EUROPE draws first blood courtesy of Rahm, Hatton

ROME  — Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton clinched the opening point of the Ryder Cup for Europe with a dominant 4 and 3 foursomes victory over Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns on Friday.

Masters champion Rahm was in inspired form, curling in a birdie putt from the fringe to put the hosts ahead on the third hole.

He also chipped in for par on the 10th hole and then drove the green on the par-four 11th as the European duo turned the screw.

Rahm and Hatton were six under par through their 15 holes in the alternate shot format, giving Europe a dream start in their bid to regain the trophy after suffering a record-breaking 19-9 defeat at Whistling Straits two years ago.

The United States started their bid to end a 30-year wait to win the Ryder Cup on European soil as Scheffler struck the opening tee shot, but it was the hosts who made a quick start.

The 44th edition of the event got under way when world number one Scheffler teed off in the opening foursomes match with American teammate Sam Burns against Rahm and Hatton at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.

But roars went up across the course as Norway’s Viktor Hovland chipped in to win the first hole with Ludvig Aberg in the second match, facing Max Homa and Brian Harman.

Rahm then curled in a birdie putt up ahead from off the third green as Europe struck first blood in the top two matches.

USA captain Zach Johnson has an array of riches at his disposal, including Scheffler and five-time major champion Brooks Koepka, the only LIV player to make the trip to Italy.

Seven of the team also featured in 2021 when the Americans dismantled Europe with a record-breaking 19-9 victory at Whistling Straits, making the US favorites to finally end their European hoodoo this time around.

Johnson will have four rookies to blood into the matchplay showdown.