Caddies grumble in sweltering temperatures
Europe were generally reckoned to have “won” Thursday’s opening ceremony, thanks to their captain Luke Donald’s excellent opening address, which began in respectable Italian. That was the result of months of Duolingo lessons, but not everyone in Team Europe was entirely happy afterwards. Some caddies were heard grumbling that they had been kept in the sun throughout the one-hour ceremony – in 31C (88F) heat – while their US counterparts were given the side that was in the shade.
Sainz cries distract from the action
Formula One star Carlos Sainz was among the celebrities walking inside the rope with Europe’s players on the opening day and the Ferrari driver could barely go 10 metres without hearing a cry of “Carlos! Carlos!” or “Carlito” from the large crowds. But his popularity from the Netflix series Drive To Survive had its drawbacks. Several times, the caddies of Jon Rahm and Tyrell Hatton had to call for quiet from excited fans who shouted out Sainz’s name as they were lining up to approach their ball.
Bale needs hand to avoid bunker
More Europe celebrity fan news: Gareth Bale nearly fell back into a bunker on the second hole on the opening morning – and had to be rescued by the man from the Telegraph. Meanwhile England cricketer Ollie Robinson didn’t seem to be recognised by anyone – perhaps because of his new peroxide blond hair. Novak Djokovic, who is hugely popular in Italy, got plenty of cheers throughout.
Hovland drops Sky in it
The passions of the Ryder Cup understandably led to some excitable language from players – and apologies from Sky’s broadcast team. Perhaps the biggest culprit was Viktor Hovland who, when asked about his celebrations after decisively recovering from sand in the second foursomes match, replied: “It wasn’t the most ideal spot, but I knew it was gettable and it’s just one of those things. You hit a good shot and it goes in and you just lose your shit.”
Simple pleasures don’t come cheap
There is always a debate about how much sporting events should charge for food and drink. On the plus side for fans at the Marco Simone, there are plenty of free water stations. But when a Magnum Classic costs €7 (£6) and a Pepsi €4.50 it is never going to be a cheap day.
