Finau fires first shot as 42nd Ryder Cup gets underway
American rookie Tony Finau has got the first Ryder Cup staged in France under way as thousands of fans descended on the Le Golf National for the biennial clash of the continents.
The peace of the countryside near to historic Versaille was shattered as fans streamed in to find vantage points around the pristine 7,234-yard Albatros course for the eagerly-awaited 42nd edition of one of sport's most compelling team events.
Looming behind the first tee, the Ryder Cup's biggest ever grandstand was packed to its near 7,000-capacity long before the players emerged across a footbridge to start their rounds at just past 8 a.m. local time.
Deafening chants of "Europe, Europe" echoed down the first fairway as Justin Rose and Spanish rookie Jon Rahm reached the tee to take on Finau and three-times major winner Brooks Koepka.
Defending champions United States are looking to win on European soil for the first time for 25 years and have resurgent 14-times major winner Tiger Woods to spearhead their challenge.
While the support was overwhelmingly in favour of the hosts, there was plenty of loud backing for the Americans too, with many of their countryman sporting stars and stripes outfits.
The atmosphere was more akin to a soccer match as the day's fourballs began with a smattering of partisan boos greeting the announcement of the American team.
It all proved too much for Finau, whose iron off the tee went way left, just avoiding water -- Europe's fans showing no mercy as they revelled in his understandably nervy start.
Koepka steadied the ship with a straighter drive but the day's first hole went to Europe with Rose sinking a birdie to thunderous roars from the stacked crowds around the first green.
The day's second match featured Danish newcomer Thorbjorn Olesen playing alongside Rory McIlroy against world number one Dustin Johnson and Rickie Fowler.
Olesen, the lowest ranked of the 24 players taking part, looked anxious as he sent his first tee shot into water.
Whichever colours they were wearing, the arrival of Woods was met with cheers and the 42-year-old responded with a drive that landed safely on the first fairway.
Woods, playing with Patrick Reed, was up against British Open champion Francesco Molinari and Tommy Fleetwood, one of five rookies in the Europe team.
Following the morning four fourballs matches, the afternoon will see four foursomes matches in which team mates play alternative shots using the same ball.
Published: by Radio NewsHub