Team USA is determined to reclaim the Ryder Cup trophy and bring it back to American soil. Boasting a formidable lineup including Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau, Team USA faces a tough challenge against Team Europe`s strong contingent of Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Højgaard, and Tyrrell Hatton. The competition promises intense drama over the coming days at the Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York.
After the first day, Team Europe established a three-point lead, ending Friday with a score of 5.5 to 2.5. The morning foursome matches saw Europe dominate, securing three out of four victories. In the afternoon session, Europe added two more wins, while Team USA claimed one match, and another ended in a tie.
Relive some of the standout moments from Friday`s opening day:
Afternoon`s Final Match Concludes in a Tie
Justin Rose Delivers Crucial Performance on 18th Hole
Team Europe Claims First Afternoon Victory
Rahm`s Putt Extends Team Europe`s Lead
Team USA Records First Afternoon Win
Patrick Cantlay Sinks Crucial Putt
Shane Lowry`s Key Contribution for Team Europe
Cameron Young Ignites with Energy
Rory McIlroy`s Monumental Putt
Griffin and Rose Exchange Long Putts on Seventh Hole
DeChambeau and Griffin Lead by One Through Fifth Hole
Rasmus Højgaard Mirrors Twin`s Ryder Cup Debut
J.J. Spaun Birdies His Inaugural Ryder Cup Hole
Afternoon Four-Ball Matches Announced
- 12:25: Scottie Scheffler-J.J. Spaun vs. Jon Rahm-Sepp Straka
- 12:41: Bryson DeChambeau-Ben Griffin vs. Tommy Fleetwood-Justin Rose
- 12:57: Cameron Young-Justin Thomas vs. Ludvig Åberg-Rasmus Hojgaard
- 1:13: Sam Burns-Patrick Cantlay vs. Rory McIlroy-Shane Lowry
Europe Leads U.S. 3-1 After Morning Matches
Europe dominated the morning foursomes, securing three out of four matches to build an early lead in the 2025 Ryder Cup. Despite an initial birdie that excited the crowd, Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas lost their opening match 4&3 to Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, failing to record another birdie throughout. Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick, alongside Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, also delivered decisive wins in their respective matches. Team USA`s Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay provided a crucial point by winning the final morning session match 2 up. The afternoon four-ball matches were scheduled to commence at 12:25 p.m. ET.
Europe Secures Third Point in Morning Matches
U.S. Loses Opening Match
Captain Keegan Bradley`s strategic decision to deploy Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas first on Friday, hoping for an early surge, didn`t pan out. Tyrrell Hatton and Jon Rahm of Europe swiftly claimed a 4&3 victory, securing Europe`s initial point. Thomas`s struggles on the greens were evident, notably missing a crucial 6-foot par putt on the 15th that sealed their fate. His performance suggested he might be benched for the afternoon four-ball sessions.
Hatton and Rahm Deliver Europe`s First Point
Hatton and Rahm Extend Their Lead
The American team`s difficulties compounded as Tyrrell Hatton sank an 8-foot birdie putt on the 13th, extending his and Jon Rahm`s lead to 3 up against Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas with five holes remaining. Europe`s pair had birdied four of the last seven holes, while the U.S. duo hadn`t recorded one since the first. Thomas`s persistent putting issues signaled ongoing trouble for the American side.
Schauffele and Cantlay Take the Lead
Scottie Scheffler`s Struggles Persisted on Day 1
World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler continued to struggle in Ryder Cup foursomes, echoing his 2023 performance in Italy where he suffered a historic 9&7 defeat (partnered with Brooks Koepka) to Ludvig Åberg and Viktor Hovland. Currently, Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick held a commanding 4 up lead against Scheffler and Russell Henley through 10 holes, validating European captain Luke Donald`s decision to split the successful Åberg/Hovland pairing.
Day 1 Update: Europe Leads in 3 of 4 Matches
A somber atmosphere enveloped the American team at Bethpage Black as Europe once again dominated the foursomes. The Europeans secured 10 of the first 13 holes across the four alternate-shot matches, racking up 10 birdies compared to America`s mere three. This early session eerily mirrored the struggles faced by the U.S. two years prior on Friday morning in Italy.
Rupert Hollis