Early high jinks in Europe’s camp

Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines

– There is nothing wrong with Europe’s team spirit on the eve of the Ryder Cup.

Ulsterman Rory McIlroy posted a picture on the team’s WhatsApp group of Spaniard John Rahm fast asleep in his underwear, saying he couldn’t handle being outdriven on every practice hole.

Rahm laughed off McIlroy’s comments, saying he had already fallen victim to the Northern Irishman’s sense of humour. “We have funny moments. After Rory drove it past me 50m on pretty much every hole, I was on the physio table with needles in me,” Rahm said. “Obviously you have to protect yourself and say whatever comes to mind.”

Rahm warned that all the players would be the butt of a joke at some point during the week, saying he hoped his “sarcastic humour” hadn’t “hurt anybody”.

“To be honest ... everybody makes fun of each other. If you think you’ve gotten away so far, you’re not going to.”

Rahm could be alongside McIlroy in a big-hitting pairing after they practised together on Tuesday, which would ensure he is thrown in at the deep end on debut. – AFP