'Fleetwood Mac' Complete Europe's First Ever Clean Sweep On Opening Morning Of 2023 Ryder Cup
Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood wrapped up victory in a tight affair over the previously unbeaten foursomes pairing of Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay
Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood completed Europe’s first-ever clean sweep in the opening morning of a Ryder Cup thanks to a 2&1 victory over Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay.
The American pair had never lost in foursomes before Friday’s humbling loss - scoring five wins across previous Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup appearances.
But as soon as the Northern Irishman poured in a birdie on the fourth at Marco Simone, ‘Fleetwood Mac’ continued to maintain an arm’s-length advantage over their red rivals.
The final pair’s success backed up a dominant 4&3 win for Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton over Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns in the top match, while Viktor Hovland - alongside Ludvig Aberg - ensured another European point by besting Max Homa and Brian Harman by the same scoreline in the second.
Shane Lowry and Sepp Staka made it 3-0 to the team in blue courtesy of a comfortable 2&1 triumph against Collin Morikawa and Rickie Fowler in the penultimate clash.
Discussing the sheer dominance of Team Europe during the opening hours of the 2023 Ryder Cup, McIlroy said: “It's been an unbelievable session.
“We switched the format this year to go foursomes first because statistically that's our better session. And all week, all we've been talking about is getting off to fast starts. Playing three-hole matches in practice, three holes, go again, three holes, go again, something that Luke's drilled into us.
Get the Golf Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to the Golf Monthly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest tour news, equipment news, reviews, head-to-heads and buyer’s guides from our team of experienced experts.
“We were ready to go from the first tee shot, as you can see in how everyone played. I'm so proud of this man alongside me. He can play with anyone. I'm just so happy that he's my partner this week and so happy to get a point on the board for Europe.”
In the anchor group for Team Europe, Fleetwood was growing frustrated with his lack of putting success until he rolled home a monster effort on 15 to put he and McIlroy in the driving seat once more with just three holes to go.
The Englishman shared his relief at what he described as “one of those Ryder Cup moments” when sinking his ball from range as holes began to run out.
Fleetwood said: “I’d been waiting for a moment like that all today, to be honest. Especially the start of the back nine where we were playing so well, I felt like I had two or three chances that I let go by. So I kept them in it, really. You're not going to hole them all, unless you have a really good day.
“I was due one. Felt really good over it. It's just one of those Ryder Cup moments, really, and that's what we're playing for. It's really cool.”
2023 Ryder Cup Scores
Day One Foursomes: Europe 4 USA 0
- Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton defeated Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns 4&3
- Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg defeated Max Homa and Brian Harman 4&3
- Sepp Straka and Shane Lowry defeated Collin Morikawa and Rickie Fowler 2&1
- Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood defeated Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay 2&1
Day One Fourballs: Europe 2.5 USA 1.5
- Viktor Hovland and Tyrrell Hatton TIED with Justin Thomas and Jordan Spieth
- Jon Rahm and Nicolai Hojgaard TIED with Brooks Koepka and Scottie Scheffler
- Justin Rose and Robert MacIntyre TIED with Max Homa and Wyndham Clark
- Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick defeated Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele 5&3
Jonny Leighfield is our Staff News Writer who joined Golf Monthly just in time for the 2023 Solheim Cup and Ryder Cup. He graduated from the University of Brighton with a degree in Sport Journalism in 2017 and spent almost five years as the sole sports reporter at his local newspaper. During his time with Golf Monthly, Jonny has interviewed several stars of the game, including Robert MacIntyre, Ian Poulter, and Lee Westwood. An improving golfer himself, Jonny enjoys learning as much about the game as he can and is hoping to reach his Handicap goal of 18 at some stage. He attended both the 150th and 151st Open Championships and dreams of attending The Masters one day.
-
Nelly Korda To Appear In Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Issue
The World No.1 will be featured in the iconic magazine issue after taking part in a recent photoshoot on Florida's east coast
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Quiz! Can You Name Every Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship Winner?
The Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship is one of the DP World Tour's premier events - so can you name every champion through the years?
By Elliott Heath Published
-
'Relax Rory' - Couples Backs LaCava And Reveals What Caddie Said To McIlroy
Fred Couples has revealed what Joe LaCava said to Rory McIlroy at the Ryder Cup and insists his former caddie did nothing wrong
By Paul Higham Published
-
Players Back Luke Donald To Retain Ryder Cup Captaincy
Matt Fitzpatrick and Tommy Fleetwood are among the latest players offering their support to the Team Europe Ryder Cup captain
By Mike Hall Published
-
Tour Pro Says Brooks Koepka's Response To Ryder Cup Question Showed 'Everything That's Wrong With The US Team'
Eddie Pepperell thinks an answer Koepka gave to a question at the Ryder Cup hinted at why the US team came up short
By Mike Hall Published
-
NBC Reports Significant Drop in Ryder Cup Viewing Figures As Sky Sports Announces Record Week
Fans either side of the Atlantic showed contrasting levels of interest in TV coverage during the 2023 Ryder Cup
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Sergio Garcia Drops Subtle Hint Over 2025 Ryder Cup Captaincy Role
The record Ryder Cup points scorer reposted two social media messages putting his name forward for the position
By Mike Hall Published
-
Rory McIlroy Believes Team Europe Were Able To ‘Flourish’ Without LIV Golfers
The World No.2 suggested new responsibilities for the likes of Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland helped Luke Donald's men at Marco Simone
By Jonny Leighfield Published
-
Graeme McDowell Questions Ryder Cup Course Set-Up After Fifth Big Home Win In A Row
The former Ryder Cup player thinks it may be time for the Europeans and Americans to collaborate on how the courses are set up
By Mike Hall Published
-
10 Reasons Why Europe Won The 2023 Ryder Cup
Europe stunned America as they prevailed 16.5-11.5 to overturn their record defeat in Whistling Straits two years earlier, but what led to the win?
By James Nursey Published