The Masters week has started with the traditional Par 3 contest which was won by Englishman Aaron Pai on Wednesday (Apr 8). The contest, however, saw much more drama including several holes-in-one shots. Among those who aced the holes were Wyndham Clark, Justin Thomas, Tommy Fleetwood, and Keegan Bradley. The nine-hole course is Wednesday tradition of the Augusta Masters dating back to 1960 when Sam Snead won the inaugural contest. Both, players competing in the tournament and former champions are invited to play the thrilling contest. No Par 3 contest winner, however, has ever won the Masters. Have a look at the holes-in-one shots at Par 3 contest:<h2>Justin Thomas aces second hole</h2>Justin Thomas, the 32-yer-old American, who has two PGA Championships to his name (2017 and 2022), started by acing the second hole 15 minutes into the contest. As soon as the ball went inside the hole, he was ecstatic and immediately made 'money' gestures towards Jordan Spieth and Max Homa with whom he had made an apparent friendly bet. Have a look at the shot:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">What a way to start the Par 3 Contest. Hole-in-one for Justin Thomas on No. 2. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/HHx7hFP73A">pic.twitter.com/HHx7hFP73A</a>&mdash; The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/2041912563106000952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Wyndham Clark aces hole no. 7</h2>Wyndham Clark, the 2023 US Open champ, aced at hole no. 7 from 109 yards for the contest's second hole-in-one. This is the first time the hole has been aced since Lucas Glover did it back in 2024. Have a look at the shot:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Wyndham Clark aces hole No. 7. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/44esmoTW56">pic.twitter.com/44esmoTW56</a>&mdash; The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/2041948196306395408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Keegan Bradley aces hole no. 8</h2>Keegan Bradley, who had won the PGA championship in 2011, was right behind Clark and aced hole no. 8. It was third hole-in-shot of the day and second in as many years for Bradley, who now is the first player in the history to ace holes in two back-to-back years. Have a look at the historic shot:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">A hole-in-one two years in a row for Keegan Bradley. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/IF8OrnqZdA">pic.twitter.com/IF8OrnqZdA</a>&mdash; The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/2041933337149718901?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Tommy Fleetwood aces one too</h2>The Englishman, who has never won a major, made the fourth hole-in-shot of the day when he aced fourth hole while playing with Shane Lowry and defending champ Rory McIlroy. Have a look at the shot:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Quite the role model. Tommy Fleetwood makes a hole-in-one with his son Frankie on the bag. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/themasters?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#themasters</a> <a href="https://t.co/YEsFGaujyV">pic.twitter.com/YEsFGaujyV</a>&mdash; The Masters (@TheMasters) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheMasters/status/2041961019623231728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Among those who aced the holes were Wyndham Clark, Justin Thomas, Tommy Fleetwood, and Keegan Bradley. The nine-hole course is Wednesday tradition of the Augusta Masters dating back to 1960 when Sam Snead won the inaugural contest.

The Masters week has started with the traditional Par 3 contest which was won by Englishman Aaron Pai on Wednesday (Apr 8). The contest, however, saw much more drama including several holes-in-one shots. Among those who aced the holes were Wyndham Clark, Justin Thomas, Tommy Fleetwood, and Keegan Bradley. The nine-hole course is Wednesday tradition of the Augusta Masters dating back to 1960 when Sam Snead won the inaugural contest. Both, players competing in the tournament and former champions are invited to play the thrilling contest. No Par 3 contest winner, however, has ever won the Masters. Have a look at the holes-in-one shots at Par 3 contest: Justin Thomas aces second hole Justin Thomas, the 32-yer-old American, who has two PGA Championships to his name (2017 and 2022), started by acing the second hole 15 minutes into the contest. As soon as the ball went inside the hole, he was ecstatic and immediately made 'money' gestures towards Jordan Spieth and Max Homa with whom he had made an apparent friendly bet. Have a look at the shot:

Among those who aced the holes were Wyndham Clark, Justin Thomas, Tommy Fleetwood, and Keegan Bradley. The nine-hole course is Wednesday tradition of the Augusta Masters dating back to 1960 when Sam Snead won the inaugural contest.

Augusta Masters: 4 hole-in-shots in Par 3 contest including a historic one for Keegan Bradley - WATCH

Shubhankar Sharma came good when it mattered as he compiled his best round in almost seven months to lead a group of five Indians into the weekend round of the inaugural $ 4 million DP World India Championship. Buoyed by the support of young adoring fans, Sharma picked three birdies on either side of the Delhi Golf Club. Sharma, who could have gone even lower, was Tied-32nd, while Dhruv Sheoran (68-73), Shiv Kapur (72-69) and Anirban Lahiri (70-71) were 3-under for 36 holes and Tied-41st. Joining them for the weekend action will be Abhinav Lohan (70-72) in Tied-58th place.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/end-of-road-for-shami-as-india-bowler-bcci-chief-selector-ajit-agarkar-shares-plan-for-pacer-1760704863709">End of road for Shami as India bowler? Agarkar shares plan for pacer</a>The crowds at the Delhi Golf Club, who were following Rory McIlroy all day long, went delirious with joy as McIlroy was greeted by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Narayan, the Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer of DP World and the brain behind the $4 million event, as he walked off the 18th green. McIlroy finished with four birdies in the last six holes and was Tied-17th at 6-under and six shots behind the leader Tommy Fleetwood.Even as the greens were firming up and the pin positions being trickier than the first day, the day’s low score was once again 8-under, but this time it came from the reigning FedExCup Champion Fleetwood (68-64), who will take a one-shot lead into the weekend at the 2025 DP World India Championship.&nbsp;Chasing Fleetwood were two Open champions - &nbsp;the 2019 Open winner Shane Lowry, who followed his first round 64 with a 3-under 69, and the 2023 Open winner Brian Harman, who added a 7-under 65 with eight birdies and one bogey to his first round 68. Lowry and Harman were 11-under and one behind Fleetwood.Fleetwood said, “I played better than yesterday, I think. I wasn't happy with how I hit it towards the end yesterday. I hit some balls afterwards, and I felt like today the swing was in a better place.McIlroy, who had the largest gallery following him, had six birdies against three bogeys for the second day running. He was 1-over through 12 after back-to-back bogeys on the 11th and the 12th, but four birdies in the last six holes provided a brilliant finish from the reigning Masters champion. He was at 6-under alongside Ryder Cup teammate Viktor Hovland, who found the fairways with unerring regularity. Hovland shot a bogey-free 5-under after a 71 on the first day to get to 6-under.Fleetwood added, "I hit it in the fairway a lot today and from there just gave myself the chance to hit some nice irons in and putted well as well for the second day in a row. "It's easy to talk about how many things you did well when you shot eight under, but just a really good round of golf."Sharma’s bogey-free 66, brought a big smile on the faces of the entire Team Sharma, which included his coach Jesse Grewal, father Col ML Sharma and sister Vandana.Sharma, who has been going through a lean patch and a run of missed cuts over the last six months, said, “Yeah, really happy, really happy. Yesterday I got off to a good start but made some bad mistakes coming in, but I slept last night and I'm feeling a lot more fresh. Yeah, hit it well, putting was good, mind was clear, and in the end, I'm really happy.“In golf, it's always very small points. There's not much difference. It's just that my mentality was different today. I was a lot more relaxed. Well-rested. Yesterday even though I got off to a good start, I was slightly edgy.”He added, “The course is holding up really nicely. It's not that easy. Obviously the scores have been good. In the morning, maybe slightly easier than the afternoon. But if anything, it will only get tougher. The greens will get harder. I don't think we will get any rain. So yeah, it will be tougher. The pin positions are going to get, if anything, tougher and more tucked in. The course is going to be hard.”Fleetwood, started the day four shots behind first-round leader and playing partner Lowry after kicking off his campaign with a 68 on Thursday. He soon closed the gap, firing five birdies on his way to the turn before picking up three more shots coming home to set the clubhouse target at 12 under par.A charging Keita Nakajima, who has a win in India at the 2024 Hero Indian Open, came rather close to 11-under before a bogey on the Par-4 16th set him back to 10-under.Ryder Cup hero Fleetwood started his second round from the tenth tee and opened his birdie account from ten feet on the 11th hole. He picked up further shots at the 13th and 15th before reeling off a hat-trick of birdies on the 17th, 18th and 1st.A 16-footer on the fourth saw Fleetwood take the outright lead on 11 under and he finished with an eight-foot birdie at the ninth to keep a stellar chasing pack at bay.McIlroy, who had four birdies in his last six holes, had a rough start to the back nine with back-to-back bogeys on the 11th and 12th. He said, “Yeah, obviously not the best way to start the back nine. I felt like I recovered and I scrambled well on the front nine, but didn't play that good.Yeah, the two bogeys -- I knew I had two par 5s coming up and then I thought if I can birdie those, get myself back in the tournament, and that's what I did. A good birdie on 13 after two bogeys and I birdied the two par 5s and made a nice putt on 16 also.Yeah, it was a strong finish, got myself sort of back in the tournament. I need a strong start tomorrow but yeah, it was much better on the back nine.” &nbsp;

The crowds at the Delhi Golf Club, who were following Rory McIlroy all day long, went delirious with joy as McIlroy was greeted by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. He finished with four birdies in the last six holes and was Tied-17th at 6-under and six shots behind the leader Tommy Fleetwood.

Shubhankar Sharma came good when it mattered as he compiled his best round in almost seven months to lead a group of five Indians into the weekend round of the inaugural $ 4 million DP World India Championship. Buoyed by the support of young adoring fans, Sharma picked three birdies on either side of the Delhi Golf Club. Sharma, who could have gone even lower, was Tied-32nd, while Dhruv Sheoran (68-73), Shiv Kapur (72-69) and Anirban Lahiri (70-71) were 3-under for 36 holes and Tied-41st. Joining them for the weekend action will be Abhinav Lohan (70-72) in Tied-58th place. Also Read - End of road for Shami as India bowler? Agarkar shares plan for pacer The crowds at the Delhi Golf Club, who were following Rory McIlroy all day long, went delirious with joy as McIlroy was greeted by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar and Yuvraj Narayan, the Deputy CEO and Chief Financial Officer of DP World and the brain behind the $4 million event, as he walked off the 18th green. McIlroy finished with four birdies in the last six holes and was Tied-17th at 6-under and six shots behind the leader Tommy Fleetwood. Even as the greens were firming up and the pin positions being trickier than the first day, the day’s low score was once again 8-under, but this time it came from the reigning FedExCup Champion Fleetwood (68-64), who will take a one-shot lead into the weekend at the 2025 DP World India Championship. Chasing Fleetwood were two Open champions - the 2019 Open winner Shane Lowry, who followed his first round 64 with a 3-under 69, and the 2023 Open winner Brian Harman, who added a 7-under 65 with eight birdies and one bogey to his first round 68. Lowry and Harman were 11-under and one behind Fleetwood. Fleetwood said, “I played better than yesterday, I think. I wasn't happy with how I hit it towards the end yesterday. I hit some balls afterwards, and I felt like today the swing was in a better place. McIlroy, who had the largest gallery following him, had six birdies against three bogeys for the second day running. He was 1-over through 12 after back-to-back bogeys on the 11th and the 12th, but four birdies in the last six holes provided a brilliant finish from the reigning Masters champion. He was at 6-under alongside Ryder Cup teammate Viktor Hovland, who found the fairways with unerring regularity. Hovland shot a bogey-free 5-under after a 71 on the first day to get to 6-under. Fleetwood added, "I hit it in the fairway a lot today and from there just gave myself the chance to hit some nice irons in and putted well as well for the second day in a row. "It's easy to talk about how many things you did well when you shot eight under, but just a really good round of golf." Sharma’s bogey-free 66, brought a big smile on the faces of the entire Team Sharma, which included his coach Jesse Grewal, father Col ML Sharma and sister Vandana. Sharma, who has been going through a lean patch and a run of missed cuts over the last six months, said, “Yeah, really happy, really happy. Yesterday I got off to a good start but made some bad mistakes coming in, but I slept last night and I'm feeling a lot more fresh. Yeah, hit it well, putting was good, mind was clear, and in the end, I'm really happy. “In golf, it's always very small points. There's not much difference. It's just that my mentality was different today. I was a lot more relaxed. Well-rested. Yesterday even though I got off to a good start, I was slightly edgy.” He added, “The course is holding up really nicely. It's not that easy. Obviously the scores have been good. In the morning, maybe slightly easier than the afternoon. But if anything, it will only get tougher. The greens will get harder. I don't think we will get any rain. So yeah, it will be tougher. The pin positions are going to get, if anything, tougher and more tucked in. The course is going to be hard.” Fleetwood, started the day four shots behind first-round leader and playing partner Lowry after kicking off his campaign with a 68 on Thursday. He soon closed the gap, firing five birdies on his way to the turn before picking up three more shots coming home to set the clubhouse target at 12 under par. A charging Keita Nakajima, who has a win in India at the 2024 Hero Indian Open, came rather close to 11-under before a bogey on the Par-4 16th set him back to 10-under. Ryder Cup hero Fleetwood started his second round from the tenth tee and opened his birdie account from ten feet on the 11th hole. He picked up further shots at the 13th and 15th before reeling off a hat-trick of birdies on the 17th, 18th and 1st. A 16-footer on the fourth saw Fleetwood take the outright lead on 11 under and he finished with an eight-foot birdie at the ninth to keep a stellar chasing pack at bay. McIlroy, who had four birdies in his last six holes, had a rough start to the back nine with back-to-back bogeys on the 11th and 12th. He said, “Yeah, obviously not the best way to start the back nine. I felt like I recovered and I scrambled well on the front nine, but didn't play that good. Yeah, the two bogeys -- I knew I had two par 5s coming up and then I thought if I can birdie those, get myself back in the tournament, and that's what I did. A good birdie on 13 after two bogeys and I birdied the two par 5s and made a nice putt on 16 also. Yeah, it was a strong finish, got myself sort of back in the tournament. I need a strong start tomorrow but yeah, it was much better on the back nine.”

The crowds at the Delhi Golf Club, who were following Rory McIlroy all day long, went delirious with joy as McIlroy was greeted by cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar. He finished with four birdies in the last six holes and was Tied-17th at 6-under and six shots behind the leader Tommy Fleetwood.

DP World India Championship: Shubhankar Sharma top Indian as Tommy Fleetwood takes lead

Tommy Fleetwood enjoyed the winning moment as Europe regained the Ryder Cup from a battling United States on Sunday, wrapping up a 16.5-11.5 victory despite a belated American singles charge.

The USA remain without a win on European soil since 1993 while neither team have lifted the trophy away from home in 11 years.

With Europe needing half a point to get over the line, Fleetwood moved 2-up against Rickie Fowler with two holes to play after the American dumped his tee shot on the short par-four 16th into the water.

Fleetwood struck his drive into the heart of the green and calmy stroked his eagle putt to the holeside to ensure Europe a seventh consecutive home victory, before going on to win 3 and 1.

"I think relief, pride, joy," said the Englishman. "Proud of everybody that's been involved this week and just proud that I'm one of the people that gets to play a role in what we came here to do."

US captain Zach Johnson took responsibility for the loss.

"The defeat is on me, I made some poor decisions and I will reflect. Those 12 guys played so hard and fought for our country," he said.

Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland led the way with early victories in the Rome sunshine and Jon Rahm also snatched half a point from Scottie Scheffler on the 18th green.

Luke Donald's Europe started the day four points from lifting the trophy they lost in a record-breaking 19-9 thrashing at Whistling Straits two years ago.

"It was stressful as the US put up a fight today so hats off to them. But I am so proud of my 12 guys. We formed a bond from day one and they gave me everything," said Donald.

Europe raced out of the blocks in the Rome sunshine before the USA enjoyed a surge to quieten the huge home crowds, at one point leading in seven matches and tied in another.

But Europe gathered themselves and ended up halving the singles session 6-6.

The Americans were attempting to pull off the biggest Sunday Ryder Cup comeback, having trailed 10.5-5.5 at the start of the day.

But they never recovered from being swept 4-0 in the opening foursomes on Friday, quashing American hopes that their crushing win in 2021 was the start of a period of dominance.

There were jubilant scenes on the 18th green as the final match on the course between Shane Lowry and Jordan Spieth, which was halved, came to an end, with the Irishman hugging several teammates on his way down the fairway.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cwc-2023-team-wasnt-gelled-well-there-were-no-discussions-moin-khan-after-pakistans-loss-to-nz-in-warm-up-641560">CWC 2023: Team wasn’t gelled well, there were no discussions: Moin Khan after Pakistan’s loss to NZ in warm-up</a>

<h2>Europe's big guns fire</h2>

Rahm grabbed a crucial half-point from a thrilling opening tussle with Scheffler by making birdie on the par-five 18th hole after the world number one thinned a chip across the green.

Hovland had already romped to a 4 and 3 victory over Collin Morikawa to take his personal tally for the event to 3.5 points.

Patrick Cantlay -- the pantomime villain after reports he was refusing to wearing a hat over wanting to be paid at the event before his caddie Joe LaCava angered McIlroy on Saturday -- edged out Justin Rose 2 and 1.

Cantlay was roundly jeered on the first hole and mocked again for a reported protest against the lack of pay for Ryder Cup players, with fans waving their caps at him.

But he continued his good form from Saturday, when he made three straight birdies in his match with Wyndham Clark to beat McIlroy and Matthew Fitzpatrick, by handing Rose his first loss of the week.

McIlroy, who ends the week with four points after his struggles at Whistling Straits, closed out a 3 and 1 victory over Sam Burns despite a late rally from the American.

"This was about redemption and showing what we could do," said McIlroy.

Tyrrell Hatton overcame some nervy late moments to see off British Open champion Brian Harman on the 16th hole and put Europe on the cusp and 14-7 ahead.

Fitzpatrick missed a 19-foot birdie putt to win the Ryder Cup on the last hole as Max Homa kept the fate of the matchplay showdown just about in the balance.

Homa, who was the USA's best player at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club with 3.5 points, bravely opted to take a penalty drop from the rough for an unplayable lie but made a clutch up and down for par.

Brooks Koepka saw off Swedish sensation Ludvig Aberg 3 and 2 and Xander Schauffele beat Nicolai Hojgaard by the same scoreline to keep Europe waiting.

But Lowry calmed the nerves by pulling his match with Spieth to all-square on the 16th, clearing the way for Fleetwood to close it out moments later.

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Tommy Fleetwood enjoyed the winning moment as Europe regained the Ryder Cup from a battling United States on Sunday, wrapping up a 16.5-11.5 victory despite a belated American singles charge.

Tommy Fleetwood enjoyed the winning moment as Europe regained the Ryder Cup from a battling United States on Sunday, wrapping up a 16.5-11.5 victory despite a belated American singles charge. The USA remain without a win on European soil since 1993 while neither team have lifted the trophy away from home in 11 years. With Europe needing half a point to get over the line, Fleetwood moved 2-up against Rickie Fowler with two holes to play after the American dumped his tee shot on the short par-four 16th into the water. Fleetwood struck his drive into the heart of the green and calmy stroked his eagle putt to the holeside to ensure Europe a seventh consecutive home victory, before going on to win 3 and 1. "I think relief, pride, joy," said the Englishman. "Proud of everybody that's been involved this week and just proud that I'm one of the people that gets to play a role in what we came here to do." US captain Zach Johnson took responsibility for the loss. "The defeat is on me, I made some poor decisions and I will reflect. Those 12 guys played so hard and fought for our country," he said. Rory McIlroy and Viktor Hovland led the way with early victories in the Rome sunshine and Jon Rahm also snatched half a point from Scottie Scheffler on the 18th green. Luke Donald's Europe started the day four points from lifting the trophy they lost in a record-breaking 19-9 thrashing at Whistling Straits two years ago. "It was stressful as the US put up a fight today so hats off to them. But I am so proud of my 12 guys. We formed a bond from day one and they gave me everything," said Donald. Europe raced out of the blocks in the Rome sunshine before the USA enjoyed a surge to quieten the huge home crowds, at one point leading in seven matches and tied in another. But Europe gathered themselves and ended up halving the singles session 6-6. The Americans were attempting to pull off the biggest Sunday Ryder Cup comeback, having trailed 10.5-5.5 at the start of the day. But they never recovered from being swept 4-0 in the opening foursomes on Friday, quashing American hopes that their crushing win in 2021 was the start of a period of dominance. There were jubilant scenes on the 18th green as the final match on the course between Shane Lowry and Jordan Spieth, which was halved, came to an end, with the Irishman hugging several teammates on his way down the fairway. ALSO READ | CWC 2023: Team wasn’t gelled well, there were no discussions: Moin Khan after Pakistan’s loss to NZ in warm-up Europe's big guns fire Rahm grabbed a crucial half-point from a thrilling opening tussle with Scheffler by making birdie on the par-five 18th hole after the world number one thinned a chip across the green. Hovland had already romped to a 4 and 3 victory over Collin Morikawa to take his personal tally for the event to 3.5 points. Patrick Cantlay -- the pantomime villain after reports he was refusing to wearing a hat over wanting to be paid at the event before his caddie Joe LaCava angered McIlroy on Saturday -- edged out Justin Rose 2 and 1. Cantlay was roundly jeered on the first hole and mocked again for a reported protest against the lack of pay for Ryder Cup players, with fans waving their caps at him. But he continued his good form from Saturday, when he made three straight birdies in his match with Wyndham Clark to beat McIlroy and Matthew Fitzpatrick, by handing Rose his first loss of the week. McIlroy, who ends the week with four points after his struggles at Whistling Straits, closed out a 3 and 1 victory over Sam Burns despite a late rally from the American. "This was about redemption and showing what we could do," said McIlroy. Tyrrell Hatton overcame some nervy late moments to see off British Open champion Brian Harman on the 16th hole and put Europe on the cusp and 14-7 ahead. Fitzpatrick missed a 19-foot birdie putt to win the Ryder Cup on the last hole as Max Homa kept the fate of the matchplay showdown just about in the balance. Homa, who was the USA's best player at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club with 3.5 points, bravely opted to take a penalty drop from the rough for an unplayable lie but made a clutch up and down for par. Brooks Koepka saw off Swedish sensation Ludvig Aberg 3 and 2 and Xander Schauffele beat Nicolai Hojgaard by the same scoreline to keep Europe waiting. But Lowry calmed the nerves by pulling his match with Spieth to all-square on the 16th, clearing the way for Fleetwood to close it out moments later. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Golf: Europe regain Ryder Cup to extend USA's 30-year wait for glory

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

Englishman Tommy Fleetwood is preparing himself for a wall of noise at Royal Portrush on Sunday when he attempts to reel in fan favourite Shane Lowry and win the British Open.

Fleetwood was magnificent on Saturday as his five-under 66 lifted him to second in the leaderboard but Ireland's Lowry, roared on by the massive galleries, put everyone in the shade during the third round.

Lowry, who comes from across the border in County Offaly, has become the darling of the fans who have flocked to the Northern Ireland coast and was imperious as he put together a stunning course-record 63 to open a four-shot lead.

Bad weather is predicted on Sunday and Lowry, whose best previous major was second at the 2016 U.S. Open, will have some anxious moments over the next 24 hours.

Thousands of Irish fans will have his back, though, and Fleetwood, who will play with him, knows he might not be getting too much support -- a far cry from last year's Ryder Cup when he starred in Europe's victory over the U.S. in Paris.

"The atmosphere for us as golfers was just great. I loved it. For or against you, you can't help appreciate and love what today was and what tomorrow will be," Fleetwood said of the vibe at the first Open held in Northern Ireland for 68 years.

"Tomorrow is not going to be any quieter. And for sure tomorrow playing with Shane, last day, it's going to be more challenging to control yourself in the atmosphere and being in the middle of that. But that's what we're here for.

"I know what it's going to be like. I've had my fair share of support for the first three days. Hopefully there will still be some people out there rooting for me. But it's going to be harder than for the rest of the field, for sure."

Fleetwood grew up playing links golf in Southport and will be undaunted even if the weather closes in.

"I personally don't mind the conditions, whatever they are," the long-haired Fleetwood, still to win a major, said.

"I feel like I've had some of my best rounds in terrible, terrible conditions, where I've enjoyed grinding it out. Shane's not played in sunshine and no wind all his life. So it's not going to be a problem for him, either.

"I'm looking forward to it, to be honest with you. It's going to be another chapter in my career, no matter what happens. And it's going to be a very special day."

Englishman Tommy Fleetwood is preparing himself for a wall of noise at Royal Portrush on Sunday when he attempts to reel in fan favourite Shane Lowry and win the British Open.

Englishman Tommy Fleetwood is preparing himself for a wall of noise at Royal Portrush on Sunday when he attempts to reel in fan favourite Shane Lowry and win the British Open. Fleetwood was magnificent on Saturday as his five-under 66 lifted him to second in the leaderboard but Ireland's Lowry, roared on by the massive galleries, put everyone in the shade during the third round. Lowry, who comes from across the border in County Offaly, has become the darling of the fans who have flocked to the Northern Ireland coast and was imperious as he put together a stunning course-record 63 to open a four-shot lead. Bad weather is predicted on Sunday and Lowry, whose best previous major was second at the 2016 U.S. Open, will have some anxious moments over the next 24 hours. Thousands of Irish fans will have his back, though, and Fleetwood, who will play with him, knows he might not be getting too much support -- a far cry from last year's Ryder Cup when he starred in Europe's victory over the U.S. in Paris. "The atmosphere for us as golfers was just great. I loved it. For or against you, you can't help appreciate and love what today was and what tomorrow will be," Fleetwood said of the vibe at the first Open held in Northern Ireland for 68 years. "Tomorrow is not going to be any quieter. And for sure tomorrow playing with Shane, last day, it's going to be more challenging to control yourself in the atmosphere and being in the middle of that. But that's what we're here for. "I know what it's going to be like. I've had my fair share of support for the first three days. Hopefully there will still be some people out there rooting for me. But it's going to be harder than for the rest of the field, for sure." Fleetwood grew up playing links golf in Southport and will be undaunted even if the weather closes in. "I personally don't mind the conditions, whatever they are," the long-haired Fleetwood, still to win a major, said. "I feel like I've had some of my best rounds in terrible, terrible conditions, where I've enjoyed grinding it out. Shane's not played in sunshine and no wind all his life. So it's not going to be a problem for him, either. "I'm looking forward to it, to be honest with you. It's going to be another chapter in my career, no matter what happens. And it's going to be a very special day."

Tommy Fleetwood braced for wall of noise in British Open battle with Shane Lowry

Overnight leader JB&nbsp;Holmes maintained a slender one-shot lead from England's Tommy Fleetwood on the second day of the British Open as world number one Brooks Koepka also moved into contention.

However, Tiger Woods seems set to miss the cut as he picked up just one shot on the front nine to move to five over par after a disastrous opening round of 78.

The highlight of Fleetwood's career so far was his starring role in Europe's victory at the&nbsp;Ryder Cup&nbsp;last year, but the world number 20 has a chance for his first major heading into the weekend as he birdied the last for a round of 67 to take the clubhouse lead on seven under.

Holmes moved from five under after his first round to eight under with birdies at the second, fifth and sixth and 12th.

Koepka has not finished outside the top two in all three majors so far this season and the American is dangerously poised after moving to five under with another solid round of 69.

Three-time major winner Jordan Speith is also in the hunt after storming up the leaderboard by picking up five shots in four holes between five and eight.

The 2017 Open champion's charge was halted by a bogey on 14 to drop back to five under in a tie for fourth.

Woods raised hopes that he could recover from a difficult opening round with his troublesome back restricting his movement in cold conditions.

The 15-time major champion was two under for the day after six holes, but a bogey at the seventh means he was still five shots off the projected cut after the front nine.

Home favourite Rory McIlroy also has a huge task to make the cut when he tees off at 1410 GMT after shooting eight over in his first round.

Overnight leader JB Holmes maintained a slender one-shot lead from England's Tommy Fleetwood on the second day of the British Open as world number one Brooks Koepka also moved into contention.

Overnight leader JB Holmes maintained a slender one-shot lead from England's Tommy Fleetwood on the second day of the British Open as world number one Brooks Koepka also moved into contention. However, Tiger Woods seems set to miss the cut as he picked up just one shot on the front nine to move to five over par after a disastrous opening round of 78. The highlight of Fleetwood's career so far was his starring role in Europe's victory at the Ryder Cup last year, but the world number 20 has a chance for his first major heading into the weekend as he birdied the last for a round of 67 to take the clubhouse lead on seven under. Holmes moved from five under after his first round to eight under with birdies at the second, fifth and sixth and 12th. Koepka has not finished outside the top two in all three majors so far this season and the American is dangerously poised after moving to five under with another solid round of 69. Three-time major winner Jordan Speith is also in the hunt after storming up the leaderboard by picking up five shots in four holes between five and eight. The 2017 Open champion's charge was halted by a bogey on 14 to drop back to five under in a tie for fourth. Woods raised hopes that he could recover from a difficult opening round with his troublesome back restricting his movement in cold conditions. The 15-time major champion was two under for the day after six holes, but a bogey at the seventh means he was still five shots off the projected cut after the front nine. Home favourite Rory McIlroy also has a huge task to make the cut when he tees off at 1410 GMT after shooting eight over in his first round.

JB Holmes keeps the lead as Tommy Fleetwood, Brooks Koepka make their move

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JB Holmes keeps the lead as Tommy Fleetwood, Brooks Koepka make their move