The much-anticipated Ryder Cup 2025 commenced with a palpable buzz at the legendary Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York. Team USA, brimming with home-turf aspirations, faced off against a formidable Team Europe, setting the stage for what promised to be a dramatic and tightly contested tournament.
Morning Mayhem: Europe`s Foursomes Masterclass
From the first tee, the narrative of Day 1 quickly coalesced around a dominant European performance in the morning foursomes. Team Europe, a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars, wasted no time in asserting their authority, taking a commanding 3-1 lead by midday. For those hoping for an early American surge, the morning offered a stark reminder that the Ryder Cup is rarely a stroll in the park.
The European Onslaught
The opening match, intended by U.S. Captain Keegan Bradley to ignite the American spirit with the pairing of Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas, unfortunately, veered sharply in the opposition`s favor. England`s Tyrrell Hatton and Spain`s Jon Rahm delivered a masterclass, securing a convincing 4-and-3 victory. Thomas`s putting woes were particularly evident, foreshadowing a difficult day for the American duo.
The trend continued with the next two pairings. Young sensation Ludvig Åberg, partnered with Matt Fitzpatrick, showcased exceptional form, dismantling their American opponents with a clinical display. Similarly, the formidable duo of Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood demonstrated why they are considered a cornerstone of Team Europe, winning their match with impressive conviction. The Europeans appeared to be operating on a different plane, converting opportunities and leaving the American pairings scrambling for answers.
USA`s Struggles: World No. 1 Under Pressure
The American struggles were not confined to the opening match. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who experienced a particularly challenging Ryder Cup debut in foursomes in 2023, found himself in a similar predicament. Paired with Russell Henley, they faced the dynamic duo of Åberg and Fitzpatrick. The European pair was 4 up through just 10 holes, a testament to Åberg`s continued brilliance and a worrying sign for Scheffler, whose alternate-shot performances seem to carry a peculiar weight.
One might even suggest that if American players were paid per birdie in the morning session, their wallets would have remained surprisingly light. Europe’s consistent birdie production—10 birdies to America’s 3 across the four matches in the early holes—painted a clear picture of their superiority.
A Glimmer of Red, White, and Blue
Amidst the European dominance, a single beacon of American resilience shone through. Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay proved to be the day`s only American saviors in the morning session, securing a vital 2 up victory in their match. Their performance salvaged a crucial point for Team USA, preventing a complete whitewash and offering a much-needed morale boost heading into the afternoon.
Other notable moments included J.J. Spaun birdying his first career Ryder Cup hole, a promising start that, unfortunately, didn`t translate into an overall win for his team in the morning. Rookie Rasmus Højgaard also made an interesting debut, famously imitating his twin brother`s Ryder Cup entrance, adding a touch of personal flair to the intense competition.
Afternoon Four-Balls: The Quest for a Comeback
As the Bethpage Black crowds regrouped, so did the teams, preparing for the afternoon`s four-ball matches. Captain Bradley, undoubtedly with tactical adjustments in mind, unveiled his new pairings, hoping to inject much-needed momentum into the American camp:
- 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
The decision to pair Justin Thomas again, this time with Cameron Young, suggests a belief in his ability to rebound, despite a challenging morning. Similarly, Scheffler gets another shot, indicating the team’s reliance on their top-ranked player to find his form.
The Road Ahead: Momentum is Key
Day 1 of the Ryder Cup 2025 concluded with Europe holding a decisive 3-1 lead, a significant psychological advantage. The “vibe,” as one commentator put it, was decidedly European. While it`s only the first day of a marathon event, the early momentum is crucial in match play. Team USA will need to channel the raw energy of the Bethpage Black crowd and rediscover their collective rhythm in the afternoon sessions to prevent Europe from building an insurmountable lead. The golfing world now watches with bated breath to see if the Americans can stage a dramatic comeback or if Europe will solidify its grip on the coveted trophy.
