The 2025 Ryder Cup, golf`s most passionate and prestigious team event, ignited Friday at the formidable Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York. Expectations for a fierce contest were as thick as the Long Island rough, with Team USA eager to reclaim the trophy on home soil. However, by the close of play, it was Team Europe that had planted its flag firmly, establishing a commanding 5.5 to 2.5 lead after a day brimming with strategic brilliance, unexpected stumbles, and the signature Ryder Cup drama.
Morning Foursomes: A European Masterclass
The dawn broke over Bethpage Black with the iconic “Black Course” living up to its reputation for testing golf`s elite. In the foursomes format, where partners alternate shots, precision and synergy are paramount. Team Europe, seemingly undaunted by the partisan New York crowd, demonstrated both in spades.
The opening match saw the formidable European duo of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton square off against Team USA`s Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas. Despite DeChambeau`s initial birdie to ignite the American gallery, the home team struggled to maintain momentum. Rahm and Hatton, a partnership of fiery passion and clinical execution, steadily built their lead, culminating in a decisive 4&3 victory. This early European point served as less of a spark and more of a dampener for the American contingent, particularly as Thomas`s putter remained curiously cold throughout the match.
The European juggernaut continued. Ludvig Åberg, partnering with Matt Fitzpatrick, delivered another convincing blow to the Americans, reminiscent of Åberg`s devastating performance in 2023. The pairing of Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, seasoned Ryder Cup campaigners, added a third point for Europe with a display of seamless collaboration. The collective American effort in the morning foursomes was, to put it mildly, underperforming. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, paired with Russell Henley, found himself once again entangled in the alternate-shot enigma, falling 4 down through 10 holes and struggling to find the rhythm that defines his individual game. One might muse that the “home advantage” often touted in such events occasionally translates to “home pressure,” and it certainly appeared that way for several American duos.
It was left to the unflappable duo of Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay to salvage some pride for Team USA. In a hard-fought encounter, they secured the Americans` sole point of the morning session, winning their match 2 up. This solitary victory provided a much-needed, albeit small, glimmer of hope as the teams broke for lunch.
Afternoon Four-balls: Europe Maintains Momentum
With the format shifting to four-ball, where both players play their own ball and the better score counts, Team USA was banking on a resurgence. This format often encourages more aggressive play and offers more opportunities for individual brilliance. While the afternoon did bring more closely contested matches, Europe`s determined performance ensured their lead remained substantial.
The tension was palpable, and individual heroics began to punctuate the afternoon. Justin Rose, a veteran known for his Ryder Cup composure, once again delivered a clutch performance on the pivotal 18th hole, demonstrating why experience is priceless in match play. Similarly, Jon Rahm, arguably the day`s most dominant player, sank another critical putt to protect Europe`s burgeoning lead, much to the exasperation of American fans who were beginning to see a pattern emerge.
Team Europe`s Shane Lowry also stepped up with a crucial contribution, highlighting the depth of the European squad. For Team USA, the relief was evident when they secured their first four-ball win, a moment sparked by an important putt from Patrick Cantlay, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable performer under pressure. Even the flamboyant Cam Young was seen “getting hyped,” a clear indication of the emotional investment and rising stakes on the course.
Rory McIlroy, always a marquee player, delivered a “huge putt” that resonated with fans, underscoring the razor-thin margins defining many of these matches. The dynamic exchange of long putts between Ben Griffin and Justin Rose on the par-3 7th hole encapsulated the competitive spirit – a technical chess match played out with nerves of steel.
The day concluded with a critical tie in the final four-ball match, a testament to the relentless fight from both sides, but ultimately denying Team USA a chance to narrow the deficit further. Rookie J.J. Spaun, making his Ryder Cup debut, marked the occasion with a birdie on his very first hole, a personal highlight amidst the broader team struggles. Rasmus Højgaard, another European debutant, provided a lighter, yet equally memorable, moment by mimicking his twin brother`s past Ryder Cup performance, a nod to the camaraderie and history of the event.
The Road Ahead: A Steep Climb for Team USA
As the sun set on Bethpage Black, the leaderboard displayed a stark reality for Team USA: a three-point deficit (5.5 to 2.5) after Day 1. Team Europe had won three of four foursomes and two of four four-ball matches, with one tie. This early European advantage places immense pressure on the American squad heading into Saturday`s matches. The narrative of “home advantage” will need to translate into concrete victories, not just fervent support. While the Ryder Cup is renowned for its improbable comebacks, overcoming a three-point lead requires exceptional individual and collective performances, particularly from players who underperformed on Day 1.
The stage is set for an enthralling Day 2. Will Team USA find their form and harness the energy of their home crowd to mount a charge, or will Team Europe continue its relentless march towards the coveted trophy? Golf fans worldwide await the unfolding drama with bated breath, knowing that in the Ryder Cup, nothing is truly decided until the very last putt drops.
Jasper Hawthorne