It took 79 holes for U.S. to take lead in any match at 2023 Ryder Cup

To say it was a slow start at the 2023 Ryder Cup for the United States would be an understatement.

In the morning foursomes matches, Europe won every one, taking a controlling 4-0 lead into afternoon fourball. In fact, the Europeans dominated to the point where the United States never led in any of the morning matches.

Not until Justin Thomas, who many deemed a controversial captain’s pick, birdied the par-4 sixth hole in fourball did the United States finally take a lead in a match at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome, Italy. Seems taking the guy who has made a name for dominating in team competitions could pay off after all.

Here we go! @justinthomas34 building some momentum for #GoUSA#RyderCup pic.twitter.com/FjFQvNyEjb

— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 29, 2023

The lead was short-lived, however. Viktor Hovland, playing with Tyrrell Hatton against Thomas and Jordan Spieth, threw a shot to a couple feet on the par-3 seventh and converted for birdie to tie the match back up.

However, the Europeans are in total control early. Last week at the Solheim Cup in Spain, the Americans were up 4-0 after the opening session and ended up tying the Europeans, who retained the cup.

We’ll see whether the American men can turn it around, but it has to happen quick.