Bethpage Black, New York — The first day of the Ryder Cup delivered everything golf fans crave: drama, momentum swings, standout shotmaking, and a charged crowd that made every moment feel amplified. Here’s a roundup of the most compelling scenes, pressure moments, and turning points that set the stage for the battles ahead.
Europe Opens with Authority in the Morning Foursomes
Right from the start, the European squad asserted themselves. In the morning alternate-shot (foursomes) session, Europe claimed three of the four matches, establishing an early cushion. One of the more dramatic pairings was Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, who handled Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas with authority, winning 4 & 3.
Meanwhile, Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick pulled away decisively to beat their U.S. opponents, and Rory McIlroy alongside Tommy Fleetwood also secured a confident victory. The only bright spot for the U.S. in that session came from Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, who eked out a 2 up win to salvage one point before lunch.
The momentum clearly favored Europe, and through just 13 holes across the matches, they’d recorded a staggering 10 birdies to the Americans’ 3.
Afternoon Four-Ball Brings New Matchups, New Tension
The afternoon shifted to four-ball (better ball) matches, featuring fresh lineups and fresh opportunities. Among the scheduled faceoffs:
- 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
These matchups encouraged more aggressive play, with players pushing for birdies knowing the format gives room for risk.
Standouts, Struggles & Strategic Moves
- Bryson DeChambeau’s opening gambit: Captain Keegan Bradley chose to send DeChambeau out first in the morning, hoping he’d energize the U.S. crowd. Instead, he and Thomas faltered fairly early, which perhaps shifted momentum further toward Europe.
- Scheffler’s morning woes continue: Even the world No. 1 had a morning to forget. Scheffler and his partner struggled under the alternate-shot format, falling behind early against Åberg/Fitzpatrick in a match that just snowballed against them.
- Rahm from the deep stuff: One of the more jaw-dropping moments involved Rahm saving or birdieing from tough lies, lifting the intensity and reminding fans why he’s among golf’s most dangerous competitors.
- McIlroy stays dialed in: From the start, McIlroy looked sharp, contributing to Europe’s dominance and helping to control the rhythm of his match.
Bethpage Black & the Crowds: A Vibe Unlike Any Other
If the golf itself wasn’t enough, the energy surrounding Bethpage Black transformed the course into an arena. The stands, the fairways, and even the gallery paths were alive. Spectators buzzed in anticipation, the applause surged with each clutch shot, and the kindness (or pressure!) of the crowd added a thrilling, unpredictable dimension.
Every arrival, every tee shot, every birdie celebration felt magnified. At this Ryder Cup, the crowd isn’t just watching — they’re active participants.
What Today Means for the Rest of the Cup
Europe walks into Day 2 with clear momentum and confidence. The U.S. team will have to regroup to win back control. Morning pinches and afternoon opportunities await, but the pressure is squarely on the Americans now.
Still, Ryder Cup lore teaches us: leads shift, comebacks happen, legends are made late. The strongest teams adapt and feed off tension. And already, Day 1 has set a high bar for drama, athleticism, and competitive fire.
Expect no shortage of storylines from here—this Cup is far from decided.
