If you want to get on the right side of Wisconsin locals you can do two things -- dress like you are a Green Bay Packers supporter and wear a giant slice of foam cheese on your head.

The European&nbsp;Ryder&nbsp;Cup team did both on Wednesday as they launched a charm offensive at Whistling Straits before facing the hostile US&nbsp;home crowd when play begins on Friday in the biennial event.

Wearing green-and-yellow striped outfits, the 12-man European squad looked like they were getting ready to run out on to Lambeau Field, home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers, as much as get in some practice on the links style layout.

To complete the look, the Europeans donned huge foam wedges of orange cheese before lining up for a team photo to the delight of spectators who screamed their approval.

"When we were doing the clothing they were talking about maybe bringing some Irish colours in for me," said European captain Padraig Harrington. "I'm not really into that sort of stuff, so I came up with why don't we do something with Wisconsin.

"Obviously, the Green Bay Packers fit both the Irish and the Green Bay Packers, and then the cheeseheads came in and a bit of fun with it.

"Look, it's lighthearted. You want it that way in practice.

"It's somewhat respectful of obviously the Green Bay Packers, and they were very much on board with this, so a bit of fun and we got a nice reception with it.

"Obviously, business starts on Friday, but at the moment the players are enjoying it and having a good time of it."

Certainly the Europeans do not expect the same reception when play gets underway.

Back on American soil for the first time in five years and with COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, the usual army of European fans will be absent from Whistling Straits, leaving Harrington's 12-man team to face a super-charged atmosphere over the three days of competition.

"The U.S. fans have been brilliant to far, they really have," said European stalwart Ian Poulter, who will be playing in his seventh&nbsp;Ryder&nbsp;Cup. "They're wishing me well. Not too well, but they're wishing me well, which is quite nice.

"That hasn't always been the case, but so far so good."

Without their usual crowd support, Tommy Fleetwood said the Europeans would lean on each other to make the right atmosphere.

"I think we create it ourselves and we do it with each other," said Fleetwood. "Of course, this is a different challenge, different atmosphere for us.

"Even though it's not my first&nbsp;Ryder&nbsp;Cup, it's my first one in America. I'm still excited by the challenge and what an away crowd for us brings to it, and maybe the advantage that the Americans have."

If you want to get on the right side of Wisconsin locals you can do two things -- dress like you are a Green Bay Packers supporter and wear a giant slice of foam cheese on your head.

If you want to get on the right side of Wisconsin locals you can do two things -- dress like you are a Green Bay Packers supporter and wear a giant slice of foam cheese on your head. The European Ryder Cup team did both on Wednesday as they launched a charm offensive at Whistling Straits before facing the hostile US home crowd when play begins on Friday in the biennial event. Wearing green-and-yellow striped outfits, the 12-man European squad looked like they were getting ready to run out on to Lambeau Field, home of the NFL's Green Bay Packers, as much as get in some practice on the links style layout. To complete the look, the Europeans donned huge foam wedges of orange cheese before lining up for a team photo to the delight of spectators who screamed their approval. "When we were doing the clothing they were talking about maybe bringing some Irish colours in for me," said European captain Padraig Harrington. "I'm not really into that sort of stuff, so I came up with why don't we do something with Wisconsin. "Obviously, the Green Bay Packers fit both the Irish and the Green Bay Packers, and then the cheeseheads came in and a bit of fun with it. "Look, it's lighthearted. You want it that way in practice. "It's somewhat respectful of obviously the Green Bay Packers, and they were very much on board with this, so a bit of fun and we got a nice reception with it. "Obviously, business starts on Friday, but at the moment the players are enjoying it and having a good time of it." Certainly the Europeans do not expect the same reception when play gets underway. Back on American soil for the first time in five years and with COVID-19 travel restrictions in place, the usual army of European fans will be absent from Whistling Straits, leaving Harrington's 12-man team to face a super-charged atmosphere over the three days of competition. "The U.S. fans have been brilliant to far, they really have," said European stalwart Ian Poulter, who will be playing in his seventh Ryder Cup. "They're wishing me well. Not too well, but they're wishing me well, which is quite nice. "That hasn't always been the case, but so far so good." Without their usual crowd support, Tommy Fleetwood said the Europeans would lean on each other to make the right atmosphere. "I think we create it ourselves and we do it with each other," said Fleetwood. "Of course, this is a different challenge, different atmosphere for us. "Even though it's not my first Ryder Cup, it's my first one in America. I'm still excited by the challenge and what an away crowd for us brings to it, and maybe the advantage that the Americans have."

'Say cheese', Europeans court Packers fans at Ryder Cup

Europe captain Padraig Harrington was pleased to see Rory McIlroy had his "swagger" back at the weekend as he won his first PGA tournament in 18 months and said it bodes well for the Ryder Cup later this year.

Former world number one McIlroy won the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club, his first victory since November 2019, pushing him back up into the top 10 in the world rankings.

"Rory has always been an ebb and flow player," Harrington told reporters at the AT&amp;T Byron Nelson tournament. "When he starts playing well he plays even better.

"The way I look at it is that win last week brings back a bit of that swagger that we all need on the golf course, Rory is a very dangerous player with that. Hopefully he'll be a very dangerous player for at least five more months."

The Ryder Cup will be held at Wisconsin's Whistling Straits from Sept. 24-26 after the biennial competition was postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Europe are the defending champions after beating the United States in 2018.

Europe captain Padraig Harrington was pleased to see Rory McIlroy had his "swagger" back at the weekend as he won his first PGA tournament in 18 months and said it bodes well for the Ryder Cup later this year.

Europe captain Padraig Harrington was pleased to see Rory McIlroy had his "swagger" back at the weekend as he won his first PGA tournament in 18 months and said it bodes well for the Ryder Cup later this year. Former world number one McIlroy won the Wells Fargo Championship at Quail Hollow Country Club, his first victory since November 2019, pushing him back up into the top 10 in the world rankings. "Rory has always been an ebb and flow player," Harrington told reporters at the AT&T Byron Nelson tournament. "When he starts playing well he plays even better. "The way I look at it is that win last week brings back a bit of that swagger that we all need on the golf course, Rory is a very dangerous player with that. Hopefully he'll be a very dangerous player for at least five more months." The Ryder Cup will be held at Wisconsin's Whistling Straits from Sept. 24-26 after the biennial competition was postponed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Europe are the defending champions after beating the United States in 2018.

Golf: Harrington glad to see McIlroy's 'swagger' back ahead of Ryder Cup

The 2020 Ryder Cup will be postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, ESPN reported Tuesday, saying an official announcement is expected Wednesday.

Citing a source not authorized to speak publicly, ESPN said the biennial match play showdown between the United States and Europe, scheduled for September 25-27 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, will be delayed until a similar date in 2021.

"There will not be a Ryder Cup this year," the source told the US sports news outlet.&nbsp;

"The Ryder Cup will go to 2021, the Presidents Cup to 2022 and then they will alternate from there."

The PGA of America and European Tour are expected to release the information officially on Wednesday.

The news comes as no surprise in a sports year turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

British newspapers the Telegraph and the Guardian reported weeks ago that the Ryder Cup would be postponed, although the PGA of America has declined to comment so far.

&nbsp;

<h2>- Spectators 'essential' -</h2>

&nbsp;

Passionate fan involvement -- in a sport more known for a sedate atmosphere -- has long been a hallmark of the Ryder Cup.

With COVID-19 cases still soaring in the United States, it seems unlikely fans would be admitted to the event on its regularly scheduled dates.

Even if a limited number were allowed, travel restrictions could still be a factor for fans wanting to come from Europe.

World number one Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and fellow four-time major champion Brooks Koepka of the United States have both said they would not want to see the matches played without spectators, whose cheers and songs create much of the atmosphere that makes the team event unique.

US captain Steve Stricker and Europe captain Padraig Harrington of Ireland have agreed they don't want to see a Ryder Cup without spectators.

"I think the majority of players would like to see it pushed back until 2021 so that they can play in front of the atmosphere they want to play," McIlroy told BBC Northern Ireland back in May, when England's Lee Westwood said spectators were "essential" to the event.

Golf, like virtually all professional sports, shut down in March amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The US PGA Tour has resumed play but has yet to admit spectators to tournaments.

The European Tour won't resume until July 22, with COVID-19 testing and social distancing in place and without spectators on the course.

But the Ryder Cup isn't the only big COVID casualty on the golf calendar.&nbsp;

The British Open, scheduled for July at Royal St. George's Golf Club in Kent, was cancelled.

The Masters was pushed from April to November, the PGA Championship switched from May to August and the US Open moved from June to September.

The rescheduling of the Ryder Cup for 2021 will impact the Presidents Cup, the biennial match play contest between the United States and an International team from non-European countries.

ESPN reported that the Presidents Cup -- scheduled for September 30-October 3 at Quail Hollow in North Carolina -- will now be held in 2022.

The 2020 Ryder Cup will be postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, ESPN reported Tuesday, saying an official announcement is expected Wednesday.

The 2020 Ryder Cup will be postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, ESPN reported Tuesday, saying an official announcement is expected Wednesday. Citing a source not authorized to speak publicly, ESPN said the biennial match play showdown between the United States and Europe, scheduled for September 25-27 at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin, will be delayed until a similar date in 2021. "There will not be a Ryder Cup this year," the source told the US sports news outlet. "The Ryder Cup will go to 2021, the Presidents Cup to 2022 and then they will alternate from there." The PGA of America and European Tour are expected to release the information officially on Wednesday. The news comes as no surprise in a sports year turned upside down by the coronavirus pandemic. British newspapers the Telegraph and the Guardian reported weeks ago that the Ryder Cup would be postponed, although the PGA of America has declined to comment so far. - Spectators 'essential' - Passionate fan involvement -- in a sport more known for a sedate atmosphere -- has long been a hallmark of the Ryder Cup. With COVID-19 cases still soaring in the United States, it seems unlikely fans would be admitted to the event on its regularly scheduled dates. Even if a limited number were allowed, travel restrictions could still be a factor for fans wanting to come from Europe. World number one Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland and fellow four-time major champion Brooks Koepka of the United States have both said they would not want to see the matches played without spectators, whose cheers and songs create much of the atmosphere that makes the team event unique. US captain Steve Stricker and Europe captain Padraig Harrington of Ireland have agreed they don't want to see a Ryder Cup without spectators. "I think the majority of players would like to see it pushed back until 2021 so that they can play in front of the atmosphere they want to play," McIlroy told BBC Northern Ireland back in May, when England's Lee Westwood said spectators were "essential" to the event. Golf, like virtually all professional sports, shut down in March amid the coronavirus pandemic. The US PGA Tour has resumed play but has yet to admit spectators to tournaments. The European Tour won't resume until July 22, with COVID-19 testing and social distancing in place and without spectators on the course. But the Ryder Cup isn't the only big COVID casualty on the golf calendar. The British Open, scheduled for July at Royal St. George's Golf Club in Kent, was cancelled. The Masters was pushed from April to November, the PGA Championship switched from May to August and the US Open moved from June to September. The rescheduling of the Ryder Cup for 2021 will impact the Presidents Cup, the biennial match play contest between the United States and an International team from non-European countries. ESPN reported that the Presidents Cup -- scheduled for September 30-October 3 at Quail Hollow in North Carolina -- will now be held in 2022.

Golf's Ryder Cup to be postponed: report

PGA Tour card holder and Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about variety of things ranging from resumption of practice, life in lockdown, PGA Tour restart, players' form, Ryder Cup and much more.

Digvijay Singh Deo: Anirban when I messaged you this morning you were set to tee off for a round, so how relieved are you to get back to playing again?

Anirban Lahiri: It's great to be back playing again. It was a huge relief when I got the clubs out. This lockdown period has been very tough for us athletes because our lives are centred around sport and it was suddenly taken away from us. So it was great to get back to what I love doing.

DSD: Was it an unfamiliar feeling when you hit that golf balls for the first time and did you hit it straight down the fairway?

Anirban Lahiri: It felt extremely strange, I don't think I have ever had so much time away from golf since I was in school. It almost felt like I was returning from my summer vacations in school because I didn't have any golf clubs back then. I was just happy to be back playing. Obviously it will take some time to return to my peak skill level.

DSD: Now usually such a long period without any action happens only when one is seriously injured, so how did you cope through this lockdown phase?

Anirban Lahiri: I don't believe the lockdown has been a terrible period for me as I got to spend some quality time with my 15-month old daughter. I also used this time to read and just get some much-needed rest. It has been a very hectic last five years for me on the PGA Tour, I have constantly been travelling. So it was great to be able to relax for a while, but that too got frustrating after about 30 days. I have been trying to stay fit by doing yoga, working out and eating healthy.

DSD: For you personally, a chance to introspect and plot a course to get back to your best form and also a way up the rankings. Also with the Olympics now a year away there is enough time to get back into the mix.

Anirban Lahiri: Before the scheduled Indian Open in March, my coach and I had drawn up a phase-wise plan to improve certain areas of my game that needed attention, which would help me get back to my best. My performances over the last two years have been extremely disappointing. We were in phase one of that plan when the lockdown began. Now that I have started playing a bit of golf again, I'm in touch with my coach. My participation in PGA Tour events depends on when international travel will resume. I would also like to spend 15 days with my coach in Ahmedabad, where he's based so that I can work on certain aspects of my game before I return to competitive golf. The Olympic postponement is actually a blessing for me because it gives me more time to secure qualification. This lockdown period has brought a lot of positives in my life and I will try to build on them.&nbsp;

<img alt="Anirban Lahiri" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bbe03d74-4306-40fb-9fa3-89db1d895ef9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_Hkg10218701.jpg" />

DSD: You were in India when the PGA Tour abruptly shut down during the Players'&nbsp;Championships, at that time it was just a temporary break but perhaps no one had an idea of what they were dealing with.

Anirban Lahiri: The coronavirus crisis has affected all industries in the world, including sport. But hats off to the PGA Tour for being so proactive and putting a proper schedule out for the players. The PGA is one of the few major sporting organisations which has released a detailed plan to get the sport up and running. I have been involved in some form in the decision-making process and it has been a very difficult period for the PGA Tour. There are a lot of stakeholders in the game and their safety must be the priority. No one could have predicted the extent to which sport and life in general, would be affected by the crisis .it is good to see that there are signs of a return to some sort of normalcy, at least in golf. When the tour resumes, it will probably be a 'new normal' and it'll be interesting to see how the sport adapts. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly and the PGA Tour could also be a model for other sports to follow amid the coronavirus pandemic. I'm disappointed that I'm not going to be part of the tour right from the get-go, but I'm delighted that I'll get to see some live golf again.

DSD: Is it safe to resume the PGA Tour in the USA, given the massive health crisis the country is in.

Anirban Lahiri: I have been part of the players' advisory council for the last three years and i must say that the pga tour has left no stone unturned in trying to set up an environment where everyone involved in the tour can stay as safe as possible in the current climate. There are extremely strict health protocols in place at every step. Players and caddies will be tested for the coronavirus before travelling to the event, upon arrival and also just before the tournament begins. They are going to stay in designated hotels and no family members are allowed to travel with them. Only one coach can accompany the player to the events. Chartered flights have been organised for travel between events, which will only carry essential personnel. These protocols are going to be followed for the first four events after the hiatus. There have been hours of work and a lot of deliberation after which the PGA Tour has come up with these safety measures. I feel that this is the safest possible environment that can be created for players, given the current situation. Obviously it is impossible to guarantee 100% safety of all individuals, there are still chances of people contracting the virus. In fact, there are protocols in place in case an individual on the tour contracts the virus during the event. All contingencies have been covered by the PGA Tour. The players obviously want to get back to action and earn their living, but the last thing they want is to contract the virus and get it home. I think most of the players' concerns have been addressed by the tour and now it is just a case of executing the measures and hoping everything goes well. If I were in America and able to travel to the events, I would definitely play.

DSD: Now the PGA Tour is primarily an American Tour but obviously the biggest and most prestigious professional tour in the world. Now unlike tennis, they do not need everyone to be available before resuming. But it is players like you who are from abroad that will have a problem getting into the US, it's not really fair on the non-American players.

Anirban Lahiri: That's the reality of the situation, it is certainly unfair for certain players but these are unprecedented times and certain compromises have to made. Although to tackle that situation, the PGA Tour has guaranteed that those players who were eligible to play on the tour in 2020, will retain their rights for the 2021 season. The European tour is also having six events in the UK at the start of its season and most countries are going to have mandatory quarantine protocols in place even for athletes, in order to protect the greater population. I don't think any athletes will be exempted from those quarantine periods. The massive advantage that the PGA Tour has is that it can hold the entire season in the USA.

<img alt="Anirban Lahiri" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1940497c-7ab1-4444-be35-cfa2e4584503" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_HC7XX.jpg" />

It might not be fair on players living outside the US, but this is the best we can do at the moment. I can't participate in the first few events of the tour but I'm not complaining because I realise that the sport needs to resume in some form, it is about survival and getting through this tough phase. That is the primary concern. There are still some players who are uncomfortable playing in these circumstances, and it is their right to choose not to play. The ultimate choice to compete for lies with the player and no one has the right to judge that decision. It's a completely personal choice. Also, the other tours are looking at the PGA Tour to set the standard in terms of how to resume golf amid the pandemic. I know that the Asian Tour is definitely employing that strategy. In a sense, the PGA Tour is going to be the industry leader in setting a template for the sport to resume. There are always going to be different opinions, but personally I want to see the sport restart sooner rather than later.

DSD: At some point, you have to get back so then are you looking at a long stint in America till the end of the year because of these quarantine regulations.

Anirban Lahiri: I'm definitely going to have to be in the US for a while, whenever I go there. At some point, I will have to return to America because I live there. I love it here in India and this has almost been like a holiday to me because I'm not working. The problem I have right now is that I have no goal to work towards in a certain time frame, I don't know when flights will resume and when I'll be able to get back to playing competitive golf. As soon as I get a definite timeline, I will start mental and physical preparation for my return to action. Any athlete has to be in the right frame of mind to be able to prepare for an event, it is difficult to do so without a fixed deadline. I am patiently waiting for some decision to be made on international travel.

DSD: The action resume at the Charles Schwab Challenge and there's the stellar lineup on the cards. Does that just show the desperation of everyone to get back to playing again?

Anirban Lahiri: I spoke to some of the golfers who were part of the players' advisory council, including Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, and all of them just wanted to get back to the course again. It is how us golfers earn our living and not playing for 3-4 months is very hard on us as competitive athletes. It gets frustrating after a certain point of time and that's why we're seeing such a star-studded entry list at the first tournament after the break. We might see very strong fields heading into the other tournaments as well because so many events have been lost and players are desperate to pick up their ranking points in order to qualify for the fed-ex cup.

DSD: Most of the American golfers stay on golf courses and have been probably playing more regularly than say the likes of you. But there also has been a lack of competition. So are we going to see some strange names up the leaderboard?

Anirban Lahiri: Players will certainly be a bit rusty in the first few rounds, but I don't think it will last very long. Most of my friends in the US have continued to play golf because the lockdown measures there were nowhere near as strict as the restrictions in India. The situation in India would have been exponentially worse if such stringent measures would not have been adopted. I don't feel that we will see a lower standard of golf, we might get to see the depth in the PGA Tour with some of the lesser-known players coming to the fore and doing well, or it might be normal service for the likes of Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka. It is hard to say but I don't think the overall standard of golf will drop substantially. As far as I know, no golf course in the US was shut for more than two weeks. Despite the situation being so grave in America, golf courses were still open. A lot of the pros must have practised together which also might be a big help to them.

<img alt="Anirban Lahiri" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2a0ee7c3-0505-4c20-882c-ac715d69604c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_9H4B3.jpg" />

DSD: Actually more than us it is professionals like you who would be able to pick up on minute details. Did you get a chance to watch some of the charity matches which featured the likes Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson?

Anirban Lahiri: I didn't watch any of the exhibition games. At the end of the day, they are just charity matches and they have got absolutely no correlation with what you'll see in competitive tournaments. Some of the golfers might hit great shots, but that isn't a reflection on how they will perform at the proper tour events, it's a completely different ball game.

DSD: Ryder Cup remains a huge talking point, you have played in team competitions before and you know how significant the atmosphere is, some like Ian Poulter thrive off it.so do you see it being held without fans or pushed back?

Anirban Lahiri: Team Europe would certainly prefer the Ryder Cup to be played without fans because it is happening in America. The golf course at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, is one of my favourites and it is ideal for match-play. I would personally not want to be in a team competition without fans. Team events are the only ones which come closest to golf becoming a stadium sport. There are fans at regular events as well but there is a special atmosphere that is created by fans during team competitions.

PGA Tour card holder and Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about variety of things ranging from resumption of practice, life in lockdown, PGA Tour restart, players' form, Ryder Cup and much more.

PGA Tour card holder and Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri in an exclusive interview with WION's Sports Editor, Digvijay Singh Deo, spoke about variety of things ranging from resumption of practice, life in lockdown, PGA Tour restart, players' form, Ryder Cup and much more. Digvijay Singh Deo: Anirban when I messaged you this morning you were set to tee off for a round, so how relieved are you to get back to playing again? Anirban Lahiri: It's great to be back playing again. It was a huge relief when I got the clubs out. This lockdown period has been very tough for us athletes because our lives are centred around sport and it was suddenly taken away from us. So it was great to get back to what I love doing. DSD: Was it an unfamiliar feeling when you hit that golf balls for the first time and did you hit it straight down the fairway? Anirban Lahiri: It felt extremely strange, I don't think I have ever had so much time away from golf since I was in school. It almost felt like I was returning from my summer vacations in school because I didn't have any golf clubs back then. I was just happy to be back playing. Obviously it will take some time to return to my peak skill level. DSD: Now usually such a long period without any action happens only when one is seriously injured, so how did you cope through this lockdown phase? Anirban Lahiri: I don't believe the lockdown has been a terrible period for me as I got to spend some quality time with my 15-month old daughter. I also used this time to read and just get some much-needed rest. It has been a very hectic last five years for me on the PGA Tour, I have constantly been travelling. So it was great to be able to relax for a while, but that too got frustrating after about 30 days. I have been trying to stay fit by doing yoga, working out and eating healthy. DSD: For you personally, a chance to introspect and plot a course to get back to your best form and also a way up the rankings. Also with the Olympics now a year away there is enough time to get back into the mix. Anirban Lahiri: Before the scheduled Indian Open in March, my coach and I had drawn up a phase-wise plan to improve certain areas of my game that needed attention, which would help me get back to my best. My performances over the last two years have been extremely disappointing. We were in phase one of that plan when the lockdown began. Now that I have started playing a bit of golf again, I'm in touch with my coach. My participation in PGA Tour events depends on when international travel will resume. I would also like to spend 15 days with my coach in Ahmedabad, where he's based so that I can work on certain aspects of my game before I return to competitive golf. The Olympic postponement is actually a blessing for me because it gives me more time to secure qualification. This lockdown period has brought a lot of positives in my life and I will try to build on them. DSD: You were in India when the PGA Tour abruptly shut down during the Players' Championships, at that time it was just a temporary break but perhaps no one had an idea of what they were dealing with. Anirban Lahiri: The coronavirus crisis has affected all industries in the world, including sport. But hats off to the PGA Tour for being so proactive and putting a proper schedule out for the players. The PGA is one of the few major sporting organisations which has released a detailed plan to get the sport up and running. I have been involved in some form in the decision-making process and it has been a very difficult period for the PGA Tour. There are a lot of stakeholders in the game and their safety must be the priority. No one could have predicted the extent to which sport and life in general, would be affected by the crisis .it is good to see that there are signs of a return to some sort of normalcy, at least in golf. When the tour resumes, it will probably be a 'new normal' and it'll be interesting to see how the sport adapts. Hopefully, everything will go smoothly and the PGA Tour could also be a model for other sports to follow amid the coronavirus pandemic. I'm disappointed that I'm not going to be part of the tour right from the get-go, but I'm delighted that I'll get to see some live golf again. DSD: Is it safe to resume the PGA Tour in the USA, given the massive health crisis the country is in. Anirban Lahiri: I have been part of the players' advisory council for the last three years and i must say that the pga tour has left no stone unturned in trying to set up an environment where everyone involved in the tour can stay as safe as possible in the current climate. There are extremely strict health protocols in place at every step. Players and caddies will be tested for the coronavirus before travelling to the event, upon arrival and also just before the tournament begins. They are going to stay in designated hotels and no family members are allowed to travel with them. Only one coach can accompany the player to the events. Chartered flights have been organised for travel between events, which will only carry essential personnel. These protocols are going to be followed for the first four events after the hiatus. There have been hours of work and a lot of deliberation after which the PGA Tour has come up with these safety measures. I feel that this is the safest possible environment that can be created for players, given the current situation. Obviously it is impossible to guarantee 100% safety of all individuals, there are still chances of people contracting the virus. In fact, there are protocols in place in case an individual on the tour contracts the virus during the event. All contingencies have been covered by the PGA Tour. The players obviously want to get back to action and earn their living, but the last thing they want is to contract the virus and get it home. I think most of the players' concerns have been addressed by the tour and now it is just a case of executing the measures and hoping everything goes well. If I were in America and able to travel to the events, I would definitely play. DSD: Now the PGA Tour is primarily an American Tour but obviously the biggest and most prestigious professional tour in the world. Now unlike tennis, they do not need everyone to be available before resuming. But it is players like you who are from abroad that will have a problem getting into the US, it's not really fair on the non-American players. Anirban Lahiri: That's the reality of the situation, it is certainly unfair for certain players but these are unprecedented times and certain compromises have to made. Although to tackle that situation, the PGA Tour has guaranteed that those players who were eligible to play on the tour in 2020, will retain their rights for the 2021 season. The European tour is also having six events in the UK at the start of its season and most countries are going to have mandatory quarantine protocols in place even for athletes, in order to protect the greater population. I don't think any athletes will be exempted from those quarantine periods. The massive advantage that the PGA Tour has is that it can hold the entire season in the USA. It might not be fair on players living outside the US, but this is the best we can do at the moment. I can't participate in the first few events of the tour but I'm not complaining because I realise that the sport needs to resume in some form, it is about survival and getting through this tough phase. That is the primary concern. There are still some players who are uncomfortable playing in these circumstances, and it is their right to choose not to play. The ultimate choice to compete for lies with the player and no one has the right to judge that decision. It's a completely personal choice. Also, the other tours are looking at the PGA Tour to set the standard in terms of how to resume golf amid the pandemic. I know that the Asian Tour is definitely employing that strategy. In a sense, the PGA Tour is going to be the industry leader in setting a template for the sport to resume. There are always going to be different opinions, but personally I want to see the sport restart sooner rather than later. DSD: At some point, you have to get back so then are you looking at a long stint in America till the end of the year because of these quarantine regulations. Anirban Lahiri: I'm definitely going to have to be in the US for a while, whenever I go there. At some point, I will have to return to America because I live there. I love it here in India and this has almost been like a holiday to me because I'm not working. The problem I have right now is that I have no goal to work towards in a certain time frame, I don't know when flights will resume and when I'll be able to get back to playing competitive golf. As soon as I get a definite timeline, I will start mental and physical preparation for my return to action. Any athlete has to be in the right frame of mind to be able to prepare for an event, it is difficult to do so without a fixed deadline. I am patiently waiting for some decision to be made on international travel. DSD: The action resume at the Charles Schwab Challenge and there's the stellar lineup on the cards. Does that just show the desperation of everyone to get back to playing again? Anirban Lahiri: I spoke to some of the golfers who were part of the players' advisory council, including Rory McIlroy and Justin Thomas, and all of them just wanted to get back to the course again. It is how us golfers earn our living and not playing for 3-4 months is very hard on us as competitive athletes. It gets frustrating after a certain point of time and that's why we're seeing such a star-studded entry list at the first tournament after the break. We might see very strong fields heading into the other tournaments as well because so many events have been lost and players are desperate to pick up their ranking points in order to qualify for the fed-ex cup. DSD: Most of the American golfers stay on golf courses and have been probably playing more regularly than say the likes of you. But there also has been a lack of competition. So are we going to see some strange names up the leaderboard? Anirban Lahiri: Players will certainly be a bit rusty in the first few rounds, but I don't think it will last very long. Most of my friends in the US have continued to play golf because the lockdown measures there were nowhere near as strict as the restrictions in India. The situation in India would have been exponentially worse if such stringent measures would not have been adopted. I don't feel that we will see a lower standard of golf, we might get to see the depth in the PGA Tour with some of the lesser-known players coming to the fore and doing well, or it might be normal service for the likes of Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka. It is hard to say but I don't think the overall standard of golf will drop substantially. As far as I know, no golf course in the US was shut for more than two weeks. Despite the situation being so grave in America, golf courses were still open. A lot of the pros must have practised together which also might be a big help to them. DSD: Actually more than us it is professionals like you who would be able to pick up on minute details. Did you get a chance to watch some of the charity matches which featured the likes Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson, Rickie Fowler, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson? Anirban Lahiri: I didn't watch any of the exhibition games. At the end of the day, they are just charity matches and they have got absolutely no correlation with what you'll see in competitive tournaments. Some of the golfers might hit great shots, but that isn't a reflection on how they will perform at the proper tour events, it's a completely different ball game. DSD: Ryder Cup remains a huge talking point, you have played in team competitions before and you know how significant the atmosphere is, some like Ian Poulter thrive off it.so do you see it being held without fans or pushed back? Anirban Lahiri: Team Europe would certainly prefer the Ryder Cup to be played without fans because it is happening in America. The golf course at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin, is one of my favourites and it is ideal for match-play. I would personally not want to be in a team competition without fans. Team events are the only ones which come closest to golf becoming a stadium sport. There are fans at regular events as well but there is a special atmosphere that is created by fans during team competitions.

Lahiri: PGA Tour restart will set the template for resumption of golf

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup.

The last time Reed wore American colours it ended in acrimony at the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he lost both his matches playing with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/natural-selection-tiger-woods-picks-himself-for-presidents-cup-260726">Tiger Woods</a> as the United States suffered a 17.5-10.5 thrashing by Europe in Paris.

His disappointment spilled over into a now-infamous interview with the New York Times in which he castigated the American team for having ego problems and criticised captain Jim Furyk's selections.

Reed said he had long since smoothed things over with teammates and that US&nbsp;captain Woods expected him to be his natural, passionate self against the International team at Royal Melbourne.

"Tiger has always just told me and told all of our guys, 'be who you are, go out and play golf, and at the end of the day, go out and do your job,'" the 29-year-old told reporters on a conference call on Wednesday.

"It's something that I've always done. I mean, if I go out there and I try to be someone else or do something differently on the golf course, now all of a sudden I'm playing away from my strengths and my golf game.

"That's something Tiger doesn't want from any of our guys. He wants us to go out there, feel relaxed, go out and do what we do and play golf."

His pairing with Woods at the Ryder Cup was a major misfire and prompted Reed to complain that he had wanted to be paired with Jordan Spieth but that Spieth had nixed the idea.

Playing at Royal Melbourne as one of Woods's four captain's picks, Reed was reluctant to say who he would like to pair up with until seeing how the famed sandbelt course was set up.

"Honestly, it would be unfair for me to say whether I want to, that I should play with Tiger or play with this guy or that guy because we haven't seen the golf course," he said.

"I would go to battle with any one of the guys on the team and feel confident that we could go and do our job, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to who we feel like the best match-up is for each golf course."

The former Masters champion carries a folded American flag with him whenever he plays a round and said he could not wait to wear the red, white and blue again.

"My job is easy. I get to go play golf rather than our veterans out there and our military (who are) out there keeping us safe," he said.

"Any time I can help represent our country, try to bring some joy to our country, means a lot to me."

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup.

Patrick Reed's fiery, competitive spirit has ruffled feathers in the past but the golfer nicknamed 'Captain America' says he has no plans to dial down the intensity when he tees off for the United States at next month's Presidents Cup. The last time Reed wore American colours it ended in acrimony at the 2018 Ryder Cup, where he lost both his matches playing with Tiger Woods as the United States suffered a 17.5-10.5 thrashing by Europe in Paris. His disappointment spilled over into a now-infamous interview with the New York Times in which he castigated the American team for having ego problems and criticised captain Jim Furyk's selections. Reed said he had long since smoothed things over with teammates and that US captain Woods expected him to be his natural, passionate self against the International team at Royal Melbourne. "Tiger has always just told me and told all of our guys, 'be who you are, go out and play golf, and at the end of the day, go out and do your job,'" the 29-year-old told reporters on a conference call on Wednesday. "It's something that I've always done. I mean, if I go out there and I try to be someone else or do something differently on the golf course, now all of a sudden I'm playing away from my strengths and my golf game. "That's something Tiger doesn't want from any of our guys. He wants us to go out there, feel relaxed, go out and do what we do and play golf." His pairing with Woods at the Ryder Cup was a major misfire and prompted Reed to complain that he had wanted to be paired with Jordan Spieth but that Spieth had nixed the idea. Playing at Royal Melbourne as one of Woods's four captain's picks, Reed was reluctant to say who he would like to pair up with until seeing how the famed sandbelt course was set up. "Honestly, it would be unfair for me to say whether I want to, that I should play with Tiger or play with this guy or that guy because we haven't seen the golf course," he said. "I would go to battle with any one of the guys on the team and feel confident that we could go and do our job, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to who we feel like the best match-up is for each golf course." The former Masters champion carries a folded American flag with him whenever he plays a round and said he could not wait to wear the red, white and blue again. "My job is easy. I get to go play golf rather than our veterans out there and our military (who are) out there keeping us safe," he said. "Any time I can help represent our country, try to bring some joy to our country, means a lot to me."

Reed won't dial down the passion at Presidents Cup

Two months after beating Tiger Woods at the Ryder Cup, Jon Rahm won his hero's tournament on Sunday (December 2), surging to a four-stroke win at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

Rahm started the final round tied with Tony Finau and Henrik Stenson but turned it into a one-horse race with a seven-birdie seven-under-par 65 at Albany on the island of New Providence.

He finished at 20-under 268, while American Finau (69) birdied the last to claim second place on 16 under.

Englishman Justin Rose (65) was another shot back in third.

Swede Stenson faded with a 71 to finish six shots back in fourth place in the elite 18-man field.

Finau hung within striking distance of Rahm until a poor tee shot at the 14th led to a double bogey and pretty much sealed the deal for the Spaniard.

Rahm's victory is unofficial on the PGA Tour, though the tournament awarded world ranking points.

Tournament host Woods finished second-last, a distant 19 strokes behind Rahm.

Two months after beating Tiger Woods at the Ryder Cup, Jon Rahm won his hero's tournament on Sunday (December 2), surging to a four-stroke win at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas.

Two months after beating Tiger Woods at the Ryder Cup, Jon Rahm won his hero's tournament on Sunday (December 2), surging to a four-stroke win at the Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas. Rahm started the final round tied with Tony Finau and Henrik Stenson but turned it into a one-horse race with a seven-birdie seven-under-par 65 at Albany on the island of New Providence. He finished at 20-under 268, while American Finau (69) birdied the last to claim second place on 16 under. Englishman Justin Rose (65) was another shot back in third. Swede Stenson faded with a 71 to finish six shots back in fourth place in the elite 18-man field. Finau hung within striking distance of Rahm until a poor tee shot at the 14th led to a double bogey and pretty much sealed the deal for the Spaniard. Rahm's victory is unofficial on the PGA Tour, though the tournament awarded world ranking points. Tournament host Woods finished second-last, a distant 19 strokes behind Rahm.

Jon Rahm wins Hero World Challenge

Justin Rose is backing Ireland's Padraig Harrington to be Europe's next Ryder Cup captain after helping the team to a crushing victory over the United States last month.

Harrington, who has won three majors and played in six successive Ryder Cups from 1999 to 2010, was a vice-captain to Thomas Bjorn and is odds-on favourite to captain at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin in two years' time.

"I would say a three times major champion, clearly a European legend, for me Padraig is the frontrunner," Rose, who reached world number one this year and is now second in the rankings, told a television channel on Tuesday.

"And then you've got (Lee) Westwood... It's interesting when you try to project out who the possible captains are for the next 10 Ryder Cups."

Former world number one Westwood, 45, was also one of the five European vice-captains this year. The Englishman has said he would like to captain Europe in Italy in 2022 when Rome hosts the event.

Harrington told Irish national radio station RTE last week that he wanted to be a Ryder Cup captain at some stage.

Still playing, the 47-year-old narrowly missed out on his first European Tour title at the Czech Masters last month, where his second-place finish was his best placing in almost a year.

Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, a member of the victorious team in Paris and winner of four majors, has also backed Harrington, who won back-to-back British Opens in 2007 and 2008 and the PGA Championship also in 2008.

"I've always thought Padraig would be a good captain in the United States. He's won a lot of golf tournaments over there, he's won a PGA Championship," McIlroy said last week.

"I think the continuity in the European camp having all these vice-captains this year and preparing for captaincy down the road has been a huge foundation of why we've been so good."

Justin Rose is backing Ireland's Padraig Harrington to be Europe's next Ryder Cup captain after helping the team to a crushing victory over the United States last month.

Justin Rose is backing Ireland's Padraig Harrington to be Europe's next Ryder Cup captain after helping the team to a crushing victory over the United States last month. Harrington, who has won three majors and played in six successive Ryder Cups from 1999 to 2010, was a vice-captain to Thomas Bjorn and is odds-on favourite to captain at Whistling Straits in Wisconsin in two years' time. "I would say a three times major champion, clearly a European legend, for me Padraig is the frontrunner," Rose, who reached world number one this year and is now second in the rankings, told a television channel on Tuesday. "And then you've got (Lee) Westwood... It's interesting when you try to project out who the possible captains are for the next 10 Ryder Cups." Former world number one Westwood, 45, was also one of the five European vice-captains this year. The Englishman has said he would like to captain Europe in Italy in 2022 when Rome hosts the event. Harrington told Irish national radio station RTE last week that he wanted to be a Ryder Cup captain at some stage. Still playing, the 47-year-old narrowly missed out on his first European Tour title at the Czech Masters last month, where his second-place finish was his best placing in almost a year. Northern Ireland's Rory McIlroy, a member of the victorious team in Paris and winner of four majors, has also backed Harrington, who won back-to-back British Opens in 2007 and 2008 and the PGA Championship also in 2008. "I've always thought Padraig would be a good captain in the United States. He's won a lot of golf tournaments over there, he's won a PGA Championship," McIlroy said last week. "I think the continuity in the European camp having all these vice-captains this year and preparing for captaincy down the road has been a huge foundation of why we've been so good."

Golf: Rose backs Harrington to be Europe's next Ryder Cup captain

Corine Remande, the spectator who was blinded in one eye at the Ryder Cup, on Thursday said she could have died after being hit by a wayward golf ball.

The 49-year-old woman was injured when American Brooks Koepka's drive veered off course and struck her.

She further stressed that the injury could have more serious if the ball had missed her right eye and hit the side of her head.

"It's so nice to be on the golf course, to see the players. I hope that this terrible accident will improve safety for the public," said Remande.

"The doctor said immediately to my husband that it was a very big explosion in my eye and it was impossible for me now to see again with this eye."

Though, Remande did not blame Koepka for what happened but was worried about her future.

Remande had travelled with husband Raphael from their home in Egypt to watch the Ryder Cup on the outskirts of Paris.

She is also planning legal action against the organisers, saying course officials did not give adequate warnings.

Corine Remande, the spectator who was blinded in one eye at the Ryder Cup, on Thursday said she could have died after being hit by a wayward golf ball. The 49-year-old woman was injured when American Brooks Koepka's drive veered off course and struck her.

Corine Remande, the spectator who was blinded in one eye at the Ryder Cup, on Thursday said she could have died after being hit by a wayward golf ball. The 49-year-old woman was injured when American Brooks Koepka's drive veered off course and struck her. She further stressed that the injury could have more serious if the ball had missed her right eye and hit the side of her head. "It's so nice to be on the golf course, to see the players. I hope that this terrible accident will improve safety for the public," said Remande. "The doctor said immediately to my husband that it was a very big explosion in my eye and it was impossible for me now to see again with this eye." Though, Remande did not blame Koepka for what happened but was worried about her future. Remande had travelled with husband Raphael from their home in Egypt to watch the Ryder Cup on the outskirts of Paris. She is also planning legal action against the organisers, saying course officials did not give adequate warnings.

'Hope spectator safety will improve', says woman who was blinded at golf's Ryder Cup

A spectator hit by a tee shot played by US&nbsp;golfer Brooks Koepka during the Ryder Cup has lost sight in her right eye, AFP reported.

The woman was stuck when the American's drive veered wide of the fairway on the sixth hole on Friday, the opening day of the event which Europe went on to win. AFP named her as Corine Remande.

"Doctor's told me I had lost the use of that eye," She told the French news agency, adding she hadn't felt any pain at the time she was hit.

A Reuters reporter had witnessed Remande being tended to by medics, with a heavily bandaged eye. Koepka had stopped to see how she was.

A spokesman for the European Tour, a co-organiser of the Ryder Cup event outside Paris, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

A spectator hit by a tee shot played by US golfer Brooks Koepka during the Ryder Cup has lost sight in her right eye, AFP reported. The woman was stuck when the American's drive veered wide of the fairway on the sixth hole on Friday, the opening day of the event which Europe went on to win.

A spectator hit by a tee shot played by US golfer Brooks Koepka during the Ryder Cup has lost sight in her right eye, AFP reported. The woman was stuck when the American's drive veered wide of the fairway on the sixth hole on Friday, the opening day of the event which Europe went on to win. AFP named her as Corine Remande. "Doctor's told me I had lost the use of that eye," She told the French news agency, adding she hadn't felt any pain at the time she was hit. A Reuters reporter had witnessed Remande being tended to by medics, with a heavily bandaged eye. Koepka had stopped to see how she was. A spokesman for the European Tour, a co-organiser of the Ryder Cup event outside Paris, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ryder Cup spectator loses sight after being hit by Brooks Koepka drive

Five key moments in the 2018 Ryder Cup

United States captain Jim Furyk proverbially fell on his own sword on Sunday, accepting blame for his team's heavy loss to Europe at the Ryder Cup.

US hopes were high after their victory on home soil two years ago, but it turned into the same old story for the visitors as they succumbed amid a series of errant drives and missed putts.

In the process, Furyk became the sixth consecutive American leader to preside over a losing team in Europe.

"Thomas (Bjorn) was a better captain, and their team out-played us," Furyk said, surrounded by the 12 players on his team at a glum news conference.

"He did a good job. When a team is successful, as they were and as well as they played, that shows to me they had great leadership.

"I know everyone on this table wishes they had played better, and I wish I probably would have done some things differently, as well, but at the end of the day we did the best we could and we all worked hard."

Tough questions about what Furyk, and his players, could have done differently will be asked, including whether it was negligent that half his team arrived at quirky Le Golf National without having stepped foot on the course.

Furyk cited logistics as a reason, though it is worth noting that Justin Thomas, the only American team member who played the French Open on the course this year, was the star of the losing team, winning four of his five matches.

Furyk will also be second-guessed for playing the notoriously inaccurate Phil Mickelson in the unforgiving alternate-shot foursomes, rather than fourball (best ball).

The latter format, in which both players hit their own ball and take the best score on each hole, generally rewards attacking golf and birdies, which is more Mickelson's style of play.

Mickelson lost his Friday foursomes and was benched until the singles.

"You know we're going to get second-guessed and we're going to get questioned," Furyk said.

"I realise as a leader of this team and as a captain, the brunt of it is going to be on my plate and I accepted that when I took this role.

"I'll work with the PGA of America and I'll work with our Ryder Cup committee and I think we'll keep improving."

Furyk was also asked whether losing was traumatic.

"It's just golf. Golf isn't traumatic," he said.

"Obviously, there's a sour taste in our mouth to come over here now for 27 years and not be able to win on foreign soil.

"We want to grow and we want to get better, but we want to do it here in Europe. That will be the goal four years from now."

United States captain Jim Furyk proverbially fell on his own sword on Sunday, accepting blame for his team's heavy loss to Europe at the Ryder Cup. US hopes were high after their victory on home soil two years ago, but it turned into the same old story for the visitors as they succumbed amid a series of errant drives and missed putts.

United States captain Jim Furyk proverbially fell on his own sword on Sunday, accepting blame for his team's heavy loss to Europe at the Ryder Cup. US hopes were high after their victory on home soil two years ago, but it turned into the same old story for the visitors as they succumbed amid a series of errant drives and missed putts. In the process, Furyk became the sixth consecutive American leader to preside over a losing team in Europe. "Thomas (Bjorn) was a better captain, and their team out-played us," Furyk said, surrounded by the 12 players on his team at a glum news conference. "He did a good job. When a team is successful, as they were and as well as they played, that shows to me they had great leadership. "I know everyone on this table wishes they had played better, and I wish I probably would have done some things differently, as well, but at the end of the day we did the best we could and we all worked hard." Tough questions about what Furyk, and his players, could have done differently will be asked, including whether it was negligent that half his team arrived at quirky Le Golf National without having stepped foot on the course. Furyk cited logistics as a reason, though it is worth noting that Justin Thomas, the only American team member who played the French Open on the course this year, was the star of the losing team, winning four of his five matches. Furyk will also be second-guessed for playing the notoriously inaccurate Phil Mickelson in the unforgiving alternate-shot foursomes, rather than fourball (best ball). The latter format, in which both players hit their own ball and take the best score on each hole, generally rewards attacking golf and birdies, which is more Mickelson's style of play. Mickelson lost his Friday foursomes and was benched until the singles. "You know we're going to get second-guessed and we're going to get questioned," Furyk said. "I realise as a leader of this team and as a captain, the brunt of it is going to be on my plate and I accepted that when I took this role. "I'll work with the PGA of America and I'll work with our Ryder Cup committee and I think we'll keep improving." Furyk was also asked whether losing was traumatic. "It's just golf. Golf isn't traumatic," he said. "Obviously, there's a sour taste in our mouth to come over here now for 27 years and not be able to win on foreign soil. "We want to grow and we want to get better, but we want to do it here in Europe. That will be the goal four years from now."

Golf: Captain Furyk takes blame for American Ryder Cup loss

Europe regained the Ryder Cup by rounding off a dominant performance on Sunday to beat the United States 17.5 to 10.5 at Le Golf National.

Here, AFP Sport takes a look at five key moments from the 42nd edition of the Ryder Cup:

Finau's 16th tee shot on first day

Tony Finau/Brooks Koepka (USA) bt Justin Rose/Jon Rahm (Europe) 1-up

-- Thomas Bjorn's hosts started strongly in the opening fourballs on Friday, but Koepka and Finau flipped around the first match as the US claimed an early 3-1 lead.

The turning point was when rookie Finau's tee shot on the par-three 16th hit a railway sleeper separating the green from the water, spun into the air and settled three feet from the hole.

He made the putt to level the match, and the Americans went on to win it on 18 as Rose found the water.

"It's the best break I've gotten when it meant something. I think that one will be replayed for a long time to come," said Finau.

'Moliwood' surge

Francesco Molinari/Tommy Fleetwood (Europe) bt Jordan Spieth/Justin Thomas (USA) 5 and 4

-- Molinari and Fleetwood got their record-breaking partnership under way with a 3 and 1 fourballs win over the misfiring Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed, but it was their crushing victory against Spieth and Thomas which really sent shockwaves through the visiting camp.

It was the only match Thomas and Spieth lost as a pairing, and proved crucial as Europe secured the first foursomes whitewash in their history.

Garcia's monster putt

Sergio Garcia/Rory McIlroy (Europe) bt Tony Finau/Brooks Koepka (USA) 2 and 1

-- Europe got off to a flying start in Saturday's morning fourballs as McIlroy and Garcia stormed clear of Koepka and Finau.

The Americans launched a thrilling fightback, though, by winning three consecutive holes as they threatened to become the first duo to ever win after being 4-down with five to play.

But after McIlroy had taken the pressure off by draining a long par effort, Garcia curled home a perfect 25-footer for birdie, with victory secured when Koepka missed his birdie try. The point sent Europe on their way to a 3-1 session win and a commanding 8-4 lead.

McIlroy downed by Thomas

Justin Thomas (USA) bt Rory McIlroy (NIR) 1-up

-- The Americans surged back at the Europeans on a gripping final afternoon, and Thomas led the way with victory on the 18th.

Thomas snatched the win on the final hole of his opening match with McIlroy, as the four-time major champion smashed his drive to a plugged lie in a bunker, left his second shot in the sand, before sending his make-or-break third into the water.

"It was a heavyweight pillow fight, if you will," admitted Thomas of a match that, although exciting, failed to see either player find their very best.

Rahm heroics

Jon Rahm (Europe) bt Tiger Woods (USA) 2 and 1

-- With the tide seemingly turning towards the visitors as they cut the Europeans' lead to one point, Woods hit back against Rahm to level their match with six holes to play.

The Spanish rookie recovered to move 2-up, only to show his nerves with a missed short putt on 16 to see his lead halved with two holes remaining.

But the 23-year-old Rahm -- the youngest player at the 2018 event -- crushed a massive drive down the 17th fairway, spun a wedge to five feet, and holed out for a vital win that put Europe to within two points of the trophy.

"About as hard as I can hit a drive," said Rahm. "I don't know how far it went, but it was hard. To have 117 metres to that pin, it's just ridiculous."

Europe regained the Ryder Cup by rounding off a dominant performance on Sunday to beat the United States 17.5 to 10.5 at Le Golf National. Here, AFP Sport takes a look at five key moments from the 42nd edition of the Ryder Cup: Finau's 16th tee shot on first day Tony Finau/Brooks Koepka (USA) bt Justin Rose/Jon Rahm (Europe) 1-up -- Thomas Bjorn's hosts started strongly in the opening fourballs on Friday, but Koepka and Finau flipped around the first match as the US claimed an early 3-1 lead.

Europe regained the Ryder Cup by rounding off a dominant performance on Sunday to beat the United States 17.5 to 10.5 at Le Golf National. Here, AFP Sport takes a look at five key moments from the 42nd edition of the Ryder Cup: Finau's 16th tee shot on first day Tony Finau/Brooks Koepka (USA) bt Justin Rose/Jon Rahm (Europe) 1-up -- Thomas Bjorn's hosts started strongly in the opening fourballs on Friday, but Koepka and Finau flipped around the first match as the US claimed an early 3-1 lead. The turning point was when rookie Finau's tee shot on the par-three 16th hit a railway sleeper separating the green from the water, spun into the air and settled three feet from the hole. He made the putt to level the match, and the Americans went on to win it on 18 as Rose found the water. "It's the best break I've gotten when it meant something. I think that one will be replayed for a long time to come," said Finau. 'Moliwood' surge Francesco Molinari/Tommy Fleetwood (Europe) bt Jordan Spieth/Justin Thomas (USA) 5 and 4 -- Molinari and Fleetwood got their record-breaking partnership under way with a 3 and 1 fourballs win over the misfiring Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed, but it was their crushing victory against Spieth and Thomas which really sent shockwaves through the visiting camp. It was the only match Thomas and Spieth lost as a pairing, and proved crucial as Europe secured the first foursomes whitewash in their history. Garcia's monster putt Sergio Garcia/Rory McIlroy (Europe) bt Tony Finau/Brooks Koepka (USA) 2 and 1 -- Europe got off to a flying start in Saturday's morning fourballs as McIlroy and Garcia stormed clear of Koepka and Finau. The Americans launched a thrilling fightback, though, by winning three consecutive holes as they threatened to become the first duo to ever win after being 4-down with five to play. But after McIlroy had taken the pressure off by draining a long par effort, Garcia curled home a perfect 25-footer for birdie, with victory secured when Koepka missed his birdie try. The point sent Europe on their way to a 3-1 session win and a commanding 8-4 lead. McIlroy downed by Thomas Justin Thomas (USA) bt Rory McIlroy (NIR) 1-up -- The Americans surged back at the Europeans on a gripping final afternoon, and Thomas led the way with victory on the 18th. Thomas snatched the win on the final hole of his opening match with McIlroy, as the four-time major champion smashed his drive to a plugged lie in a bunker, left his second shot in the sand, before sending his make-or-break third into the water. "It was a heavyweight pillow fight, if you will," admitted Thomas of a match that, although exciting, failed to see either player find their very best. Rahm heroics Jon Rahm (Europe) bt Tiger Woods (USA) 2 and 1 -- With the tide seemingly turning towards the visitors as they cut the Europeans' lead to one point, Woods hit back against Rahm to level their match with six holes to play. The Spanish rookie recovered to move 2-up, only to show his nerves with a missed short putt on 16 to see his lead halved with two holes remaining. But the 23-year-old Rahm -- the youngest player at the 2018 event -- crushed a massive drive down the 17th fairway, spun a wedge to five feet, and holed out for a vital win that put Europe to within two points of the trophy. "About as hard as I can hit a drive," said Rahm. "I don't know how far it went, but it was hard. To have 117 metres to that pin, it's just ridiculous."

A despondent Tiger Woods admitted that he "was a contributing factor" as to why the United States surrendered the Ryder Cup to Europe, after losing all four of his matches at Le Golf National.

The 14-time major champion suffered only his second singles defeat in the match-play showdown with a 2 and 1 loss to Jon Rahm as Europe charged to victory.

His miserable Ryder Cup record now stands at 13 wins, 21 losses and three halves.

"It's disappointing because I went 0-4, and that's four points to the European team," admitted Woods.

"I'm one of the contributing factors to why we lost the Cup, and it's not a lot of fun.

"It's frustrating because we came here, I thought we were all playing pretty well, and I just didn't perform at the level that I had been playing, and just got behind early in the matches and never got back."

The former world number one headed to Paris in high spirits after capping a magnificent comeback season from injury with his first title since 2013 at the Tour Championship last week.

But it all went badly wrong, losing twice in the fourballs alongside Patrick Reed and once in the foursomes with Bryson DeChambeau -- all defeats coming at the hands of Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari.

A despondent Tiger Woods admitted that he "was a contributing factor" as to why the United States surrendered the Ryder Cup to Europe, after losing all four of his matches at Le Golf National.

A despondent Tiger Woods admitted that he "was a contributing factor" as to why the United States surrendered the Ryder Cup to Europe, after losing all four of his matches at Le Golf National. The 14-time major champion suffered only his second singles defeat in the match-play showdown with a 2 and 1 loss to Jon Rahm as Europe charged to victory. His miserable Ryder Cup record now stands at 13 wins, 21 losses and three halves. "It's disappointing because I went 0-4, and that's four points to the European team," admitted Woods. "I'm one of the contributing factors to why we lost the Cup, and it's not a lot of fun. "It's frustrating because we came here, I thought we were all playing pretty well, and I just didn't perform at the level that I had been playing, and just got behind early in the matches and never got back." The former world number one headed to Paris in high spirits after capping a magnificent comeback season from injury with his first title since 2013 at the Tour Championship last week. But it all went badly wrong, losing twice in the fourballs alongside Patrick Reed and once in the foursomes with Bryson DeChambeau -- all defeats coming at the hands of Tommy Fleetwood and Francesco Molinari.

I'm one of the reasons we lost Ryder Cup, says Tiger Woods

Francesco Molinari fittingly took the glory as Europe regained the&nbsp;Ryder&nbsp;Cup in dominant style on Sunday, the Italian beating Phil Mickelson on the 16th to post the point needed to reach the magic tally of 14.5.

Mickelson conceded the hole after firing his tee shot into the water with Molinari on the green to leave the Italian as the first European to win all five matches in a week -- having not won any of his previous six.

Europe were effectively already assured of victory when he teed off as the Italian, Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia were all dormie and guaranteed at least half a point from their games - with Europe at that stage needing one.

They had started the day 10-6 up, needing to secure four and a half of the 12 points available to win back the trophy and extend their stranglehold on home soil that dates back to 1993.

Only twice before had a team come from four down going into the singles to win -- the US doing so at Brookline in 1999 and Europe in 2012 in the 'Miracle of Medinah', but another stunning comeback never really looked on the cards.

Justin Thomas, Webb Simpson and Tony Finau gave Jim Furyk's team a glimmer of hope with early wins but then the European points started pouring in from all over the course.

Thorbjorn Olesen hammered Jordan Spieth and fellow rookie Jon Rahm beat Tiger Woods -- leaving the 14-times major champion with a stunning four defeats out of four.

Ian Poulter, "Mr&nbsp;Ryder&nbsp;Cup", then produced probably the loudest cheer of the week when world number one Dustin Johnson conceded on the 18th green to leave Europe on the verge.

It was then just a question of which match out on the course would finish next and it proved to be Molinari's - sparking amazing scenes of celebration watched by the biggest galleries in the event's history.

Francesco Molinari fittingly took the glory as Europe regained the Ryder Cup in dominant style on Sunday, the Italian beating Phil Mickelson on the 16th to post the point needed to reach the magic tally of 14.

Francesco Molinari fittingly took the glory as Europe regained the Ryder Cup in dominant style on Sunday, the Italian beating Phil Mickelson on the 16th to post the point needed to reach the magic tally of 14.5. Mickelson conceded the hole after firing his tee shot into the water with Molinari on the green to leave the Italian as the first European to win all five matches in a week -- having not won any of his previous six. Europe were effectively already assured of victory when he teed off as the Italian, Henrik Stenson and Sergio Garcia were all dormie and guaranteed at least half a point from their games - with Europe at that stage needing one. They had started the day 10-6 up, needing to secure four and a half of the 12 points available to win back the trophy and extend their stranglehold on home soil that dates back to 1993. Only twice before had a team come from four down going into the singles to win -- the US doing so at Brookline in 1999 and Europe in 2012 in the 'Miracle of Medinah', but another stunning comeback never really looked on the cards. Justin Thomas, Webb Simpson and Tony Finau gave Jim Furyk's team a glimmer of hope with early wins but then the European points started pouring in from all over the course. Thorbjorn Olesen hammered Jordan Spieth and fellow rookie Jon Rahm beat Tiger Woods -- leaving the 14-times major champion with a stunning four defeats out of four. Ian Poulter, "Mr Ryder Cup", then produced probably the loudest cheer of the week when world number one Dustin Johnson conceded on the 18th green to leave Europe on the verge. It was then just a question of which match out on the course would finish next and it proved to be Molinari's - sparking amazing scenes of celebration watched by the biggest galleries in the event's history.

Europe regain Ryder Cup with dominant singles display

Justin Thomas defeated Rory McIlroy 1-up in the opening singles match at the Ryder Cup on Sunday as the United States cut Europe's lead to one point -- 10.5 to 9.5.

A calamitous 18th hole for McIlroy saw the Northern Irishman find the bunker with his tee shot, as well as the water, as Thomas picked up his fourth point of the competition.

"Hopefully they'll look up there and see I got that point. You can feel it out here, just the American roars are a lot different, for a good reason, and I'm hoping to hear some more," said Thomas.

Paul Casey and Brooks Koepka halved the second match, while Webb Simpson beat Justin Rose 3 and 2 after carding six birdies to put away the Olympic champion on the Albatros course.

Tony Finau romped to a 6 and 4 win over fellow rookie Tommy Fleetwood, denying the Englishman the chance to become the first European to win five points from a possible five at the Ryder Cup.

Justin Thomas defeated Rory McIlroy 1-up in the opening singles match at the Ryder Cup on Sunday as the United States cut Europe's lead to one point -- 10.5 to 9.

Justin Thomas defeated Rory McIlroy 1-up in the opening singles match at the Ryder Cup on Sunday as the United States cut Europe's lead to one point -- 10.5 to 9.5. A calamitous 18th hole for McIlroy saw the Northern Irishman find the bunker with his tee shot, as well as the water, as Thomas picked up his fourth point of the competition. "Hopefully they'll look up there and see I got that point. You can feel it out here, just the American roars are a lot different, for a good reason, and I'm hoping to hear some more," said Thomas. Paul Casey and Brooks Koepka halved the second match, while Webb Simpson beat Justin Rose 3 and 2 after carding six birdies to put away the Olympic champion on the Albatros course. Tony Finau romped to a 6 and 4 win over fellow rookie Tommy Fleetwood, denying the Englishman the chance to become the first European to win five points from a possible five at the Ryder Cup.

Justin Thomas outduels McIlroy as US hit back at Ryder Cup

An emotional Paul Casey fought to hold back tears after claiming his first Ryder Cup win since 2008 on Saturday, saying he had "desperately" wanted to return to the matchplay showdown.

After being persuaded to retake a European Tour card by captain Thomas Bjorn in order to be eligible for this year's Ryder Cup in France, he sealed an impressive 3 and 2 victory over Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler alongside Tyrrell Hatton.

"Ask him (Hatton) a question. Let me get my... honestly, let me get my breath," stammered Casey after securing Europe's seventh of eight straight wins at Le Golf National.

The 41-year-old was left out of the side by Colin Montgomerie in 2010 despite being the world number seven, slipping down the rankings after struggling with injuries and poor form.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Four. Straight. Birdies.<a href="https://twitter.com/Paul_Casey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paul_Casey</a> is feeling it. 🔥<a href="https://t.co/Cqikx26OQc">pic.twitter.com/Cqikx26OQc</a>
— PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGATOUR/status/1045950892141420544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
"Once you taste the Ryder Cup, there's nothing else like it." 
 
Paul Casey &amp; Tyrrell Hatton speak after their match win<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RyderCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RyderCup</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamEurope?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamEurope</a> <a href="https://t.co/VqRCjnugqJ">pic.twitter.com/VqRCjnugqJ</a>
— PGA of America (@PGA) <a href="https://twitter.com/PGA/status/1045993457032978432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

But he has rediscovered his best over the last four years, and has been in fine fettle this week, having almost inspired a comeback against Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas on Friday before reeling off five birdies in the first six holes Saturday.

"It has been 10 years. Desperately wanted to be back on this team because I know how good it is," said Casey after regaining his composure.

"I mean, all these guys are amazing, and you know, once you're a Ryder Cupper, you're always a Ryder Cupper. I can't tell you how proud I am."

Casey became one of only six men in Ryder Cup history to make a hole-in-one at the Ryder Cup at the K Club in 2006 and has now won six points from 11 matches.

"Obviously playing alongside Paul, he's a Ryder Cup legend," added Hatton. "What a player he is. It was the Casey Express train the front nine. I was just trying to help out when I could."

An emotional Paul Casey fought to hold back tears after claiming his first Ryder Cup win since 2008 on Saturday, saying he had "desperately" wanted to return to the matchplay showdown.

An emotional Paul Casey fought to hold back tears after claiming his first Ryder Cup win since 2008 on Saturday, saying he had "desperately" wanted to return to the matchplay showdown. After being persuaded to retake a European Tour card by captain Thomas Bjorn in order to be eligible for this year's Ryder Cup in France, he sealed an impressive 3 and 2 victory over Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler alongside Tyrrell Hatton. "Ask him (Hatton) a question. Let me get my... honestly, let me get my breath," stammered Casey after securing Europe's seventh of eight straight wins at Le Golf National. The 41-year-old was left out of the side by Colin Montgomerie in 2010 despite being the world number seven, slipping down the rankings after struggling with injuries and poor form. Four. Straight. Birdies.@Paul_Casey is feeling it. 🔥pic.twitter.com/Cqikx26OQc — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) September 29, 2018 × "Once you taste the Ryder Cup, there's nothing else like it." Paul Casey & Tyrrell Hatton speak after their match win#RyderCup #TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/VqRCjnugqJ — PGA of America (@PGA) September 29, 2018 × But he has rediscovered his best over the last four years, and has been in fine fettle this week, having almost inspired a comeback against Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas on Friday before reeling off five birdies in the first six holes Saturday. "It has been 10 years. Desperately wanted to be back on this team because I know how good it is," said Casey after regaining his composure. "I mean, all these guys are amazing, and you know, once you're a Ryder Cupper, you're always a Ryder Cupper. I can't tell you how proud I am." Casey became one of only six men in Ryder Cup history to make a hole-in-one at the Ryder Cup at the K Club in 2006 and has now won six points from 11 matches. "Obviously playing alongside Paul, he's a Ryder Cup legend," added Hatton. "What a player he is. It was the Casey Express train the front nine. I was just trying to help out when I could."

Paul Casey revels in first Ryder Cup win for decade

After an opening-day Europe fightback erased an early US lead, American golf stars must show their own resiliency if they are to keep the Ryder Cup.

Europe fell behind but swept four foursomes matches to carry a 5-3 edge into Saturday's second day of the biennial team golf showdown at Le Golf National, where the US squad is trying to snap a 25-year European win drought.

"Our team came out and did what they do best, be resilient, and that's awesome," said England's Ian Poulter, the European talisman who sparked an epic last-day comeback win in 2012 at Medinah.

Saturday's four foursomes and fourballs matches are followed by 12 concluding singles matches Sunday, with the Americans, who won the trophy in 2014 at Hazeltine, needing 14 points to retain and Europe needing 14 1/2 points to win for the ninth time in 12 attempts.

"If we can make up some ground our team can certainly pull it off in singles," three-time major champion Jordan Spieth said. "We're two evenly matched teams and here on their soil with the fans they have an extra gear."

The Americans were solid oddsmakers favourites with 11 of the world's 17 top-ranked players in the lineup and the odd man out being five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, ranked 25th at age 48.

"We've just got to regroup and come out sharp," Mickelson said. "There's a lot of golf left, a lot of matches and we've just got to come out and bring our best stuff.

"We know these matches are going to be close. We know it's going to be a fight 'til the end, and we've got a lot of points left."

With 14-time major winner Tiger Woods leading the way, the US squad boasts nine major champions with a combined 31 major titles compared to five major winners and eight major titles for Europe, four-time major champion Rory McIlroy setting the pace.

But what matters now is shotmaking over a difficult French layout half of the US team hadn't seen until this week.

"We have to shore things up," US captain Jim Furyk said. "I think our guys will respond, I really do. I have a lot of confidence in this team. It's going to leave a sour taste in their mouth. We didn't play our best golf."

Americans add to own pressure

Furyk admitted seeing European domination on the scoreboard can make matters worse for players struggling to halt a European wave.

"You start seeing those putts go in. You start seeing the birdies. You start seeing the blue numbers on the board. I think the guys press a little hard," Furyk said.

"I think they try a little bit too hard and I think they put a little bit too much pressure on themselves."

Rickie Fowler, who was paired with top-ranked Dustin Johnson in a foursomes loss to Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose, said the spirited fightback was no shocker.

"We knew it was going to be tough. I don't think we looked at it as we were going to get up to some sort of crazy lead," he said. "Each session is a whole new battle. We knew it was going to be a grind."

And they don't want to need too many singles wins on Sunday to tighten their grip on the Cup, mindful of the Miracle of Medinah that went against them with a 10-6 edge.

"Those singles matches can go quick," said two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson. "We're going to keep doing what we're doing. We just didn't make the putts we've got to make."

After an opening-day Europe fightback erased an early US lead, American golf stars must show their own resiliency if they are to keep the Ryder Cup. Europe fell behind but swept four foursomes matches to carry a 5-3 edge into Saturday's second day of the biennial team golf showdown at Le Golf National, where the US squad is trying to snap a 25-year European win drought.

After an opening-day Europe fightback erased an early US lead, American golf stars must show their own resiliency if they are to keep the Ryder Cup. Europe fell behind but swept four foursomes matches to carry a 5-3 edge into Saturday's second day of the biennial team golf showdown at Le Golf National, where the US squad is trying to snap a 25-year European win drought. "Our team came out and did what they do best, be resilient, and that's awesome," said England's Ian Poulter, the European talisman who sparked an epic last-day comeback win in 2012 at Medinah. Saturday's four foursomes and fourballs matches are followed by 12 concluding singles matches Sunday, with the Americans, who won the trophy in 2014 at Hazeltine, needing 14 points to retain and Europe needing 14 1/2 points to win for the ninth time in 12 attempts. "If we can make up some ground our team can certainly pull it off in singles," three-time major champion Jordan Spieth said. "We're two evenly matched teams and here on their soil with the fans they have an extra gear." The Americans were solid oddsmakers favourites with 11 of the world's 17 top-ranked players in the lineup and the odd man out being five-time major winner Phil Mickelson, ranked 25th at age 48. "We've just got to regroup and come out sharp," Mickelson said. "There's a lot of golf left, a lot of matches and we've just got to come out and bring our best stuff. "We know these matches are going to be close. We know it's going to be a fight 'til the end, and we've got a lot of points left." With 14-time major winner Tiger Woods leading the way, the US squad boasts nine major champions with a combined 31 major titles compared to five major winners and eight major titles for Europe, four-time major champion Rory McIlroy setting the pace. But what matters now is shotmaking over a difficult French layout half of the US team hadn't seen until this week. "We have to shore things up," US captain Jim Furyk said. "I think our guys will respond, I really do. I have a lot of confidence in this team. It's going to leave a sour taste in their mouth. We didn't play our best golf." Americans add to own pressure Furyk admitted seeing European domination on the scoreboard can make matters worse for players struggling to halt a European wave. "You start seeing those putts go in. You start seeing the birdies. You start seeing the blue numbers on the board. I think the guys press a little hard," Furyk said. "I think they try a little bit too hard and I think they put a little bit too much pressure on themselves." Rickie Fowler, who was paired with top-ranked Dustin Johnson in a foursomes loss to Henrik Stenson and Justin Rose, said the spirited fightback was no shocker. "We knew it was going to be tough. I don't think we looked at it as we were going to get up to some sort of crazy lead," he said. "Each session is a whole new battle. We knew it was going to be a grind." And they don't want to need too many singles wins on Sunday to tighten their grip on the Cup, mindful of the Miracle of Medinah that went against them with a 10-6 edge. "Those singles matches can go quick," said two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson. "We're going to keep doing what we're doing. We just didn't make the putts we've got to make."

USA must match European resiliency to keep Ryder Cup

The United States made a strong start to the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National on Friday as Jim Furyk's men claimed a 3-1 lead after the opening session despite a defeat for Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed.

The US team are bidding to win the trophy for the first time on European soil since 1993, and made an excellent start.

Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau stunned Jon Rahm and Justin Rose 1-up in the opening match, taking the lead for the first time at the final hole.

Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler then raised hopes of a repeat of the 2016 first-morning whitewash for the holders by swatting aside Rory McIlroy and Thorbjorn Olesen 4 and 2.

But after Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas edged out Tyrrell Hatton and Paul Casey in a thrilling match 1-up, British Open champion Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood produced a late surge to down a misfiring Woods and Reed 3 and 1.

The former world number one, playing in his first Ryder Cup since 2012, and the Masters champion were then left out by Furyk for the afternoon foursomes.

It is the Americans' largest first-session lead in Europe since 1989.

Johnson and Fowler won the first point, easing past an out-of-sorts McIlroy and European rookie Olesen.

Denmark's Olesen struck his first Ryder Cup tee shot into the water, but spent much of the match carrying four-time major winner McIlroy, who failed to make a single birdie or win a hole.

McIlroy and Olesen both missed lengthy birdie tries on the 16th hole to end a one-sided match with a whimper.

Beginner's luck

Europe led for the majority of the opening match, but collapsed late on as the US edged in front for the first time at the final hole.

Rose and Rahm took a 2-up lead after some sparkling play around the turn, but lost the momentum as Koepka and Finau drew level with two holes to play.

Rookie Finau, a captain's pick by Furyk, saw his tee shot at the par-three 16th hit the wooden boards separating the green from the water, before spinning into the air and coming to rest three feet from the hole for a simple birdie.

"I like pulling those out when it really matters," he smiled. "Sometimes you get a good kick. Sometimes you don't."

Spaniard Rahm bogeyed the 18th and FedEx Cup winner Rose found water to gift the Americans victory.

The visitors secured a third point as Spieth and Thomas held off a thrilling comeback from Casey and Hatton in a high-quality clash.

Spieth and Thomas, good friends off the course, raced into a 3-up advantage as the former poured in five birdies in the opening seven holes.

The 25-year-old Thomas maintained that lead with birdies at the ninth and 10th holes, but Casey made four straight birdies before a pinpoint Hatton approach made it all-square with five to play.

The Americans edged back ahead, though, and Hatton missed a 15-foot attempt to salvage half a point on the last green.

"It was great. We had a great start, too. Playing Ryder Cups over here are extremely fun," said three-time major winner Spieth. "We were able to feed off each other."

The home side started a possible fightback, though, with the heroics of Fleetwood sending the crowd into delirium with magnificent birdie putts on the 15th and 16th to grab a 2-up lead on Woods and Reed, having been 2-down after 10.

The big-name American pairing were off the pace throughout despite a strong start by Woods.

But the 14-time major champion lost his way on the back nine, with him and Reed both finding water and missing several fairways, leaving Molinari with a simple two-putt to get Europe on the board.

The Italian did even better than that, draining his birdie try to secure his first-ever full Ryder Cup point on his third appearance in style.

"There is nothing like it," said Fleetwood after his first Ryder Cup match.

"And that's just my first morning experience. Guys have done this ten times. There is nothing like it, and I can't wait to get out and do it again."

The United States made a strong start to the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National on Friday as Jim Furyk's men claimed a 3-1 lead after the opening session despite a defeat for Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed.

The United States made a strong start to the Ryder Cup at Le Golf National on Friday as Jim Furyk's men claimed a 3-1 lead after the opening session despite a defeat for Tiger Woods and Patrick Reed. The US team are bidding to win the trophy for the first time on European soil since 1993, and made an excellent start. Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau stunned Jon Rahm and Justin Rose 1-up in the opening match, taking the lead for the first time at the final hole. Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler then raised hopes of a repeat of the 2016 first-morning whitewash for the holders by swatting aside Rory McIlroy and Thorbjorn Olesen 4 and 2. But after Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas edged out Tyrrell Hatton and Paul Casey in a thrilling match 1-up, British Open champion Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood produced a late surge to down a misfiring Woods and Reed 3 and 1. The former world number one, playing in his first Ryder Cup since 2012, and the Masters champion were then left out by Furyk for the afternoon foursomes. It is the Americans' largest first-session lead in Europe since 1989. Johnson and Fowler won the first point, easing past an out-of-sorts McIlroy and European rookie Olesen. Denmark's Olesen struck his first Ryder Cup tee shot into the water, but spent much of the match carrying four-time major winner McIlroy, who failed to make a single birdie or win a hole. McIlroy and Olesen both missed lengthy birdie tries on the 16th hole to end a one-sided match with a whimper. Beginner's luck Europe led for the majority of the opening match, but collapsed late on as the US edged in front for the first time at the final hole. Rose and Rahm took a 2-up lead after some sparkling play around the turn, but lost the momentum as Koepka and Finau drew level with two holes to play. Rookie Finau, a captain's pick by Furyk, saw his tee shot at the par-three 16th hit the wooden boards separating the green from the water, before spinning into the air and coming to rest three feet from the hole for a simple birdie. "I like pulling those out when it really matters," he smiled. "Sometimes you get a good kick. Sometimes you don't." Spaniard Rahm bogeyed the 18th and FedEx Cup winner Rose found water to gift the Americans victory. The visitors secured a third point as Spieth and Thomas held off a thrilling comeback from Casey and Hatton in a high-quality clash. Spieth and Thomas, good friends off the course, raced into a 3-up advantage as the former poured in five birdies in the opening seven holes. The 25-year-old Thomas maintained that lead with birdies at the ninth and 10th holes, but Casey made four straight birdies before a pinpoint Hatton approach made it all-square with five to play. The Americans edged back ahead, though, and Hatton missed a 15-foot attempt to salvage half a point on the last green. "It was great. We had a great start, too. Playing Ryder Cups over here are extremely fun," said three-time major winner Spieth. "We were able to feed off each other." The home side started a possible fightback, though, with the heroics of Fleetwood sending the crowd into delirium with magnificent birdie putts on the 15th and 16th to grab a 2-up lead on Woods and Reed, having been 2-down after 10. The big-name American pairing were off the pace throughout despite a strong start by Woods. But the 14-time major champion lost his way on the back nine, with him and Reed both finding water and missing several fairways, leaving Molinari with a simple two-putt to get Europe on the board. The Italian did even better than that, draining his birdie try to secure his first-ever full Ryder Cup point on his third appearance in style. "There is nothing like it," said Fleetwood after his first Ryder Cup match. "And that's just my first morning experience. Guys have done this ten times. There is nothing like it, and I can't wait to get out and do it again."

US power into early Ryder Cup lead despite Woods defeat 

Tiger Woods teed off in an electric atmosphere at his first Ryder Cup since 2012 on Friday as defending champions United States launched their quest for a first win on European soil in 25 years.

Woods, a 14-time major winner, snapped a five-year win drought only five days ago to cap a sensational comeback season after spinal fusion sugery and was set to attract huge crowds in a feature morning four-ball match alongside Masters champion Patrick Reed&nbsp;against British Open champion Francesco Molinari of Italy and&nbsp;English rookie Tommy Fleetwood.

More than 7,000 spectators&nbsp;at Le Golf National jammed into the largest first-tee grandstand in Ryder Cup history, cheering and screaming to produce a roar unique to the emotional atmosphere of the biennial team golf showdown.

"It's unbelievable," US captain Jim Furyk said. "Any Ryder Cup is magical but there are 6,000 people back here. It's incredible."

Four-morning four-ball matches were set to be followed by four-afternoon foursomes matches on Friday and Saturday with 12 concluding singles matches Sunday.

"This is going to be pretty mega," said European talisman Ian Poulter, the Englishman whipping up loud cheers from the crowd even though he was benched for the opening session.

The Americans need 14 points to retain the trophy while Europe need 14 1/2 points to win for the ninth time in 12 attempts.

England's Justin Rose birdied the opening hole to give himself and Spain's Jon Rahm, another Ryder Cup newcomer, a 1-up edge on US rookie Tony Finau and reigning PGA Championship and US Open champion Brooks Koepka.

Rory McIlroy teamed with&nbsp;Danish rookie Thorbjorn Olesen against world number one Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler for the Americans, while Europe's Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton faced Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas.

Reed grinned as the crowd booed his name while Woods remained stoic. Reed swung his club to elicit "Ole" cheers from spectators then blasted his tee shot down the heart of the fairway. Woods followed by finding the left-centre of the fairway.

Woods has been on only one triumphant team in seven prior Ryder Cup appearances, that in 1999 when the Americans made the best last-day fightback to win in their history, and has eight losses in 13 matches in both foursomes and four-ball formats compared with four wins and only one defeat in singles.

Not since 1993 at The Belfry in England has an American squad tasted victory in Europe.

This marks only the second Ryder Cup in continental Europe after 1997 in Spain.

Tiger Woods teed off in an electric atmosphere at his first Ryder Cup since 2012 on Friday as defending champions United States launched their quest for a first win on European soil in 25 years.

Tiger Woods teed off in an electric atmosphere at his first Ryder Cup since 2012 on Friday as defending champions United States launched their quest for a first win on European soil in 25 years. Woods, a 14-time major winner, snapped a five-year win drought only five days ago to cap a sensational comeback season after spinal fusion sugery and was set to attract huge crowds in a feature morning four-ball match alongside Masters champion Patrick Reed against British Open champion Francesco Molinari of Italy and English rookie Tommy Fleetwood. More than 7,000 spectators at Le Golf National jammed into the largest first-tee grandstand in Ryder Cup history, cheering and screaming to produce a roar unique to the emotional atmosphere of the biennial team golf showdown. "It's unbelievable," US captain Jim Furyk said. "Any Ryder Cup is magical but there are 6,000 people back here. It's incredible." Four-morning four-ball matches were set to be followed by four-afternoon foursomes matches on Friday and Saturday with 12 concluding singles matches Sunday. "This is going to be pretty mega," said European talisman Ian Poulter, the Englishman whipping up loud cheers from the crowd even though he was benched for the opening session. The Americans need 14 points to retain the trophy while Europe need 14 1/2 points to win for the ninth time in 12 attempts. England's Justin Rose birdied the opening hole to give himself and Spain's Jon Rahm, another Ryder Cup newcomer, a 1-up edge on US rookie Tony Finau and reigning PGA Championship and US Open champion Brooks Koepka. Rory McIlroy teamed with Danish rookie Thorbjorn Olesen against world number one Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler for the Americans, while Europe's Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton faced Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas. Reed grinned as the crowd booed his name while Woods remained stoic. Reed swung his club to elicit "Ole" cheers from spectators then blasted his tee shot down the heart of the fairway. Woods followed by finding the left-centre of the fairway. Woods has been on only one triumphant team in seven prior Ryder Cup appearances, that in 1999 when the Americans made the best last-day fightback to win in their history, and has eight losses in 13 matches in both foursomes and four-ball formats compared with four wins and only one defeat in singles. Not since 1993 at The Belfry in England has an American squad tasted victory in Europe. This marks only the second Ryder Cup in continental Europe after 1997 in Spain.

Tiger tees off as Americans chase rare European win in Ryder Cup

Two years after delivering coffees to Europe's players at Hazeltine, Danish rookie Thorbjorn Olesen has earned himself what he hopes will be a more pivotal Ryder Cup role this time.

The 28-year-old grabbed a place on compatriot and close friend Thomas Bjorn's 12-man team after an impressive season on the European Tour -- grabbing the last qualification spot less than a month ago at the Made in Denmark event in Silkborg.

As with Europe's four other debutants, the enormity of a Ryder Cup match will hit home on Friday morning at Le Golf National just south of Paris.

But Olesen says his stint driving then vice-captain Bjorn's buggy around Hazeltine in 2016 will hold him in good stead for what he can expect inside the ropes.

"Well, first of all, it's the toughest job I've ever had, for sure. Driving Thomas's buggy was difficult. He was very demanding, so I was running around," Olesen told reporters on Thursday.

"I definitely had to go into the clubhouse to get coffees a few times, more than a few times. And it was really, really difficult to get from the course into the clubhouse, especially in a European cart."

Olesen is happy to swap the steering wheel for his clubs this time round, but says the close-up view he got at Hazeltine, where Europe lost, was invaluable as he prepares for the biggest three days of his career.

"It was a great experience for me. Seeing behind the scenes, seeing what the captains do, vice-captains, realise how tough of a job they actually have to pick the teams," he said.

"Standing on the first tee, seeing all that, I think is a good experience, and I think it can only help me this week."

Olesen is a close friend of Bjorn's, describing him as a mentor as he made his way through the ranks.

They both live in London and occasionally watch football together so he said it was a relief that he gained one of the eight automatic qualification places, sparing Bjorn a potentially difficult decision when naming his wildcards.

"100 per cent. It meant the world that I could qualify straight in, and it would have been a really tough decision for Thomas if it wasn't because there was so many great players being outside," he said.

"I wouldn't know if I wouldn't have qualified if I would have got the pick or not."

Olesen said there were nerves during his first practice round on Tuesday but looked relaxed on Thursday.

"I think it's going to be very, very different standing there on the first tee tomorrow, I'm sure. I'm definitely going to be very nervous, no doubt about it," he said.

"I will try to just embrace the moment and do my best. I enjoy being nervous, so I think that's a great feeling to have, so I'm looking forward whenever I'm standing on that first tee."

Two years after delivering coffees to Europe's players at Hazeltine, Danish rookie Thorbjorn Olesen has earned himself what he hopes will be a more pivotal Ryder Cup role this time.

Two years after delivering coffees to Europe's players at Hazeltine, Danish rookie Thorbjorn Olesen has earned himself what he hopes will be a more pivotal Ryder Cup role this time. The 28-year-old grabbed a place on compatriot and close friend Thomas Bjorn's 12-man team after an impressive season on the European Tour -- grabbing the last qualification spot less than a month ago at the Made in Denmark event in Silkborg. As with Europe's four other debutants, the enormity of a Ryder Cup match will hit home on Friday morning at Le Golf National just south of Paris. But Olesen says his stint driving then vice-captain Bjorn's buggy around Hazeltine in 2016 will hold him in good stead for what he can expect inside the ropes. "Well, first of all, it's the toughest job I've ever had, for sure. Driving Thomas's buggy was difficult. He was very demanding, so I was running around," Olesen told reporters on Thursday. "I definitely had to go into the clubhouse to get coffees a few times, more than a few times. And it was really, really difficult to get from the course into the clubhouse, especially in a European cart." Olesen is happy to swap the steering wheel for his clubs this time round, but says the close-up view he got at Hazeltine, where Europe lost, was invaluable as he prepares for the biggest three days of his career. "It was a great experience for me. Seeing behind the scenes, seeing what the captains do, vice-captains, realise how tough of a job they actually have to pick the teams," he said. "Standing on the first tee, seeing all that, I think is a good experience, and I think it can only help me this week." Olesen is a close friend of Bjorn's, describing him as a mentor as he made his way through the ranks. They both live in London and occasionally watch football together so he said it was a relief that he gained one of the eight automatic qualification places, sparing Bjorn a potentially difficult decision when naming his wildcards. "100 per cent. It meant the world that I could qualify straight in, and it would have been a really tough decision for Thomas if it wasn't because there was so many great players being outside," he said. "I wouldn't know if I wouldn't have qualified if I would have got the pick or not." Olesen said there were nerves during his first practice round on Tuesday but looked relaxed on Thursday. "I think it's going to be very, very different standing there on the first tee tomorrow, I'm sure. I'm definitely going to be very nervous, no doubt about it," he said. "I will try to just embrace the moment and do my best. I enjoy being nervous, so I think that's a great feeling to have, so I'm looking forward whenever I'm standing on that first tee."

Golf: Rookie Thorbjorn Olesen happy to give up the coffee run

Rory McIlroy has come a long way from dismissing the Ryder Cup as "an exhibition event" of little importance to becoming fully established as one of the European team leaders who cannot wait to soak up the experience for a fifth time.

McIlroy was a 20-year-old when he derided the biennial event as something not among his goals, but the four-time major winner soon started to understand its special place in the calendar the following year on his debut at Celtic Manor.

"Going into my first Ryder Cup, I didn't know what all the fuss was about. I still thought it was this team event that really doesn`t matter in the big scheme of things," the 29-year-old told a news conference at Le Golf National on Wednesday.

"I was more concerned about individual titles and all that. Once I got on to that first tee on Friday morning, I thought, 'oh, this is a little different than I expected'.

"It doesn't seem that it's been that long and now this is going to be my fifth Ryder Cup," added the Northern Irishman, who last week said that winning majors had provided his proudest moments but Ryder Cups had been his best-golfing experiences.

"But they have all been wonderful experiences for different reasons, and I'm sure this time will be no different.

"I've been excited for this for basically since the last day in Hazeltine, whenever we weren't the ones spraying champagne for a change," the world number six said.

WASTED ENERGY

That contest two years ago featured one of the all-time great singles matches as McIlory took on this year's U.S. Masters champion Patrick Reed in a high-octane, high-volume Sunday showdown.

Sent out first by their captains, the talismen traded shots and celebrations through a terrific match in front of baying galleries, before Reed eventually triumphed on the final hole.

Both have since spoken about how much they enjoyed that battle but McIlroy said on Wednesday that having looked back on how high he was on adrenalin, he had learned an important lesson.

"I could play it for nine holes, and then it suddenly hit me," he said. "The level sort of declined after that and reached its crescendo on the eighth green, and the last 10 holes weren't quite as good. I hit a wall on that back nine and it cost me.

"I look back as those videos, it wasn't just Sunday. It was Friday and Saturday. I'm surprised I had a voice left at the end of the week. It looked tiring to have to play golf like that for three days.&nbsp;

"I learnt a lot from that and learnt that it`s good to get excited and to have that, but at the same time, if I need to play a late match on Sunday or whatever it is, I want to have all my energy in reserve so I can give everything for 18 holes."

Rory McIlroy has come a long way from dismissing the Ryder Cup as "an exhibition event" of little importance to becoming fully established as one of the European team leaders who cannot wait to soak up the experience for a fifth time.

Rory McIlroy has come a long way from dismissing the Ryder Cup as "an exhibition event" of little importance to becoming fully established as one of the European team leaders who cannot wait to soak up the experience for a fifth time. McIlroy was a 20-year-old when he derided the biennial event as something not among his goals, but the four-time major winner soon started to understand its special place in the calendar the following year on his debut at Celtic Manor. "Going into my first Ryder Cup, I didn't know what all the fuss was about. I still thought it was this team event that really doesn`t matter in the big scheme of things," the 29-year-old told a news conference at Le Golf National on Wednesday. "I was more concerned about individual titles and all that. Once I got on to that first tee on Friday morning, I thought, 'oh, this is a little different than I expected'. "It doesn't seem that it's been that long and now this is going to be my fifth Ryder Cup," added the Northern Irishman, who last week said that winning majors had provided his proudest moments but Ryder Cups had been his best-golfing experiences. "But they have all been wonderful experiences for different reasons, and I'm sure this time will be no different. "I've been excited for this for basically since the last day in Hazeltine, whenever we weren't the ones spraying champagne for a change," the world number six said. WASTED ENERGY That contest two years ago featured one of the all-time great singles matches as McIlory took on this year's U.S. Masters champion Patrick Reed in a high-octane, high-volume Sunday showdown. Sent out first by their captains, the talismen traded shots and celebrations through a terrific match in front of baying galleries, before Reed eventually triumphed on the final hole. Both have since spoken about how much they enjoyed that battle but McIlroy said on Wednesday that having looked back on how high he was on adrenalin, he had learned an important lesson. "I could play it for nine holes, and then it suddenly hit me," he said. "The level sort of declined after that and reached its crescendo on the eighth green, and the last 10 holes weren't quite as good. I hit a wall on that back nine and it cost me. "I look back as those videos, it wasn't just Sunday. It was Friday and Saturday. I'm surprised I had a voice left at the end of the week. It looked tiring to have to play golf like that for three days. "I learnt a lot from that and learnt that it`s good to get excited and to have that, but at the same time, if I need to play a late match on Sunday or whatever it is, I want to have all my energy in reserve so I can give everything for 18 holes."

Golf: Ryder Cup convert Rory McIlroy ready for event he once dismissed

ryder-cup

Ryder Cup, News on Ryder Cup, stories on Ryder Cup, articles on Ryder Cup, Ryder Cup stories at Wion, Ryder Cup news, Ryder Cup latest news

ryder cup

'Say cheese', Europeans court Packers fans at Ryder Cup

Golf: Harrington glad to see McIlroy's 'swagger' back ahead of Ryder Cup

Golf's Ryder Cup to be postponed: report

Lahiri: PGA Tour restart will set the template for resumption of golf

Reed won't dial down the passion at Presidents Cup

Jon Rahm wins Hero World Challenge

Golf: Rose backs Harrington to be Europe's next Ryder Cup captain

'Hope spectator safety will improve', says woman who was blinded at golf's Ryder Cup

Ryder Cup spectator loses sight after being hit by Brooks Koepka drive

Five key moments in the 2018 Ryder Cup

Golf: Captain Furyk takes blame for American Ryder Cup loss

Five key moments in the 2018 Ryder Cup

I'm one of the reasons we lost Ryder Cup, says Tiger Woods

Europe regain Ryder Cup with dominant singles display

Justin Thomas outduels McIlroy as US hit back at Ryder Cup

Paul Casey revels in first Ryder Cup win for decade

USA must match European resiliency to keep Ryder Cup

US power into early Ryder Cup lead despite Woods defeat

Tiger tees off as Americans chase rare European win in Ryder Cup

Golf: Rookie Thorbjorn Olesen happy to give up the coffee run

Golf: Ryder Cup convert Rory McIlroy ready for event he once dismissed