ROME, Sept 29 (Reuters) - Fans from across Europe and the United States travelled to Rome in high spirits for the 44th Ryder Cup, enjoying warm weather and bringing a blaze of colour to the Eternal City as the action got underway on Friday. It is the first time the event has been held in Italy, attracting a host of local fans alongside more regular visitors from afar. "This is my eighth Ryder Cup, we are veterans," said Andy Nichol, who came with his friends from England and had British flags all over his suit, including on his tie and hat. While many American fans felt the food and drinks were fairly priced considering the popularity of the event, visitors from Europe voiced some criticism. However, visitors generally agreed the Marco Simone was a fine course, the event was well organised and the Ryder Cup was different from any other golf tournament.

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Persons: Marco Simone Golf, Matt Williams, Andy Nichol, Nick Easter, Tim Hollis, Donald Duck, Luke Donald, Marco Simone, Kerrie, Jackie, Angelo Amante, Toby Davis Organizations: Ryder, Country, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Europe, United States, Rome, Italy, California, Italian, Tuscany, Puglia, England, British, Ireland