Photos: 2023 Ryder Cup practice rounds at Marco Simone Golf Club

The 44th Ryder Cup is upon us.

The biennial matches between the U.S. and Europe officially begin Friday but the action on the course is already here, with golfers arriving in Rome and taking to Marco Simone Golf & Country Club on Monday. Practice rounds officially begin on Tuesday.

The first staging of the event was in 1927 and it featured a team of Americans taking on a group from Great Britain. In 1973, that team grew to include golfers from Ireland. In 1979, it expanded again to include players from across Europe.

The Americans lead the all-time standings at 27-14-2 but since 1979, Europe holds an 11-9 edge.

The U.S. won the last Ryder Cup, 19-9, at Whistling Straits. The last U.S. win away from home was in 1993.

GettyImages 1700624146