Koepka breaks unwanted Ryder Cup record as Rahm dig comes back to bite him

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Brooks Koepka and Scottie Scheffler suffered a humbling defeat on Saturday morning. (Image: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Brooks Koepka and Scottie Scheffler suffered a humbling defeat on Saturday morning. (Image: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Brooks Koepka and Scottie Scheffler suffered a record-breaking defeat at the Ryder Cup on Saturday, being embarrassed 9 and 7 at the hands of Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg.

It is the worst defeat in Ryder Cup history in foursomes or fourballs and a woeful morning for the five-time major champion and the world number one continued Europe's dominance at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club in Rome. The Scandinavian duo were simply too good in the Saturday foursomes, finishing six-under-par on their ball through 11 holes, while Koepka and Scheffler were a dismal seven-over-par for their morning.

A pair of double bogeys in the first three holes set the tone for the demolition job. And the embarrassment is heightened for Koepka after his spiky comments directed at Jon Rahm on Friday afternoon.

The reigning PGA champion – the only LIV Golf player taking part in the event – blasted Rahm after the Spaniard salvaged a half for Europe in his foursomes match alongside Nicolai Hojgaard against Koepka and Scheffler with a remarkable eagle on 18.

A frustrated Koepka said: "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.”

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Koepka and Scheffler played superbly on Friday, but they were denied by the sheer brilliance of Rahm, who mustered improbable eagles on two of the final three holes to drag his team level. On Saturday, however, the American pairing was pitiful.

Koepka breaks unwanted Ryder Cup record as Rahm dig comes back to bite himLudvig Aberg and Viktor Hovland were just too good for Brooks Koepka and Scottie Scheffler (Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

It was child's play for Hovland and Aberg, who must not have believed their luck against such a ragged American combo. Koepka was wayward off the tee while Scheffler's woes on the green continued as Luke Donald's team extended their massive lead to 7.5-1.5.

"We were meeting two strong guys, number one in the world and a five-time major champion, so we tried not to give them anything. We played really solid," Hovland told Sky Sports after sealing the record-breaking win.

"Obviously, we didn't meet a sharp Scottie and Brooks, but we played some really nice golf today. I don't think we could have done a whole lot better (as a pairing).

"It's nice to speak our own language and we understand each other with the same humour and the same culture. He (Aberg) is a stud, he doesn't miss a shot, so it's easy when I'm playing well and he's playing well."

Aberg added: "I don't even know what to say or where to start, but it's an unbelievable day and most importantly, we enjoyed it, had fun and we felt the crowd's support. Looking forward to doing it all again this afternoon."

Sam Frost

Scottie Scheffler, Brooks Koepka, Golf, Sky Sports, Ryder Cup, Luke Donald

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