Rory McIlroy reveals Ryder Cup secret behind 4-0 start that flummoxed Team USA in Rome rout

Bob MacIntyre will make his Ryder Cup debut this afternoon as Europe aims to build on a remarkable start in Rome - as Rory McIlroy revealed the secret behind the astonishing 4-0 foursomes pasting.

The Scottish star is heading out in the fourballs alongside Justin Rose. MacIntyre and the Englishman face American duo Max Homa and Wyndham Clark. Luke Donald’s side enjoyed an unforgettable first session at Marco Simone after a blistering beginning dismantled the United States.

Jon Rahm said he’d get the first blue point on the board and was as good as his word as he and Tyrrell Hatton hammered Scottie Scheffler and Sam Burns 4&3. Amid raucous scenes, Scandinavian pair Viktor Hovland and Ludvig Aberg came right behind to wipe the floor with Max Homa and Brian Harman by the same scoreline. A Ryder Cup romp.

And McIlroy admitted it was all part of the plan to start fast. Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: "It's been an unbelievable session. We switched the format this year to go foursomes first because statistically, that's our better session. And all week, all we've been talking about is getting off to a fast start. We've been playing little three hole matches in practice; three holes, go again, three holes, go again. It's something that the captain, Luke, has drilled into us. We were ready to go from the first tee shot as you could see, and how everyone played."

Sepp Straka and Shane Lowry rammed home the third point with a terrific 2&1 success over Rickie Fowler and Collin Morikawa. And McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood put the finishing touches on a record-breaking morning with their triumph over Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay in the anchor match by another 2&1 scoreline.

Hovland and Hatton lead Europe out this afternoon