Team USA branded 'disgraceful' as Team Europe celebrate historic Ryder Cup day

September 29, 2023

Andrew Coltart has labelled Team USA ‘disgraceful’ after a historic day for Team Europe at the Ryder Cup.

The prestigious tournament got underway in Rome on Friday as Team Europe secured a clean sweep in an opening session for the first time ever.

Team Europe won all four foursomes matches and then dug deep late in the afternoon session to edge the session and take a 6.5-1.5 lead into day two.

It is the joint-highest lead after day one in Ryder Cup history, level with Team Europe in 2004 and Team USA in 1975.

Team USA have not won on European soil in 30 years but were widely expected to perform better after their dominance at Whistling Straits in 2021.

Scottish golfer Coltart, on punditry duties for Sky Sports, has now slammed the Americans for their poor preparation heading into the Ryder Cup.

‘I have a massive question, and Zach Johnson is going to get hit with this,’ Coltart said.

WOW JUSTIN ROSE! ð¥

It means Team USA fail to win a single match on day one! ð³ pic.twitter.com/JdELtrBVcc

‘Who on earth in their right mind thinks the best way to prepare for a Ryder Cup is to take five weeks off?

‘Nine of the 12 American players took five weeks off. That’s disgraceful.

‘We thought, two years ago, that they were going to be in this for the long haul – 10 years of domination.

WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT?!

Take a bow, Jon Rahm ð pic.twitter.com/SQ6YWBwPcw

‘But their team has been a little bit depleted… and our top players didn’t pitch up at Whistling Straits. Today that’s exactly what they did do.’

European captain Luke Donald, reflecting on his team’s opening day heroics, said: ‘I’m incredibly proud.

‘What they did this morning, getting off to a 4-0 start, is unheard of against this strong American team.

‘It was tough this afternoon, really hard going, with three matches coming down to 18, but the 18th was kind to us!

‘We showed so much grit and determination to turn it around. It was looking like 3-1 to the US, so to win this session was huge.’

Donald’s side now need just eight points over the final two days to regain the trophy.