The Ryder Cup, golf`s most passionate transatlantic battle, kicked off its 2025 edition amidst a fervent atmosphere at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. Expectations for Team USA, playing on home soil with a formidable roster, were understandably sky-high. However, if the opening day`s foursomes were any indication, Europe arrived with a starkly different script in mind, orchestrating a stunning early surge that left the American camp pondering a rapid strategic recalibration.
A Morning Stunner: Europe Takes Command
From the moment the first tee shot echoed across the infamous Black Course, it became clear this wouldn`t be a leisurely stroll for the home team. Team Europe, often underestimated when crossing the Atlantic, demonstrated a clinical precision that belied any perceived underdog status. The morning foursomes, a format demanding impeccable teamwork and synchronized execution, saw the European contingent carve out a commanding 3-1 lead, painting a familiar, if unwelcome, picture for American fans reminiscent of recent European triumphs.
The tone was set early when the seasoned pairing of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton delivered a decisive 4&3 victory over the American duo of Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas. Despite DeChambeau`s initial birdie igniting the crowd, the spark proved fleeting. Thomas, usually a pillar of consistency, struggled with his putting, a critical flaw in the unforgiving alternate-shot format. One might say their initial `spark` was less a bonfire and more a damp matchstick.
Further compounding U.S. woes, the Swedish sensation Ludvig Åberg, partnered with England`s Matt Fitzpatrick, showcased a dominant performance, replicating the form that has made Åberg one of golf`s most talked-about talents. Rory McIlroy, a Ryder Cup stalwart, alongside Tommy Fleetwood, also added a crucial point to Europe`s tally, leaving Team USA searching for answers early in the day.
Scheffler`s Struggles and Spaun`s Silver Lining
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler found himself once again entangled in the tricky foursomes format, experiencing a challenging day alongside partner Russell Henley. Their match against Åberg and Fitzpatrick unfolded with a similar narrative to Scheffler`s 2023 Ryder Cup experience, where alternate-shot proved to be a particular Achilles` heel. It seems even the world`s best can find a particular flavor of golf less palatable than others.
Amidst the morning`s European dominance, Team USA did manage to salvage a crucial point, preventing a complete whitewash. The partnership of Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay stepped up when it mattered most, securing a 2-up victory in the final morning match. This lone point, while modest, offered a vital psychological boost, a small island of resilience in a sea of blue. Debutant J.J. Spaun also offered a moment of brilliance, birdying his first career Ryder Cup hole, a personal highlight even as the team struggled.
The Afternoon Shift: Four-Ball Offers Hope
As the sun began its descent over Long Island, the format shifted to four-ball, a change that traditionally favors aggressive play and individual brilliance. This presented Team USA with a prime opportunity to turn the tide. Captain Keegan Bradley`s afternoon pairings aimed to inject new energy and capitalize on the individual strengths of his players.
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 transition to four-ball, where both players play their own ball and the best score counts, offered a fresh slate. It’s a format where a struggling putter (looking at you, some of the American morning players) can be offset by a partner`s hot hand, or simply forgotten as individual brilliance takes center stage.
Bethpage Black: The True Spectator
Beyond the birdies and bogeys, Bethpage Black itself played its part. Known for its “Warning: The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers” sign, it lived up to its reputation. The course, alongside the notoriously boisterous New York crowd, provided a quintessential Ryder Cup atmosphere—a crucible for both triumph and tension. The buzz was palpable, almost a character in itself, cheering on the Americans with a fervor that only Long Island can muster.
Day one of the Ryder Cup 2025 has set a dramatic stage. Europe delivered a masterclass in morning golf, putting Team USA on the back foot. The afternoon four-ball matches will be critical in shaping the narrative for the weekend. Will the Americans find their rhythm and claw back points, or will Europe continue to assert its dominance? The competition is far from over, and the drama at Bethpage Black is just beginning to unfold.
