker, what an effort from Hatton. Will be four feet or so for birdie. Spieth and Thomas are both on the green but only have outside birdie chances.

11:30 AM BST

The first of the fourballs is under way

Justin Thomas splits the fairway with his tee shot at the par four first, which will make him feel a whole lot better. So many questions about his form. American need that ball in play too, because Spieth’s drive is snatched left of the bunkers.

Hovland’s drive finds the thick stuff on the left but is a long way down there. Hatton’s drive is pushed and just creeps in the bunker on the right.

Advantage USA on that hole, but boy do they need it.

11:21 AM BST

McIlroy on his match

11:14 AM BST

Zach Johnson's selections will be questioned

Notably, the decision to sit this year’s US PGA and US Open champions Brooks Koepka and Wyndham Clark out of the foursomes. You do not win those tournaments if you are an iffy ball-striker. Sam Burns was a captain’s pick and the weakest American player on paper, and Johnson sent him out first in the hardest discipline.

11:09 AM BST

A special morning for Europe

10:59 AM BST

McIlroy and Fleetwood win 2&1 - Europe complete a clean sweep of the foursomes

Schauffele’s putt never had a chance, and Fleetwood tapped in for the birdie that secures Europe’s fourth point of the morning. McIlroy leaps into the arms of Fleetwood, that was a moment of magic with the tee shot.

This is the first time Europe have swept an opening session.

The Solheim Cup last week stands testament that 4-0 after the first session is not game over, though.

10:56 AM BST

This afternoon's fourball pairings

Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton vs Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth
Jon Rahm and Nicolai Højgaard vs Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka 
Robert MacIntyre and Justin Rose vs Max Homa and Wyndham Clark 
Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick vs Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele

10:54 AM BST

What a shot from McIlroy!

How many iron shots have we seen like that throughout his career. A thing of beauty on the par three 17th, held up to access the front right pin, and it settles like a butterfly with sore feet within gimme range.

Cantlay’s tee shot was a very good one, but Schauffele needs to hole the birdie putt from about 15 feet to take the match up the last. If he misses, it will be 4-0 Europe.

10:50 AM BST

To the 16th...

Fleetwood’s tee shot at the short par 16th looked destined for the water, but plugged in the bank. It finished inside the hazard line, but McIlroy is going to try and have a chop at it.

He does really well to gouge the ball on to the green, bringing up half of Rome from the ground in the process.

Great effort, but they cannot match an American birdie from Cantlay and Schauffele.

1 UP: McIlroy and Fleetwood v Schauffele and Cantlay thru 16

10:42 AM BST

Europe 3-0: Lowry and Straka confirm the point

Fowler played a very good bunker shot, but Straka holds his nerve from three feet to secure the half he and Lowry needed. A great performance from an unfancied pair, and interestingly Lowry says the fact he and Straka both play Srixon balls was a reason for the pairing.

Straka and Lowry win 2&1 Morikawa and Fowler thru 16

10:39 AM BST

Tommy Fleetwood roars home the par putt!

That was never anywhere but the middle of the cup, and Fleetwood and McIlroy escape from the 15th with a par having never been in the hole. McIlroy’s wedge shot span back to almost 20 feet, and they looked bound to make a bogey before Fleetwood’s putter got them out of jail.

Cantlay’s birdie putt has trickled by some four or five feet. And Schauffele misses the return! It burned the left edge, but that is a devastating blow for the Americans in the bottom match. One minute it looked like the match was about to go all square, now Europe are two up with three to play.

Europe 2UP: McIlroy and Fleetwood v Schauffele and Cantlay thru 15

10:33 AM BST

Advantage Europe on the 17th...

Morikawa had to take on a tucked front-right pin and he came up short in the bunker. Rock solid reply from Straka, who drew his tee shot into the middle of the green. Very sensible from the Austrian, he was not missing that on the short side right. A half on this hole would seal that match.

10:31 AM BST

Lowry and Straka's lead is just two

They made a mess of that short par four, with Fowler and Morikawa not even needing to knock their birdie putt in.

Europe 2UP: Straka and Lowry v Morikawa and Fowler thru 16

10:28 AM BST

Europe in some trouble back at the 15th

McIlroy carved his tee shot into the thick rough on the right and the Americans are in the fairway after a nice drive from Cantlay. Fleetwood is actually going to lay up and hope that McIlroy can get to work with a wedge for the third.

Schauffele’s iron shot is a good one, settling 20 feet or so away from the hole.

10:22 AM BST

Schauffele and Cantlay win the 14th

That keeps USA’s hopes of avoiding a 4-0 this morning alive. A textbook hole from the pair at the par four, Cantlay setting up the birdie chance for Schauffele which he rolled in from 15 feet.

10:20 AM BST

Lowry with a wild tee shot at the 16th...

Tried to cut his three wood off the bunkers into the short par four but sliced it. Lowry is actually so far right, he has missed the water hazard. Straka might have a shot from there. Fowler has left Morikawa with a pitch up the green.

10:16 AM BST

A half in par fours over at the 15th...

Morikawa’s greenside bunker shot was excellent, and keeps the match going after Lowry found the heart of the green with the European’s second. Lowry and Straka three up with three to play.

Europe 3UP: Straka and Lowry v Morikawa and Fowler thru 15

10:11 AM BST

30 minutes until the fourball pairings are released

Zach Johnson will surely recall big guns Jordan Spieth, Brooks Koepka and Justin Thomas. Donald might be tempted to send this eight out again, but getting everyone involved on day one is the trend of recent Ryder Cups.

10:09 AM BST

Lowry and Straka restore their three-hole lead

Morikawa with a tame attempt at halving the 14th, and Straka and Lowry are three up with four to play. A European clean sweep is definitely on the cards. McIlroy and Fleetwood have halved the 13th against Schauffele and Cantlay, and they remain two up.

Europe 3UP: Straka and Lowry v Morikawa and Fowler thru 14
Europe 2UP: McIlroy and Fleetwood v Schauffele and Cantlay thru 13

10:03 AM BST

Hovland succinct on his chip in on the first

10:02 AM BST

Over at the 12th...

Fleetwood missed a chance to put Europe three up in the bottom match after a superb McIlroy iron shot, but they remain two up on Schauffele and Cantlay. McIlroy has also set up a birdie chance at the par three 13th.

10:00 AM BST

Point number two to Europe: Hovland and Aberg win 4&3

Homa played a very good pitch from the right, but it was academic because Hovland splashed out of the bunker to within gimme range. As James Corrigan noted earlier, Hovland’s short game transformation has elevated him to the elite of the game.

Hovland and Aberg win 4&3 v Homa and Harman

09:57 AM BST

Both Aberg and Harman clumsy at the 15th

The Open champions Harman flipped his second right into the gallery, and it was a mis-strike from Aberg into the front bunker. Still, the Europeans only need a half there to win the match.

09:54 AM BST

Reaction to the top match

Rahm: “I’ve had a good feeling about Tyrrell all along. It was a great foursomes match and we played as confidently as it is possible to play.”

Hatton: “Tee to green I was solid, naturally I’m a bit disappointed with some of the putts I missed. But we won our point which was the goal.”

09:52 AM BST

There it is: Rahm and Hatton have the first point on the board

Rahm lags the putt down the holeside and Scheffler and Burns concede. That was a sterling performance from both European players, but Rahm in particular was different class.

Rahm and Hatton win 4&3 v Scheffler and Burns

09:50 AM BST

To the 15th...

Rahm and Hatton are surely about to secure the patch after finding the heart of the green from the fairway bunker. Burns could only hack out of the rough, coming up 50 yards or so short of the green, and Scheffler’s pitch is not in tight.

09:49 AM BST

Another win for Aberg and Hovland

Like Hatton and Rahm in the top match, Europe are now four up with four to play. There was a lot of hype around this pairing and they have duly delivered.

Europe 4UP: Hovland and Aberg v Homa and Harman thru 14

09:48 AM BST

Up close and personal with Gareth Bale

Walked a few holes this morning with the Fleetwood-Mac group. Got talking to Gareth Bale after he apologised for grabbing hold of my shoulders as I was crouching by the 2nd green (I think to stop himself falling backwards into a greenside bunker). I asked him about his All Stars celebrity match the other day and he recalled his tee shot at the par-four 16th which went through the back of the green. I felt a bit uncharitable pointing out that he had been playing off advanced tees but he was (rightly) still pretty proud of himself, saying it had been playing 260-odd yds and he would enjoy watching it back when he got home. “I’ve got it recorded don’t you worry about that,” he smiled.

09:46 AM BST

European birdie at the 11th to win the hole!

Fleetwood with another great piece of short game work at the short par four 11th, and McIlroy made no mistake with the putt from short range. Europe now at least two up in every match

Europe 2UP: McIlroy and Fleetwood v Schauffele and Cantlay thru 11

09:43 AM BST

How thing stand

Europe 4UP: Rahm and Hatton v Scheffler and Burns thru 14
Europe 3UP: Hovland and Aberg v Homa and Harman thru 13
Europe 3UP: Straka and Lowry v Morikawa and Fowler thru 12
Europe 1UP: McIlroy and Fleetwood v Schauffele and Cantlay thru 10

09:42 AM BST

The tee shots at the 15th...

Neither Rahm or Scheffler’s tee shot was ideal, with the Europeans finding sand. The Americans are in the first cut of the rough on the left.

Over at the 12th, Straka is punching the air after holing a birdie putt that earns the Europeans a half against Morikawa and Fowler. Fowler missed a chance for eagle to win the hole. Straka and Lowry keep their cushion.

Europe 3UP: Straka and Lowry v Morikawa and Fowler thru 12

09:39 AM BST

Rahm and Hatton get their half at the 14th

All thanks to that third from Hatton. Europe are now dormie four in the top match (which means they cannot lose. Just one more half required to seal the match).

Europe 4UP: Rahm and Hatton v Scheffler and Burns thru 14

09:37 AM BST

The bottom match half the 10th in pars

Fleetwood’s pitch from down in the dell short of the green was superb, and Cantlay held his nerve to convert Schauffele’s lovely wedge shot.

Europe 1UP: McIlroy and Fleetwood v Schauffele and Cantlay thru 10

09:34 AM BST

Brilliance from Hatton

Rahm made a wise decision to lay up from the rough on the 14th, and Hatton’s wedge wizardry did the rest. Spins back to within a couple of feet, which should mean a European par. Scheffler’s approach from miles left comes up shy, but should be a simple up and down from there.

09:29 AM BST

Homa misses a big chance for the Americans

The door was ajar after Fleetwood missed a European birdie putt on the par five, but from no more than six or seven feet Homa’s putt slips by the left.

Europe 3UP: Hovland and Aberg v Homa and Harman thru 12

09:27 AM BST

Sam Burns has had a Weston-Super-Mare this morning

His drive on the 14th is miles left, so far left he might have missed most of the trouble. If Hatton and Rahm win this hole Europe will have the first point on the board. I can’t believe Burns will be playing this afternoon.

09:19 AM BST

McIlroy and Fleetwood fail to make the Americans putt

They were always up against it on the par five ninth after McIlroy’s errant drive. Schauffele and Cantlay get back to one down - this match looks USA’s best chance of salvaging something for the morning.

Europe 1UP: McIlroy and Fleetwood v Schauffele and Cantlay thru 9

Up at the 13th, Rahm has found another green as he and Hatton continue to keep a stranglehold on the top match.

09:16 AM BST

Rahm and Hatton four up with six to play

Burns and Scheffler could not get inside Rahm’s second with three shots of their own, and hole is conceded. The finishing line is in sight for Rahm and Hatton.

Europe 4UP: Rahm and Hatton v Scheffler and Burns thru 12

09:15 AM BST

Fowler and Morikawa reduce the deficit

Lowry’s loose tee shot at the 10th is punished, a solid fuss-free hole for Fowler and Morikawa. It stops the bleeding at least.

Europe 3UP: Straka and Lowry v Morikawa and Fowler thru 10

09:11 AM BST

Rahm and Hatton still flying

They have cut the par five 12th down to size with a booming Hatton drive and another gorgeous Rahm iron shot to set up an eagle try. The European pair have made four birdies in 11 holes which is some going in foursomes on this track.

09:04 AM BST

Rahm and Hatton now three up!

Rahm’s splendid tee shot is rewarded with a European birdie at the par four 11th, and Europe are now three to the good in the top match.

Europe 3UP: Rahm and Hatton v Scheffler and Burns thru 11

09:03 AM BST

McIlroy with a snap hook off the ninth tee

It is not clear where that finished but it may well have struck a tree and rebounded into the water left. The Americans are safe and down the the right.

Up at the 10th, Lowry has pushed his drive into the creek. The first bit of bad news for Europe all morning, it feels like.

08:57 AM BST

Lowry and Straka extend their lead

Europe are riding a wave of momentum, the Americans are on the receiving end of a morning drubbing (for now). Lowry and Straka birdie the par five ninth, and Fowler and Morikawa have a mountain to climb. Defeat for that pairing would be a body blow to Zach Johnson.

Europe 4UP: Straka and Lowry v Morikawa and Fowler thru 9

08:54 AM BST

Cantlay with a semi-chunk into the water on the eighth

The door is open for Fleetwood and McIlroy to extend their lead in the bottom match after Cantlay catches an iron shot fat and finds the water. Was not within 20 yards of making the carry. Given Europe had missed the fairway and chopped out, that really is a cardinal sin (that’s an unintentional Rome reference).

Excellent third from Fleetwood, leaving McIlroy 10 feet or so for par. Cantlay has a putt of double that length for a bogey.

Up at the short par four 11th, Rahm as crushed a drive into the heart of the green. He has barely missed a shot this morning.

08:49 AM BST

Rahm chips in at the 10th!

Europe’s second hole out of the day, and the unlikeliest of pars after Hatton found thick rough off the tee.

Rahm may not have planned it that way - it was going to run 15 or 20 feet past - but it jammed in the hole.

Scheffler did well to hole his putt for the half, but that will still feel like a win for Europe.

Europe 2UP: Rahm and Hatton v Scheffler and Burns thru 10

08:47 AM BST

Aberg holes another putt for the win on the ninth

The rookie is now into the swing of this, and the all-Scandinavian pair are doing the business. The Americans cannot match the birdie on the par five ninth, and Hovland and Aberg reach the turn three up.

Europe 3UP: Hovland and Aberg v Homa and Harman thru 9

08:45 AM BST

Fowler's wedge shot on the eighth is not close enough

That is an easy win for the Europeans in the third match, with Straka and Lowry now in control.

Europe 3UP: Straka and Lowry v Morikawa and Fowler thru 8

08:40 AM BST

The Americans not relishing the challenge it seems

To think, a few years ago there were concerns on the European Tour that this course was too ‘American’... The US players hate this place. The thick rough, the slow greens. Their idea of golfing hell.

08:36 AM BST

Morikawa finds a watery grave at the eighth

And Straka stands up and fires an iron shot to within birdie range on the par four. Europe surely about to go three up in the third match between Straka-Lowry and Fowler-Morikawa. Claude Harmon on Sky commentary says Fowler has been under the weather this week.

08:33 AM BST

A great escape from Burns and Scheffler at the ninth

Burns will feel better for holing a six foot putt for the half, he has been very out of sorts, but it was Scheffler’s brilliant pitch shot that got the Americans out of jail. In fact, they have scrambled to halve the last two holes against Rahm and Hatton, they could easily be four down.

Europe’s lead is two up at the turn in the top match.

08:29 AM BST

McIlroy well inside Cantlay's wedge shot at the sixth

So it is advantage Europe on that hole in the bottom match. Luke Donald will be delighted with the action so far. His morning cannoli will be tasting very sweet.

08:27 AM BST

Lowry and Straka now two up thru seven

Fowler and Morikawa fail to get up and down on the par three seventh, so a par is good enough on the par three seventh. Europe now two up in the top three matches, and it could well be three in the top match soon.

08:24 AM BST

It looks like Justin Rose will be playing this afternoon

08:22 AM BST

McIlroy cleans up for a half on the sixth

Schauffele played a lovely pitch to set up a gimme birdie, but Fleetwood left his partner a knee-knocker with a putt that was shy of pace. McIlroy was up to the task though, brushing in from four feet. McIlroy and Fleetwood stay one up.

At the ninth, Sam Burns has found water with the Americans’ second shot. Hatton plays safely to the right away from the hazard, so a good chance for he and Rahm to go three up.

08:17 AM BST

A chance goes for the Americans in the third match

You know things are going your way when Rickie Fowler is struggling to hole putts. His effort from 10 feet on the sixth slides by. Straka and Lowry remain one up.

08:12 AM BST

Gutsy half from the Americans at the 8th in the top match

Hatton did not covert Europe’s birdie putt after that Rahm iron shot, but Burns and Scheffler did very well indeed to salvage par after finding trouble off the tee. The Americans remain two down. Anyone who has played matchplay golf will know that two down and three down feels a big difference.

08:10 AM BST

McIlroy brushes in his birdie putt at the fourth

And the scoreboard is now awash with blue! Europe leading in every match, and the Americans have not had the lead in any of them at any stage.

08:08 AM BST

Fleetwood taking a leaf out of Rahm's book

Fires in a cracking iron shot at the par three fourth, to give McIlroy a birdie putt in the bottom match.

At the other par three on the front nine, the seventh, Hovland’s iron shot is excellent. Aberg will have a birdie try from inside 20 feet, in that second match against Homa and Harman. Europe dominant at the moment.

08:05 AM BST

Rahm has brought his A game

At the par four eighth, Rahm sends another iron shot into orbit that covered the flag. Europe in tight, and Hatton will have a putt from 15 feet that could put Europe three up.

08:03 AM BST

Aberg puts Europe two up in the second match

That’s the youngster’s first big contribution, and will settle him down. Drains a putt to win the hole from 15 feet or so, and Europe are now two up in top two matches.

07:59 AM BST

Straka finds the water on the fifth

Took the green on at the driveable par four, and pulled it into the drink. Somewhat surprisingly, Morikawa still took driver but his tee shot was a good one. Right over the pin and over the back edge. Advantage America there, a good chance for them to get back to one down.

07:57 AM BST

Rahm and Hatton are indeed two up

Rahm rewarded for his stunning tee shot, Burns cannot hole for birdie from the fringe. Europe now two up in two matches.

07:55 AM BST

Hovland and Aberg back in front

A scrappy hole if truth be told at the short par four fifth, but a European par is enough to put them one up in the second match. Still no halved hole between Hovland and Aberg and Harman and Homa.

07:53 AM BST

Rahm goes close to a hole in one at the seventh!

The Spaniard took a very aggressive line to a back right pin on the par three, and his towering iron shot was all over the flag in the air. Landed 20 feet short and bounced forward, and very nearly jammed in the hole. Struck the pin and stops within kick-in range. That will be a European birdie, and more than likely two up thru seven in the top match.

07:51 AM BST

One fan's week could be over already

One rowdy spectator is facing potential ejection at Marco Simone after shouting “you sucky Scottie” during Scottie Scheffler’s practice swing at the first tee.

Members of the crowd said the man was being hunted down by staff after overstepping the mark amid the typically raucous atmosphere.

Scheffler is not believed to have reacted while preparing to hit his drive, but one nearby spectator described the heckle as a “poor show”.

With a long day still ahead, spectators should beware the Peroni on tap, however - at 4.7 per cent, those beers are going to pack a punch as temperatures soar beyond 30C.

07:49 AM BST

Harman left to hack out of heavy rough on the fifth...

Homa’s drive at the short par four fifth was long and left, leaving his partner in a near impossible position. Harman gets a flyer from the thick stuff that races off the front of the green.

Burns and Scheffler have just won the sixth hole, so Europe now just one up in that top match.

07:45 AM BST

Some famous faces in the crowd

07:43 AM BST

Hovland and Aberg about to play the short par four fifth

Hovland made a hole-in-one albatross on this hole yesterday, but won’t be hitting Europe’s tee shot today, it will fall to his partner Aberg. The tees are up so the green is well within range at 286 yards.

07:41 AM BST

Wonderful shot from Lowry on the third

After watching Fowler pull his approach into rough, Lowry takes on a brave live and uses the contours left of the green to feed the ball down to within birdie range. Europe surely about to go one up thru three in the third match.

07:39 AM BST

Aberg left Hovland in tough spot at the par three fourth

His tee shot was not far off line, but was tweaked left which is bad news when the pin is on the same side. Hovland got greedy with the very difficult chip, and left it short in the rough. Homa and Harman surely about to level the match after finding the heart of the green.

Aberg very nearly holed his chip for the half though! Skimmed the right edge and he was close to going for the fist pump. Great effort, but back to all square. That second match is yet to see a halved hole.

07:35 AM BST

The first hole halved in par fours in the bottom match

McIlroy played a lovely pitch up the green, and Schauffele cleaned up well for his par.

In the top match, Europe birdied the short par four fifth, so Rahm and Hatton are now two up. A very solid start.

07:32 AM BST

The big improvement in Hovland's game

Hovland’s shortgame has been transformed in the last year. Not sure I’ve witnessed such a stunning improvement so quickly.

07:31 AM BST

The golfing gods are smiling on Hovland

His pitch from a run-off area to the left of the par four third was racing past, but struck the pin and nestled within gimme range.

It does not matter though, because Homa holes a lengthy birdie putt to reduce the deficit. Europe only one up after three in the second match. For Homa and Harman, it was crucial that they did not go three down.

07:28 AM BST

Scheffler misses a great chance to level the top match

Putting from short-range is one of the only weaknesses in Scheffler’s game, and he fails to covert a cracking Burns tee shot on the par three fourth. Rahm and Hatton remain one up after a safe par.

07:26 AM BST

Not sure anyone enjoyed Hovland's chip in as much as Shane Lowry

07:23 AM BST

Back to the first tee in a mouth-watering final match

Cantlay’s drive hugs the left side and settles in the first cut of rough.

McIlroy up next, playing alongside Tommy Fleetwood. A little more fade on his drive than ideal, and his partner will be playing his approach shot from the rough. Not disastrous, though.

07:21 AM BST

Hovland and Aberg two up!

Hovland looks alight right now, holing a par putt from 15 feet across the second green. Harman and Homa found sandy trouble and that is another hole to the Europeans in the second match.

Back on the first, Fowler missed a presentable chance to win the hole from six or seven feet, and the hole is halved in bogey fives against Lowry and Straka.

07:15 AM BST

Rahm drains his birdie putt on the third!

He rolls one in from the front fringe, some 25 feet or so and breaking from left to right. It never looked anywhere else. The Americans faced a lengthy par putt but Rahm’s brilliance made that academic. Hatton and Rahm one up on Scheffler and Burns thru three, and Europe now up in two matches early doors.

07:14 AM BST

Little to separate them in the third match

Both Lowry and Fowler had to chop out of the rough, so Straka and Morikawa with have 30 yard pitch shots up the gut of the green.

07:12 AM BST

Dreadful iron shot on the third by Burns

Apart from being 20 yards left and 30 yards shot, it was a decent attempt. Will leave Scheffler a difficult pitch over a bunker from the short side. Hatton’s approach also flirts with the trouble left, but comes to rest just shy of the green. A good chance for Europe and the Rahm-Hatton pair to go one up there.

07:07 AM BST

Back on the first tee in the third match...

Collin Morikawa carves his opening drive well to the right into the gallery, but it bounces down into the rough. That’s the first poor tee shot we have seen this morning.

Sepp Straka’s effort is also less than convincing, snatched left. Clears the bunker but will leave Lowry in the thick stuff.

07:05 AM BST

Hovland chips in on the first!

It used to be said that Hovland could not chip, but from the back fringe on the first he showed a delicate touch to send the European fans wild and put blue on the board.

Hovland decided to chip rather than putt in order to lift the ball over a slope, and it proved to be a great decision. This Hovland-Aberg pairing could be electric.

The first moment of magic of this Ryder Cup and it comes from Hovland. USA cannot match the birdie, Europe one up in the second match.

07:01 AM BST

All business between the two captains

06:57 AM BST

A well played second hole...

Rahm and Scheffler with two cracking iron shots on the par four second after Burns and Hatton found the fairway, with the Americans slightly inside Rahm. Birdie putts from around 15 to 20 feet coming up for Burns and Hatton, but Burns will get a read.

06:54 AM BST

There have been some boos for the Americans

This booing on the first tee for the Americans is not what golf is about. Hope this all stays - just about - on the right side of the line.

06:53 AM BST

Homa and Hovland in position A

Homa splits the fairway with a nerveless drive, and Hovland smokes one 15 yards or so past him with a lovely soft draw. They would have gone to bed hoping for two tee shots like that.

06:51 AM BST

The all-Scandinavian pairing are on the first tee...

Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland are a popular pairing with the fans, and you would struggle to find two better drivers of the ball, so they should be a formidable foursomes partnership in spite of their inexperience.

They are up against Max Homa and Brian Harman. Homa might be a rookie but is a classy ball-striker, while Open champion Harman is exactly the sort of nuggety player who suits matchplay.

06:47 AM BST

Scheffler scares the hole with his chip!

Bunted one forward off his back foot, and his ball checked on the second bounce before releasing towards the hole. It looked like it had a chance of going in six feet out, but burned the left lip. Great touch from Scheffler and that’s a USA par.

Rahm’s birdie putt is a bit of a lag, but that’s a safe half. All square as they walk to the second tee.

06:43 AM BST

Hatton safely aboard the first green

The Englishman’s iron shot was right on line and settles around 25 feet short of the hole. Rahm will have an outside birdie chance but it is uphill.

Burns’ approach from the semi-rough does not make the journey, so the Americans will need to chip and putt for a par. Not a difficult up and down, but advantage Europe.

06:41 AM BST

The latest from our golf correspondent in Rome

Just watched Burns practising his chipping, before the long walk. Looked very cool. Scheffler will take the first driver, however. The world No 1 teeing off golf’s greatest show.

06:38 AM BST

Scheffler and Rahm get the Ryder Cup started

Not a breath of wind at Marco Simone and the sun is starting to break through.

A few pantomime boos for Scheffler and Burns as they are announced on the first tee.

Scheffler and Rahm have pulled driver, so it looks like they will be taking the odd numbered tee shots.

Scheffler is first up, and a hush falls. His drive hugs the left side and does not peel into his customary fade, coming to settle in the first cut of rough.

Here comes Rahm. He sets up for a fade and this one does turn from left to right, and the soft morning conditions means it stops short of the right bunker. Well positioned in the fairway and a good angle into the back left pin for Hatton.

06:33 AM BST

Rahm and Hatton are now on the first tee

A roar of support rings around the amphitheatre that surrounds the first tee. Here come Burns and Scheffler. We await to see who will hit the opening tee shot. Remember, in foursomes one European will tee off on the odd numbered holes and one on the evens.

06:26 AM BST

Just 10 minutes until the opening tee shots

Italian vice-captain Edoardo Molinari is down on the first tee geeing up the crowd, and Luke Donald has just joined him. Cries of “Luuuuukkkkee” from the European crowd, which always sounds a bit like booing, but fear not they are cheering him.

06:22 AM BST

What the players face at Marco Simone

Three chunky par fours to start with before some birdie chances. The opener winds its way uphill and slightly from right to left, but it is a fairly generous tee shot, if there can ever be such a thing under Ryder Cup pressure. You can view all of the holes at Marco Simone with our course guide.

06:16 AM BST

The grandstands around the first tee are filling up

06:10 AM BST

The players are on the range

They arrived in darkness at Marco Simone this morning. Rory McIlroy looked sprightly as he arrived in gym gear, but Tyrrell Hatton looked in need of the coffee he was carrying. It’s before 9am local time so he will not be rebuked by the locals for drinking a cappuccino.

06:08 AM BST

American Jamiroquai fans?

06:06 AM BST

Fans running through the gates to gain a vantage point

06:04 AM BST

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05:52 AM BST

Growing confidence behind Europe's chances

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of the 2023 Ryder Cup as Europe seek to keep the famous golf trophy on this side of the Atlantic following a bruising defeat at Whistling Straits two years ago.

That USA victory looked like it might usher in an era of dominance - and that could still prove the case - but shrewd golf watchers have grown ever more bullish about Europe’s chances over the last 12 months. Captain Luke Donald must have wondered where the new blood was going to emerge from as the likes of Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Sergio Garcia and Paul Casey slipped off the scene for a variety of reasons.

But Europe now boasts the World No 2, 3 and 4 in Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland, who won three times in America this year on his way to winning the FedEx Cup. Matt Fitzpatrick won last year’s US Open, while his fellow Englishmen Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood have enjoyed consistent seasons. Former Italian Open winners Bob MacIntyre and Nicolai Hojgaard earned captain’s picks in part due to their course form at Marco Simone. Prodigious talent Ludvig Aberg was one of Donald’s other picks and heads out alongside Hovland in this morning’s foursomes.

This are the morning matches:

6:35am: Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns vs Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton 
6:50am: Max Homa and Brian Harman vs Ludvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland 
7:05am: Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa vs Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka
7:20am: Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay vs Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood

Speaking about sending Rahm and Hatton out first, Donald said: “They are very passionate. I think Jon feeds off a playing partner with a similar kind of fire and passion. He wants to feel like he’s out there with a team-mate that’s really engaged with him. Tyrrell really fits that bill.

“The Ryder Cup means a lot to both of those, I found that out over the last couple of weeks. Jon was really inspired by the Ryder Cup back in ‘97. It was the first time he really came to golf - the Ryder Cup at Valderrama.

“I think their personalities match up, the statistics point towards a very strong partnership.”