Max Homa can already sense the adrenaline that will be flowing through his body after getting a look at the monstrous first tee grandstand that will be awaiting them in the Ryder Cup.
Homa was part of Zach Johnson’s scouting party that played Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome as they not only got a sense of the challenge the course would offer but also the atmosphere.
Le Golf National had a massive first tee stand five years ago, and although not quite as big, the one at Marco Simone is still a monster, and is an enclosed space that will only amplify the noise bellowing down from the fans.
Homa was part of the winning USA Presidents Cup team at Quail Hollow last year, but although he found it hard to accept at first, he’s now certain the Ryder Cup will take the atmosphere up to another level.
“Just standing on the first tee when we went out there last weekend with zero people there was insane just how big the stands are,” said Homa.
“All the stories all the boys were telling me just about what it’s like, whether home or away. The Presidents Cup was so exciting and it was so raucous and it was so wild.
“I had a few people tell me that it’s just nothing compared to what the Ryder Cup will be, and I really had a hard time believing that until I saw the stands on the first tee.
“We had a tunnel out at Quail Hollow and it was nuts, but this is like quadruple the size. Just that alone, you could already tell how different it is and how amplified it will be.
“We obviously haven’t won there in 30 years, so we have a lot we’re trying to accomplish and a bit of a chip on everyone’s shoulder. So it just feels bigger.”
The first tee at marco Simone GC for the 2023 Ryder Cup
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Johnson was keen for his players to visit the course ahead of Ryder Cup week to not only get a glimpse of what they’re in for, but to do some serious course prep.
With everything that surrounds the Ryder Cup in the week of the event, Homa agrees that they’ve saved themselves from being panicked about getting their game plans done in Rome.
“It was very nice to see the golf course. I would say those weeks are so busy, you almost feel like you’re rushing, at least that’s what I…
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