The much-anticipated Ryder Cup 2025 kicked off at the formidable Bethpage Black Course on Long Island, a venue renowned for its `Warning: The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only Highly Skilled Golfers Play Regularly.` Indeed, the first day proved exceptionally difficult for Team USA, as Europe landed a series of decisive blows in the morning foursomes.
A Dawn of European Dominance
As the crisp autumn air settled over Farmingdale, New York, expectations for Team USA were sky-high. After all, reclaiming the Ryder Cup on home soil is a narrative almost too perfect. However, Team Europe had other plans. What unfolded in the morning foursomes was less a gentle opening and more a tactical assault, leaving the American gallery buzzing—though perhaps not in the celebratory manner they`d envisioned.
The leaderboard quickly painted a stark picture: Europe leading USA 3-1 after the morning matches. This wasn`t just a slight advantage; it was a clear statement of intent, echoing, for the American players and fans, perhaps a few too many painful memories from previous European triumphs.
Morning Foursomes: Where Fortunes Were Forged and Fumbled
The initial pairings promised fireworks, but for two prominent American duos, the sparks were conspicuously absent:
- Rahm & Hatton vs. DeChambeau & Thomas: The opening match, a high-stakes affair featuring America`s power-hitter Bryson DeChambeau and the ever-charismatic Justin Thomas, was meant to set the tone. DeChambeau did indeed energize the crowd with an early birdie, a fleeting moment of glory. Unfortunately, that was largely the extent of their collective birdie-making for the day. Spain’s Jon Rahm and England’s Tyrrell Hatton, a formidable European pairing, systematically dismantled their American counterparts, closing out a decisive 4&3 victory. Thomas’s putting struggles were particularly noted, leading to immediate speculation about his afternoon inclusion. The “spark” Bradley sought seemed to have been extinguished by Europe`s steady play.
- Åberg & Fitzpatrick vs. Scheffler & Henley: World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, paired with Russell Henley, found himself once again in the unenviable position of a foursomes struggle. Two years prior, Scheffler experienced a historic 9&7 loss in this format. While not as catastrophic this time, the European duo of Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick were convincingly 4 up through just 10 holes, demonstrating a clinical precision that left the Americans searching for answers. It seems the European captain Luke Donald’s decision to break up the formidable Åberg/Hovland pairing was, at least for the morning, a stroke of strategic genius.
- McIlroy & Fleetwood vs. (USA Pair TBD): Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, seasoned Ryder Cup campaigners, added another European point with what was described as a convincing win. Their partnership continued to deliver, showcasing the depth and experience of the European squad.
The Lone Star for Team USA: Schauffele and Cantlay
Amidst the European charge, a vital glimmer of hope emerged from Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay. In the final morning match, this American pair secured a 2 up victory, preventing a complete whitewash and offering a much-needed point on the scoreboard. Their win, hard-fought and resolute, will be critical for Team USA`s morale going into the afternoon.
Moments of Note: Debut Brilliance and Familiar Echoes
Beyond the scorecards, Day 1 offered its share of memorable “sights and sounds”:
- Spaun`s Dream Debut: J.J. Spaun, making his Ryder Cup debut, marked the occasion with a birdie on his very first hole. A moment of individual brilliance that momentarily lifted spirits, proving that even amidst collective struggle, personal triumphs shine through.
- Højgaard`s Homage: Rasmus Højgaard paid tribute to his twin brother`s past Ryder Cup debut, a playful nod that underscored the unique camaraderie and history woven into this prestigious event.
After a tumultuous morning, Team Europe holds a commanding 3-1 lead over Team USA.
Afternoon Four-Ball Matches: The American Redemption Arc Begins?
With the morning`s stark reality laid bare, attention quickly shifted to the afternoon four-ball matches. These pairings offer a different dynamic, allowing players more individual freedom and greater opportunity for aggressive play. For Team USA, this isn`t just another session; it`s an urgent call to arms, a chance to stem the European tide and ignite a comeback.
Confirmed Afternoon Pairings (All Times ET):
- 12:25 PM: Scottie Scheffler-J.J. Spaun vs. Jon Rahm-Sepp Straka
- 12:41 PM: Bryson DeChambeau-Ben Griffin vs. Tommy Fleetwood-Justin Rose
- 12:57 PM: Cameron Young-Justin Thomas vs. Ludvig Åberg-Rasmus Højgaard
- 1:13 PM: Sam Burns-Patrick Cantlay vs. Rory McIlroy-Shane Lowry
The Road Ahead: Pressure Mounts for Team USA
The Long Island faithful, famously passionate and discerning, will undoubtedly be looking for a significant shift in momentum. The European precision and collective synergy witnessed in the morning demonstrated why they are consistently formidable. For Team USA, the challenge is clear: harness the energy of Bethpage Black, rediscover their putting touch, and start converting those crucial birdie opportunities. The Ryder Cup is a marathon, not a sprint, but Europe has certainly sprinted out of the blocks. Day 1 has set the stage for a compelling, perhaps even legendary, contest to unfold.
