The 44th Ryder Cup got off to a lively start as an estimated 4,700 spectators raced to grab the best seats at the first tee. <br /><br />In scenes reminiscent of the Grand National, fans gathered at the entrance of the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club before being let loose as dawn broke.<br /><br />The seats at the first tee were filled within minutes as many enjoyed a rush before the action had even gotten underway.<br /><br />Video footage shows supporters giving their all to ensure a good view of the start of the action in Rome.<br /><br />Team Europe are looking to recover from their heavy 19-9 defeat two years ago in Wisconsin. <br /><br />There is plenty of hope that they can regain the trophy though, as it has now been 30 years since the US claimed victory on European soil.<br /><br />With the early morning battle for seats out of the way, fans have been treated to an exhilarating start to the tournament. <br /><br />The European pair of Jon Rahm and Tyrell Hatton got the competition started at 06:35 (BST) against the USA's Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns. <br /><br />World No.1 Scheffler played the first shot of the day but it is the European team who have made the stronger start in Rome.<br /><br />Captain Luke Donald selected 2023 Masters winner Rahm for the opening foursomes clash to 'unleash fire' on the US team, and the decision has paid off so far. <br /><br />Norwegian Viktor Hovlund, who landed a stunning hole-in-one during the final day of practice, also chipped in at the first hole to improve Europe's start further.
