Ryder Cup 2023 at Marco Simone Golf Course, Rome

Hopefully Donald will be retained for Beth Page Black in two years which will, as usual, be a huge test of character with US fans no doubt showing us a lot of the worst side of the game. The course set up made a massive difference. The Americans never really came to terms with hitting the fairway with penal rough lining both sides. It was not as if the fairways were narrow, they weren't. Perhaps they should learn to make more of their tournament venues challenge players to use all 14 clubs instead of the usual driver/3 wood wedge putter routine. 

Whatever the machinations it was compelling viewing & huge entertainment. To see my 86 year old neighbour ( round for some Sunday roast) screaming "get in there" to one of Tommy's putts late on made my day. 

All I can say bois bach is oh ye of little faith. 

Yes Rose's experience has coaxed the best out of McIntyre who looked like a rabbit in the headlights over the first few holes which is pretty understandable. Most of the required 4 points need to come from the five you have listed along with Hatton who is a fine player.

Some of the decisions made by players & management suggest to me that, despite the rhetoric, this tournament is something of a side issue for them. For instance no American player has played at the Italian Open in the last two years despite it being played at Marco Simone. Add in the fact that most of the team took 4 weeks off golf in the build up. Would they take that route before a major - absolutely not. Luke Donald & his team have played a blinder so far in preparation & motivation. The constant theme of the European hero Seve is just one of the clever things.

I see Rory got quite excited with Cantlay's caddie for running across his line before the final putts on the 18th - even confronting him in the car park. Rory epitomises for me the desire to win being shown by all involved with Europe. He hasn't quite found his A game yet but even his B+ is usually good enough. 

If Luke Donald had been offered a 5 point lead going into the singles on Friday morning he would have bitten your hand off. However a word of caution - nothing is won until its won. Donald has top loaded his singles format so the big beasts of the European team need to show up one more time. 

Surely Europe can't lose from that position - can they?