Rory McIlroy has let slip the secret behind Team Europe's fantastic start to the Ryder Cup tournament. McIlroy and his team made history on Friday morning by taking a commanding 4-0 lead over Team USA at the Marco Simeone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy.
Morning success
McIlroy, paired with Englishman Tommy Fleetwood, emerged victorious from the morning session along with the rest of Team Europe. The Northern Irishman has now revealed the tactical masterstroke employed by Europe captain Luke Donald to secure the win in all four opening matches of a Ryder Cup for the first time ever.
Switching it up
Speaking to Sky Sports, McIlroy explained, "We switched the format this year to go foursomes first because statistically that's a better session, and all this week we've been talking about getting off to a fast start. Playing three-hole matches in practice, with three holes going again, is something captain Luke has drilled into us."
McIlroy went on to express his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "We were ready to go from the first tee shot, as you can see from how everyone played. So happy to get a point on the board for Europe."
New format
Traditionally, the Ryder Cup begins with the fourball golf format, with the foursomes format coming in the afternoon. In fourball, pairs of players from each side play together, with one ball per player. The best score from each pair at the end of each hole counts towards the team's score.
On the other hand, in foursomes, there are the same number of golfers, but the pairs take alternating shots with the same ball until the hole is complete.
This year, captain Luke Donald made the decision to start Team Europe off with the foursomes format. The same format will be used tomorrow, before 12 singles matches kick off on Sunday.
