- Ryder Cup players from both teams have started their practice rounds in Rome
- The three-day competition is due to get underway on Friday morning
- Europe are looking to bounce back after losing 19-9 to USA in 2021
Ryder Cup stars from Europe and USA have started their practice rounds ahead of the eagerly-anticipated competition getting underway in Rome on Friday.
Revenge will be on the mind of the European players after they slipped to their heaviest ever defeat two years ago in Wisconsin, with USA picking up a resounding 19-9 win.
Luke Donald’s men headed to the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club early on Tuesday morning to fine-tune their games.
Rory McIlroy is set to compete in his seventh Ryder Cup this week, and Europe are likely to be heavily reliant on the four-time major winner.
The 34-year-old has been nursing a back injury in recent weeks, but will hope to still make a positive impact to help him team win back the trophy.
Rory McIlroy (left) and Sepp Straka (right) share a laugh during their first practice round
Robert MacIntyre (pictured) is preparing to play in his first Ryder Cup this week
Nicolai Hojgaard (pictured) will hope to make a big impact as he makes his first Ryder Cup appearance
Ludvig Aberg (pictured) has only been a pro a matter of months, but has already earned his first Ryder Cup call-up
Tommy Fleetwood grins as he interacts with fans during his practice round
European captain
Europe have four Ryder Cup debutants in their team this year in the shape of Nicolai Hojgaard, Sepp Straka, Robert MacIntyre and Ludvig Aberg.
All four joined McIlroy on the course, looking to shake off any nerves prior to Friday’s opening session.
Europe will need the home crowd to spur them on, and the players appeared in good spirits as England’s Tommy Fleetwood was pictured grinning as he interacted with fans, while McIlroy was spotted sharing a laugh with practice partner Straka.
Donald was on hand to oversee the practice, and admitted on Monday he will be a nervous watcher this week having previously played in four Ryder Cups himself.
Meanwhile, USA will be attempting to win their first Ryder Cup on foreign soil for 30 years, and are widely regarded as the favourites after their storming victory in 2021.
World No1 Scottie Scheffler (pictured) looks set to play a crucial role for Team USA this week
Brooks Koepka (pictured) has also proven he is a player for the big occasion over the years
Brian Harman (pictured) won The Open earlier this year and is poised to shine in Rome
World No1 Scottie Scheffler has had another exceptional year, and he familiarised himself with the Rome course on Tuesday morning.
USA have five other players in the world’s top 10, with Patrick Cantlay, Xander Schauffele, Max Homa, Brian Harman and Wyndham Clark all going through their full array of shots for the first time this week.
Brooks Koepka has slipped down the rankings to No17, but still promises to be a major threat for Team USA this week after winning five majors in the last six years.
The competition begins on Friday with the foursomes in the morning, before switching to fourballs action in the afternoon.
