Sport Book Service | Ryder Cup 2018: Team Europe warm-up for first tee with huge Thunderclap with fans

NOT many places in the world are rocking at 7:45am - but Paris was this morning for the start of this year's Ryder Cup.

The 2018 competition - the 42nd of its kind - started with the iconic Viking Thunder Clap, creating a rapturous atmosphere around the Albatros Coursegrounds.

Rory McIlroy performs the Viking Thunder Clap with fans before the first teeCredit: Sportsfile - Subscription

Justin Rose, third right, acknowledges supporters ahead of the opening dayCredit: AFP or licensors

Just like on Wednesday on day two of practice, RoryMcllroy orchestrated the Icelandic clap with fans ahead of the first tee.

The four-time Major champion, playing in his fifth straight clash with the Americans, got palms stinging on the opening day of the prestigious tournament.

The 29-year-old flung his hands together to ramp up the atmosphere - and was soon joined by other members of Team Europe, including Justin Rose.

Europe will be hoping for a better start than they made in Hazeltine two years ago, finding themselves 4-0 down after a nightmare performance in the morning's foursomes.

The Thunder clap originates from IcelandCredit: Getty Images - Getty

Team USA's Brooks Koepka and Tony Finau, left, and Team Europe's Justin Rose and Jon Rahm, right, line up ahead of the start of the tournamentCredit: PA:Press Association

They will take comfort in the fact that the US, the defending champions, have not won in Europe for 25 years.

Team USA includes the legendary Tiger Woods, fresh from golf's greatest comeback at last week's Tour Championship, as well as Masters champion Patrick Reed.

While Woods might be back in form, Reed and himself are one down as things stand, thanks to Francesco Molinari.