Zach Johnson cites "health" as a reason for slow start to Ryder Cup
Zach Johnson admits his US Ryder Cup is struggling with head colds and congestion at the Ryder Cup.
Zach Johnson admits a bout of congestion passed through his team at Marco Simone has significantly contributed to their slow start at the 2023 Ryder Cup.
Johnson spoke to the media after his side slumped to a woeful five-point deficit (6.5-1.5) after the first day's play in Rome.
Related: Sky's Coltart blasts Johnson over Team USA's lack of preparation
Team USA lost the opening foursomes session 4-0 and then once again lost the afternoon fourballs 2.5-1.5.
It marked the first time in Ryder Cup history that the United States had failed to register a single winning point in a match on the first day's play.
When pressed by reporters on why the USA failed to fire on Friday, the two-time major champion referenced head colds as a big reason.
It's got to a stage where Johnson is thankful to just have a team doctor on site.
Johnson told reporters:
Johnson added:
When further pressed on whether the head colds had spread throughout the team room, Johnson replied:
Team USA have it all to do at 6.5-1.5 down heading into the weekend.
They have not won the Ryder Cup on European soil since 1993.
Revealed: Ryder Cup Day 2 Foursomes Matches
The team leading the Ryder Cup after the first day has gone on to win the Ryder Cup 70% of the time.