The highly anticipated Ryder Cup 2025 kicked off with a bang at the notoriously challenging Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York. Expectations were sky-high for Team USA, eager to reclaim the trophy on home soil. However, if Day One is any indication, their European counterparts arrived with a definitive plan: to once again silence the American crowds. The morning foursomes saw Team Europe establish a commanding early lead, leaving Team USA with a significant climb ahead.
From the moment the first tee shots sliced through the crisp Long Island air, the atmosphere at Bethpage Black was electric. Fans, famously passionate and vocal, were ready for a spectacle. What they witnessed, however, was a dominant European display that saw them take a 3-1 lead after the morning session.
Morning Foursomes: A European Masterclass
The initial pairings for the foursomes — where two players from each team alternate shots using a single ball — promised intense competition. Team USA captain Keegan Bradley`s decision to lead off with the dynamic duo of Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas was intended to ignite an early spark. DeChambeau did indeed birdie the first hole, sending a jolt of energy through the crowd. Unfortunately for the Americans, that spark seemed to fizzle out quickly.
England`s Tyrrell Hatton and Spain`s Jon Rahm, a formidable pairing, quickly asserted their dominance. Their synergy was evident, making birdies on four of seven holes and ultimately securing a decisive 4 and 3 victory against DeChambeau and Thomas. Thomas, in particular, struggled with his putting, a worrying sign for the American camp.
The European momentum continued unabated. Young Swedish sensation Ludvig Åberg, paired with England`s Matt Fitzpatrick, delivered a crushing blow to world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley, establishing a 4 up lead through just ten holes. This performance notably mirrored Scheffler`s struggles in foursomes at the 2023 Ryder Cup, an unfortunate déjà vu for the American star. Meanwhile, the consistent duo of Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood added another point to Europe`s tally with a convincing win.
Team Europe decisively won three of the four foursomes matches, showcasing exceptional form and teamwork.
A Lone Star for Team USA
Amidst the European onslaught, Team USA managed to salvage a crucial point. The experienced pairing of Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay delivered under pressure, securing a 2 up victory in their match. Schauffele`s clutch putts provided a much-needed morale boost, demonstrating that the Americans were not entirely without fight.
Afternoon Four-ball: Fresh Faces and Renewed Hopes
With the scoreboard tilted heavily in Europe`s favor, the afternoon four-ball matches – where each player plays their own ball, and the best score of the pair counts – offered Team USA a chance to regroup and narrow the gap. Captain Bradley reshuffled some pairings, hoping for a different outcome.
The afternoon matchups were announced as follows:
- Scottie Scheffler & J.J. Spaun vs. Jon Rahm & Sepp Straka
- Bryson DeChambeau & Ben Griffin vs. Tommy Fleetwood & Justin Rose
- Cameron Young & Justin Thomas vs. Ludvig Åberg & Rasmus Højgaard
- Sam Burns & Patrick Cantlay vs. Rory McIlroy & Shane Lowry
Notable moments from early afternoon play included a stellar birdie on his first career Ryder Cup hole from debutant J.J. Spaun, providing a glimmer of hope. Additionally, Rasmus Højgaard, in a touching moment of family legacy, mirrored his twin brother`s Ryder Cup debut with a strong performance.
The Road Ahead for Team USA
The «vibe» at Bethpage Black, as one observer noted, certainly wasn`t initially favorable for the Americans. The overwhelming dominance of Europe in the morning, making ten birdies to the USA`s three across four matches, evoked unpleasant memories of previous Ryder Cups where momentum slipped away early. However, this is the Ryder Cup, and golf is a game of fine margins and dramatic swings. The intense pressure and the passionate home crowd are factors that cannot be underestimated.
Team USA, with its roster of world-class talent, faces a significant challenge. The afternoon four-ball matches are critical for them to claw back points and prevent Europe from running away with a commanding lead. The storied history of the Ryder Cup is filled with epic comebacks, and the Americans will be looking to write their own dramatic chapter on the unforgiving greens of Bethpage Black.
As the sun began to set on Day One, one thing was clear: the Ryder Cup 2025 promises to be another unforgettable battle for golfing supremacy, with the European contingent firing on all cylinders and Team USA seeking to prove that their «stacked» roster is more than just a paper tiger.
Torin Vale