28 September 2023 , 15:05
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Both Ryder Cup teams were seen hitting the famous Spanish steps in Rome in preparation for this week's clash between the Europeans and their American rivals.
In typical Ryder Cup fashion, the players have a whole host of commitments in the days leading up to the event and Wednesday saw them get dressed up for an evening in the Italian capital. The 24 players from both sides were joined by their captains and vice-captains for a night of fine dining.
At the black-tie event those competing and captaining were joined by their wives and partners, as the couples and teams posed for photos outside one of Rome's most iconic back drops.
Fans lined the streets, and issued a hero's welcome to those competing. The two captains were the first to arrive, with European boss Luke Donald arriving alongside wife Dianne, before Zach Johnson made an entrance with wife, Kim Barclay, both sporting blue and red dresses respectively in support of their team.
Europe's biggest names then made their way down the famous steps, as Rory McIlroy and wife, Erica were swamped by adoring golf fans. World No. 3 and Masters champion Jon Rahm also made an impressive entrance joined by his wife of four years Kelley.
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Jon Rahm was joined by wife, Kelley (Getty Images)Viktor Hovland was the only European attending the dinner alone, and jokingly made his way down the steps with another single in vice-captain José María Olazábal.
On the American side, world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler arrived with his wife, Meredith, whilst PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka made a dazzling entrance alongside wife, Jena Sims. Koepka and Sims had recently welcomed their first child into the world after Crew was born last month.
Jena Sims accompanied Brooks KoepkaSims - who has amassed nearly 340,000 followers across Instagram and TikTok - gave fans an inside look into the evening after posting a whole host of updates on social media. The wife of the five-time major champion documented the gala across her Instagram story, even revealing the four-course Italian meal on offer to those in attendance.
A starter of 'fake tomato' was served, made of smoked pappa al pomodoro - an Italian bread soup - accomponied with buffalo stacciatella, ground black olives, and charcoal. This then followed by a primi piatti (pasta dish) of risotto with lemon, razor clams, asparagus, and buffalo milk yoghurt.
For main, those in attendance then tucked into a soy marinated tender beef with a traditional pizzaiola sauce consisting of tomato, olive oil, garlic and oregano and oregano and parsley root puree. Traditional Italian ice cream was then served for desert, which was enjoyed out on the terrace of the roof-top venue.
On the back of the glamorous Roman evening the 24 players returned to the course on Thursday for some last-minute practice, before attending this evening's opening ceremony. Following speeches from the captains, both revealed their pairings for the first day's action.