RORY MCILROY has revealed the secret behind Team Europe’s stunning start to the Ryder Cup.

McIlroy and Co romped into a 4-0 lead over Team USA at the Marco Simeone Golf and Country Club in Rome, Italy.

The Northern Irishman was paired with Englishman Tommy Fleetwood for the match up against Patrick Cantley and Xander Schauffele.

McIlroy and Fleetwood emerged victorious from the morning session along with the rest of Team Europe.

But McIlroy, 34, has revealed the tactical masterstroke Europe captain Luke Donald pulled to help them forge their stunning lead.

Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “It’s been an unbelievable session.

“We switched the format this year to go foursomes first because statistically that’s out better session and all this week we’ve been talking about getting off to a fast start.

“Playing three hole matches and practice, three holes go again, three holes go again is something the captain Luke has drilled into us.

“We were ready to go from the first tee shot as you can see from how everyone played… So happy to get a point on the board for Europe.”

Traditionally the Ryder Cup starts with the fourball golf format, with the foursome format coming in the afternoon.

In fourball a pair of players from each side play in one group with one ball per player.

The best score from each pair at the end of each hole is counted towards what team wins the hole.

Meanwhile, in foursomes there are the same number of golfers but the pairs take alternating shots with the same ball until the hole is complete.

The captain of the hosting team is able to pick which format the competition starts with.

And this year Donald opted to start Team Europe off with the foursomes format.

The layout will be the same tomorrow, before 12 singles matches kick off on Sunday.