Jon Rahm details Ryder Cup inspiration after heroic performance on dominant day
Jon Rahm revealed he was inspired by Seve Ballesteros as Europe went on a record-equalling rampage in Rome.
The Spanish superstar nailed two eagles in the final three holes as the Americans failed to win a match all day for the first time in history. Luke Donald’s side swept the morning foursomes 4-0 and fought off a USA counter-attack in the afternoon fourballs to lead 6.5-1.5 after a stunning opening day.
LIV Golf star Brooks Koepka showed his frustration by accusing Rahm of “acting like a child” during their thrilling fourball clash. The Masters champion and rookie Nicolai Hojgaard had trailed by one hole going to the last before Rahm rammed home an eagle putt from 33 feet to steal half a point.
“I've got to give Nicolai props because over here on 18, he gave me the freedom to basically go at it and try and make it,” said the world No.3. “And he said: 'What would Seve do? Do it for Seve'."
"There was definitely a bit of Seve magic on that one," Rahm said in reference to the late Seve Ballesteros, who has a space dedicated to him in the European team's dressing room. "He definitely pulled that one towards the hole."
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"I don't know if he would have quite made it like that, but I'm sure glad that it went in.” Former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance said: “He is Spanish. They do miracles on golf courses”
But Koepka, who played with world No.1 Scottie Scheffler, said: “I mean, I want to hit a board and pout just like Jon Rahm did. But, you know, it is what it is. Act like a child. But we're adults. We move on.”
(AFP via Getty Images)US captain Zach Johnson said: "I'm sure Brooks is frustrated, like all 12 of us, 18 of us are, frustrated, with today and the result. Were they 1-down going into that hole? He executed his shot. Tip of the cap. Great putt."
European skipper Luke Donald responded: “I certainly didn't see any of that. Jon was a big support system for Nicolai today, and to hit a big drive down 18 and hit it on the front of the green and make an eagle for a halve, that's a lot of passion. Jon is a passionate person, but I didn't see him acting any other way.”
It is the biggest first-day lead since 2004 when Europe won 18.5-9.5 in Donald’s first Ryder Cup appearance. But the former world No.1 added: “It is an unbelievable start, an historic day, but we want it to be an historic week, so the job is certainly not done. This is a great start, and we want to build on that lead.”
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