The highly anticipated Ryder Cup 2025 commenced with a formidable statement from Team Europe, who concluded Day 1 at the legendary Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York, with a decisive 5.5 to 2.5 lead over Team USA. Despite the home-field advantage and a roster brimming with talent, the American squad found themselves battling an inspired European contingent that demonstrated clinical precision and unwavering resolve.
Bethpage Black, known for its unforgiving nature and boisterous New York crowds, set the stage for a day of dramatic swings and crucial putts. The expectation was for a tightly contested opening, but what unfolded was a display of European dominance, particularly in the morning foursomes.
Morning Meltdown: Europe`s Foursomes Masterclass
The morning session, featuring four foursomes matches, saw Team Europe establish an immediate and commanding presence, claiming three of the four available points. American captain Keegan Bradley`s strategic decision to deploy Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas in the lead match, hoping for an early spark, unfortunately backfired. After a promising birdie on the first hole, the American pair struggled to regain momentum, ultimately falling 4 and 3 to the formidable European duo of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton.
Rahm and Hatton`s victory set a potent tone, as the subsequent matches saw Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick, along with Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, deliver equally convincing performances, further extending Europe`s lead. The only point salvaged by Team USA in the morning came from the reliable pairing of Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, who secured a crucial 2-up victory in the final match, preventing a complete European whitewash.
“The vibe isn`t good for the Americans at Bethpage Black… The Europeans are absolutely trouncing them again in foursomes. It feels a lot like it did on Friday morning in Italy two years ago.”
This early disparity was stark, with Europe converting 10 birdies to America`s mere three across the morning`s alternate-shot contests, painting a picture eerily similar to Team USA`s challenging start in the previous Ryder Cup.
Afternoon`s Continued Momentum: Four-Ball Brilliance
The afternoon session transitioned to four-ball matches, offering Team USA a chance to claw back some ground. While the Americans did show glimpses of their potential, Team Europe maintained its stronghold. The session concluded with Europe adding another 2.5 points to their tally, leaving the day`s total at a significant 5.5 to 2.5.
Key moments from the afternoon included Justin Rose`s remarkable consistency, delivering yet again on the 18th hole to secure a vital point for Europe. Jon Rahm continued his stellar play, sinking crucial putts to maintain Europe`s lead. Shane Lowry also stepped up for his team, contributing significantly to Europe`s advantage. Team USA`s lone victory in the afternoon, a much-needed morale booster, highlighted flashes of brilliance from the American side, including an important putt by Patrick Cantlay and a hyped performance from Cam Young.
However, the afternoon also underscored some persistent challenges for the Americans. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler continued his well-documented struggles in foursomes, mirroring a difficult 2023 performance. Paired with Russell Henley, Scheffler found himself 4 down through 10 holes against Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick, raising questions about the optimal pairings for the American powerhouse. Justin Thomas`s putting woes, noted in the morning, seemed to persist, further dampening USA`s efforts.
The Bethpage Challenge: A Course Unforgiving
The Bethpage Black Course, famous for its “Warning: The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers” sign, certainly lived up to its reputation. Its demanding layout, coupled with the immense pressure of the Ryder Cup, appeared to favor the disciplined and often understated approach of the European team on Day 1. The raucous crowds, typically a boon for the home team, did not appear to unsettle the Europeans, who executed their game plans with admirable composure.
Looking Ahead: Pressure Mounts on Team USA
With a three-point deficit heading into Day 2, the pressure on Team USA is palpable. Captain Keegan Bradley and his charges will need to recalibrate their strategies and find a renewed sense of urgency to mount a comeback. The Ryder Cup`s history is replete with dramatic shifts in momentum, but Europe`s dominant start has undeniably put them in a commanding position. The remainder of the tournament promises intense competition as Team USA strives to harness the energy of the home crowd and turn the tide against a fiercely competitive European squad.
Murray Blackwood