Jon Rahm and his team shine on the first day of the Ryder Cup

FARMINGDALE, NY (AP) — Jon Rahm helped teammate Tyrrell Hatton get out of a hole in the rough this morning, and dominated the greens in the afternoon. In an event where Europe relies on familiar lines and reliable players, Rahm was key to his team’s strong start. The Spaniard sank seven birdie putts from over 8 feet Friday, improving his Ryder Cup record to 8-1-3 since his 2018 victory over Tiger Woods. “I can’t take all the credit — I’ve had some really good teammates,” Rahm said.

“Tyrrell has been a fantastic partner, and Sepp has done his part. We can't lose alone. It's a team. I've been lucky to have great teammates.”

Many of his teammates also excelled. Like Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood contributed to Europe's two points on the opening day, winning in foursomes with Rory McIlroy and again in fourballs with Justin Rose. "It's the score that counts," Fleetwood said. "As a team, we feel very prepared and have been looking forward to this day for a long time."

Captain Luke Donald didn't repeat the exact lineup that won in Rome in 2023, but kept Rahm and Hatton together, as well as the duo "Fleetwood Mac"Fleetwood and McIlroy in foursomes. "We have a lot of great players and great partnerships," Fleetwood said. "As a team, there's a lot of continuity."

Fleetwood and McIlroy defeated Collin Morikawa and Harris English 5 and 4. Rahm and Hatton, after a difficult start, overcame Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas 4 and 3, prompting chants of “Ole! Ole! Ole!” from the fans on the 18th hole, which they did not have to reach.

“This man is a pleasure to be around,” Rahm said. “We spend a lot of time together, and he can be very, very dependable in difficult times. I have complete confidence in him, and I'm happy we were able to do it.”

DeChambeau and Thomas were 1 up after five holes when Hatton's tee shot sailed wide left. Rahm hit a great chip to about three feet and tied the hole. "Jon hit an incredible recovery shot," Hatton said. "I don't think anyone thought we'd be running second."

They tied on the 7th hole, when Hatton rescued them by hitting a shot between trees with a root just inches from his ball. They went up 1 on the 8th hole and never relinquished the lead. “We didn't have our best start in the first seven holes, but we fought, stayed in the fight, and from then on, we started hitting good shots and generating good vibes,” said Rahm.

With 11 of the 12 players who won at Marco Simone two years ago, Donald split Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Åberg, pairing them with new partners. Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick defeated Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley, while Hovland and Robert MacIntyre lost to Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay. By making these changes, Donald may have found a new winning combination. Asked about beating Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked golfer, Åberg replied, “I had a great partner. I think that says it all.”