Sun. Sep 28th, 2025

Ryder Cup 2025: Europe Establishes Early Foothold as Team USA Seeks Bethpage Black Comeback

The roar of the crowd at Bethpage Black, typically a potent elixir for American athletes, felt eerily muted for much of Day 1 of the Ryder Cup 2025. What was anticipated to be a fierce, balanced opening act quickly morphed into a European showcase, leaving Team USA with a significant uphill battle after the morning foursomes.

A Morning of European Dominance

The famed Bethpage Black Course, known for its unforgiving nature and fervent New York fanbase, was primed for an electrifying start. Team USA, boasting a lineup of golf`s brightest stars including Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau, entered the fray with high expectations. Their counterparts, Team Europe—featuring powerhouses like Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Højgaard, and Tyrrell Hatton—had other plans.

The morning foursomes painted a stark picture: Europe seized an early 3-1 lead, executing precision golf that seemed to defy the intimidating atmosphere. The American dream of a home-soil surge was, for the time being, placed firmly on hold.

Individual Brilliance and Collective Struggles

The opening match saw a pairing that many hoped would ignite the American spirit: Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas. However, their initial birdie on the first hole proved to be a fleeting spark. England`s Tyrrell Hatton and Spain`s Jon Rahm delivered a masterclass in alternate-shot golf, clinching a decisive 4 and 3 victory. Thomas, in particular, struggled with his putting, leaving observers to ponder his afternoon prospects.

The trend continued for Team Europe. The formidable duo of Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick, along with the experienced pairing of Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, secured convincing wins. Their calculated play and consistent birdie conversions highlighted a strategic superiority that America found difficult to counter.

A Glimmer of Hope for the Red, White, and Blue:

Not all was lost for Team USA. Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay delivered the sole American point of the morning, securing a 2 up victory. This crucial win, however solitary, kept the glimmer of a comeback alive.

On the individual front, rookie J.J. Spaun provided an instant highlight, carding a birdie on his very first Ryder Cup hole – a memorable debut under immense pressure.

The World No. 1`s Persistent Foursomes Predicament

Perhaps the most concerning narrative for Team USA revolves around world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler. His struggles in the foursomes format appear to be a recurring theme. Following a historically lopsided 9 and 7 loss with Brooks Koepka in Italy in 2023, Scheffler, paired with Russell Henley this time, found himself 4 down through just 10 holes against Åberg and Fitzpatrick. One might charitably suggest the Ryder Cup`s unique pressure tests even the game`s titans in ways regular tournaments do not. Or perhaps, the alternate-shot format simply has a peculiar aversion to his particular brand of brilliance.

“The vibe isn`t good for the Americans at Bethpage Black. Let`s hope they`re not getting paid per birdie, as the Europeans are absolutely trouncing them again in foursomes.” — An observation from the ground, capturing the palpable tension.

Afternoon Adjustments and High Stakes

As the afternoon four-ball matches loomed, the pressure on Team USA to claw back points was immense. Captain Keegan Bradley faced the unenviable task of rallying his troops after a morning that echoed the challenging start two years prior.

Key Afternoon Four-ball Pairings:

  • 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 pairings suggest an attempt to reshuffle and find chemistry, with notable changes like Justin Thomas partnering with Cameron Young after his morning difficulties. The European pairings, meanwhile, appeared confident, with Rasmus Højgaard stepping onto the Ryder Cup stage, perhaps with a nod to his twin brother`s debut experience.

The Stage is Set for a Dramatic Shift

Day 1 at Bethpage Black has certainly delivered drama, though perhaps not in the way American fans had hoped. Europe’s early lead has laid down a formidable challenge. For Team USA, the afternoon offers an immediate chance at redemption, a critical juncture to prevent European momentum from becoming an insurmountable lead. The roar may have been subdued in the morning, but as the sun sets over Long Island, the hope is that American birdies will once again make Bethpage Black truly buzz.

By Gilbert Pendleton

A Leeds native with over a decade of experience, Gilbert has built his reputation on comprehensive coverage of athletics and cycling events throughout Europe. Known for his descriptive storytelling and technical knowledge, he provides readers with both emotional and analytical perspectives on sporting events.

Related Post