Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka suffer first European loss, but America start to sour

Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg humiliated Scottie Scheffler and Brooks Koepka 9&7, the largest margin of victory in any 18-hole match in the event’s history.

EUROPE LEADING: Spectators react after Tommy Fleetwood of Europe putt for eagle on the 11th hole during the morning foursomes on day two of the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Three down and time to go for broke. Shane Lowry drove the short par-4 16th and gave Sepp Straka a chance. Suddenly he saw the possibility of a comeback. The putt rolled precisely towards the cup and Lowry raced after it, ready to roar with joy. Then it stopped short.

Max Homa followed up to deliver America’s first win in style. His partner Brian Harman had rolled in an eight-footer to halve the previous hole. Afterwards Homa boarded the buggie alongside his partner and drove throw the thoroughfare back to the clubhouse. Grateful American fans raced after him and held aloft phones for selfies, which the world number seven obliged. They needed something to get excited about. He had mounted a small bid to stem an overpowering blue tide.