Crunch. Viktor Hovland matches his perfect drive down the first with an equally fine shot off the seocnd tee.

Not sure he noticed but one of the snake natives here at Marco Simone was slithering towards him as he hit it!

Maybe Collin Morikawa clocked it - he's a touch left again and will be hitting his second shot from the first cut.

Say what you want about Patrick Cantlay, his headwear or his thoughts on being paid to play in the Ryder Cup - the ony thing you can't question is the fact he is one hell of a golfer.

He's also unflappable as he shows yet again by nailing his drive down the first fairway.

It takes a lot to rattle Justin Rose as well though and he also rips a driver down on the short stuff.

These two are going toe-to-toe from tee to green.

Jon Rahm matches Scottie Scheffler's approach, although this time it is the European to putt first.

A right-to-left putt drifts wide of the target.

Scheffler from nine feet for the hole and to level...

First up is Viktor Hovland and it looks good all the way. Grazed. Tremendous effort from back there.

Can Collin Morikawa capitalise? Nope, he's pulled it right and we kick off all square.

Image source, Getty Images

Right then, the man of the moment is here with Patrick Cantlay about to tee off against Justin Rose - the veteran of the European team can bring some calm to the situation can't he?

Well, not judging by some of his reactions and celebrations already this week...

As predicted, Cantlay still hasn't found a hat to fit him.

Image source, Getty Images

Image source, PA Media

There might be question marks about Scheffler's putter, but the woods and irons are piping hot.

The American, who has a point to prove after yesterday's embarrassment, flushes both on the second and has another opportunity for a birdie...

Fine recovery shot from Collin Morikawa out of the wispy stuff. He's flighted in a gem and that will be 13 feet for birdie.

Viktor Hovland is on the green too - but he's got a good 35 feet for his attempt.

Image source, Reuters

The man at the centre of this Ryder Cup all of a sudden is Patrick Cantlay - and his caddie Joe LaCava.

They will be out third against Europe's veteran Justin Rose.

Wonder what headgear he will be sporting?

Not sure my nerves could take that...

Iain Carter
BBC golf correspondent on BBC Radio 5 Live

On the partisan crowd and a tense final day:

The crowd are being whipped up into a frenzy here. It is very partisan for Europe. There are a number of American fans here as well and the one hope I have is that if America come storming back, it doesn’t turn ugly. It is going to be a balance that's going to be very hard to strike if it does get tense later on.

Graeme Storm
Two-time European Tour winner on BBC Radio 5 Live

That’s the frailty of Scottie Scheffler’s game right now. He just can’t get that putter hot at all.

US captain Zach Johnson: "I didn't have to calm them down at all. They have got full energy right now and have had the whole week. They are so good as far as being together and seeing red on the board late yesterday has only made them closer.

"The leadership within the team has always been there but has really surfaced.

"I've been pretty direct, simple and did not need t say much. They know the mission. They know that Europe played great but my team love tall tasks.and love embracing different situations.

"Momentum in any sport is pretty lethal and we feel like it is on our side right now. We wll ride that, will breed some confidence and add some energy.

"We are a family and we are confident we can get it done.

A grimace from a capless Collin Morikawa.

He's flung that way left off the tee but the lie could be OK given the crowd have been trampling it down over there.

As for Viktor Hovland? Spanked it down the middle.

Peter Scrivener
BBC Sport at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, Rome

“Viktor’s on fire, Morikawa’s terrified” is the newest chant.

And there’s a fan with a huge flag that simply says ‘Viktor will you marry me?’

The roar was exactly what we thought it was... Jon Rahm sinks the birdie putt!!

The Spaniard confidently knocks in from 17 feet, sticking his putter into the air in celebration as those around him go wild.

The dream start.

Image source, Reuters

From the first tee, you can hear a big cheer up ahead.

Luke Donald fiddles with his earpiece.

What does that mean?!!

Poor Scottie.

He's looking locked in and calm so far this morning, though.

The putter has been a hot topic for the American world number one - because it hasn't been hot.

This one for an opening birdie then... lagged it.

Jon Rahm, opportunity knocks...

Two years ago, Collin Morikawa was the future of golf after two major wins early in his career and an outstanding three and a half points from his first Ryder Cup appearance.

Now, after no wins this season, he's needed in this second singles match to rein in Europe's pre-eminent star in Viktor Hovland.

The Norwegian was a winless rookie at Whistling Straits - he's picked up three points this time and is gunning to edge Europe closer to the Ryder Cup.

Peter Scrivener
BBC Sport at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club, Rome

It’s been good natured this morning. But sporadic shouts of “he’s gonna cry in a minute” are aimed somewhat unkindly at Scottie Scheffler.

Fans can have such short memories given Rory McIlroy’s tears at Whistling Straits two years ago.

The Ryder Cup just means so much to these players.

Nothing beats that feeling of walking straight down the fairway on a warm, sunny morning.

Best place in the world.

Jon Rahm and Scottie Scheffler are tootling down from the first tee, maybe whistling as they go.

Rahm goes first, he's about 160 yards away from the pin. On the green.

Scheffler, slightly further ahead, knocks in a short iron to about the same distance.

Fantastic start for the two of the best players on the planet.