Continental comparison: Despite Trump: Europe’s golfers shine at the Ryder Cup start

US President Donald Trump was certainly very different in the visit to the Ryder Cup: The top golfers from the USA were lagging behind with the prestigious continental comparison against Team Europe with 2.5: 5.5. “This is a great day for Europe,” enthused the world rank -second Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland after the surprisingly clear tour of the biggest team competition in golf.

Defending champion Europe duped the US golfers on Friday morning (local time) without Trump in the Bethpage State Park at the gates of New York City and was 3: 1 ahead. McIlroy and the world ranking saps Tommy Fleetwood from England, Sweden Ludvig Aberg and England’s Matt Fitzpatrick as well as Jon Rahm (Spain) and Tyrrell Hatton (England) were able to win their matches against the Americans.

Even in the afternoon (local time), the Europeans kept the lead and were even able to expand them. Sepp Straka (Austria) with the outstanding cream and the English duo Justin Rose and Fleetwood were able to prevail against their opponents. Only the Americans Justin Thomas and Cameron Young were successful in their duel.

Mcilroy with insulting gesture

There was a draw between Mcilroy with Shane Lowry (Ireland) and Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns (both USA). McIlroy also caused a sensation when after a successful completion on the 11th hole he showed the middle finger in the direction of the fans after interjections from the audience.

On Saturday it continues on the Black Course on Long Island. Two years ago, the Europeans in Rome clearly defeated the Americans with 16.5: 11.5 points. There was a victory in the United States in 2012 for Mcilroy and Co.

Trump’s appearance had led to tightened security measures around the golf course. The viewers of the Ryder Cup were asked in advance by the organizers to adjust to increased security measures as well as additional controls and restrictions. The gates in the Bethpage State Park were opened for fans at 5:00 a.m. Trump arrived on the golf course around noon (local time) and left him around two hours later.