Johnson insists team are in a United State

KOEPKA ABSENCE 'JUST DOWN TO US LOGISTICS'

- Neil Squires

US CAPTAIN Zach Johnson was at pains to play down any rift in his side as they arrived here in Rome yesterday before their defence of the Ryder Cup without Brooks Koepka.

The US PGA champion is the only LIV player in the American team - and the only LIV player in the contest - and his absence on the flight over the Atlantic raised eyebrows.

But Johnson, golf establishment loyalist, insisted it was logistics rather than a cold shoulder which was behind Koepka's no-show.

"We all met in Atlanta," said Johnson. "Given time constraints and when you have to take off and when you have to land, it seemed it was best that Brooks meet us here. He actually beat us here.