The Ryder Cup is back, and Bethpage Black is proving to be every bit as dramatic as fans hoped. This legendary course on Long Island has hosted its share of battles, but few events bring the energy, pride, and pressure quite like the Ryder Cup. From the roaring crowds to the iconic team outfits — it’s all about attitude and presence. Much like the Drive Scorpion Jacket, this event blends cool confidence with fierce competitiveness. Day 1 is in the books, and the story couldn’t be clearer: Europe came to play. By the close of Friday, the visitors held a 5½ to 2½ lead over the United States. That cushion doesn’t end the contest — far from it — but it sets the tone. For the Americans, the challenge is now steep, and for Europe, the chance to make history feels within reach.
Europe Strikes First
If you only looked at the scoreboard, you might think Europe cruised. But what made the day so striking wasn’t just the scoreline — it was how composed, confident, and sharp Europe looked from the first swing.
They grabbed the morning foursomes 3–1, immediately putting the U.S. on the defensive. Then, instead of letting momentum slip away in the afternoon, Europe pressed harder, winning the four-ball session 2½ to 1½. That left the Americans with more questions than answers and their captain with tough decisions heading into Day 2.
Breaking Down Day 1
Morning Foursomes
Foursomes is unforgiving golf. Each side has one ball, with players alternating shots. If your partner slices one into the rough, it’s your problem now. That format has historically suited Europe, and once again, they thrived.
- Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton played steady, deliberate golf, turning pressure into points.
- Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick — one of Europe’s newer pairings — looked fearless, proving that age and experience aren’t always required to handle the Ryder Cup stage.
- Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, already fan favorites, delivered exactly what was expected: energy, execution, and control.
The lone American victory came courtesy of Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, who battled hard to take down Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland. Without that win, the morning would have been a clean sweep for Europe.
Afternoon Four-Ball
Four-ball usually offers the Americans a chance to flex. With each player playing their own ball and the best score counting, it often favors aggressive birdie hunters. But instead of a U.S. charge, Europe held firm.
Rahm was brilliant again. McIlroy kept his foot on the gas. Fleetwood did what Fleetwood always seems to do in this event: rise to the moment.
Meanwhile, the U.S. struggled. The most glaring disappointment was Scottie Scheffler. The world number one, and the player many expected to anchor Team USA, dropped both of his matches. When your best player goes winless on Day 1, it’s a problem that ripples through the team room.
By sunset, Europe’s lead looked deserved, and the Americans were left searching for momentum.
Standings After Day 1
- Europe: 5½ points
- United States: 2½ points
Remember, the magic number to win the Ryder Cup outright is 14½ points. Europe is already more than a third of the way there after one day.
Stars of the Day
Every Ryder Cup produces heroes, and after Day 1, Europe has several.
Jon Rahm: The Spaniard thrives in this format. His ability to lift partners, deliver in pressure moments, and swing matches with brilliance makes him the heartbeat of Team Europe.
Rory McIlroy: Passion and poise — McIlroy is the emotional leader of the team, and when he’s rolling, the whole squad feeds off it.
Tommy Fleetwood: Whether alongside Francesco Molinari in 2018 or with McIlroy now, Fleetwood is a Ryder Cup machine. He embraces the stage and makes big putts when they matter.
Åberg and Fitzpatrick: Europe’s youthful pairing brought a calmness that belied their inexperience. They looked like veterans, and that bodes well for Europe’s future.
On the American side, the bright spots were few. Schauffele and Cantlay’s win in the morning kept the U.S. from total collapse, but others will need to step up quickly if the Americans are going to mount a comeback.
Why Europe’s Lead Matters
A three-point lead after Day 1 isn’t insurmountable, but in Ryder Cup terms, it’s huge. Momentum is everything in this format. When one side feels in control, the other side can press too hard, make mistakes, and dig an even deeper hole.
For Europe, this is exactly the start they wanted. Winning on U.S. soil has always been a tall order. By putting the Americans under pressure from the start, they’ve tilted the weekend in their favor.
For the U.S., the task is clear: regroup, reset, and strike early on Day 2.
What Needs to Happen Next
For the United States
Captain Keegan Bradley has some decisions to make. Pairings that fizzled on Day 1 need to be reworked. Scottie Scheffler, in particular, must be put in a position to rebound. The Americans can’t afford for their top player to stumble again.
The U.S. also needs early energy. Winning the Saturday morning foursomes outright could swing momentum. If they fall further behind, Sunday’s singles might feel more like damage control than a chance at victory.
For Europe
Luke Donald’s job is simpler: don’t overthink it. Stick with the pairings that are working, keep confidence high, and maintain intensity. The danger for Europe isn’t fatigue so much as complacency. With a lead on foreign soil, it’s tempting to play it safe. But the Ryder Cup rewards boldness.
The Bigger Picture
What makes this Ryder Cup fascinating is how much it’s already defying expectations. Coming in, the U.S. looked stacked on paper — world number one Scheffler, major winners, depth across the roster. Yet Europe looks more unified, more focused, and more energized.
Bethpage Black is a punishing course. Its length, rough, and brutal layout test not just skill but stamina. Over three days, mental strength matters as much as shot-making. If Day 1 is any indicator, Europe is ready for the grind.
Final Thoughts
The Ryder Cup has always been about more than golf. It’s about pride, team spirit, and the raw drama of match play. After one day at Bethpage Black, Europe leads 5½ to 2½, and the Americans have no choice but to respond.
Day 2 will be critical. If the U.S. finds life and wins the morning session, the pressure swings back. If Europe extends its lead, Sunday could feel like a victory march.
For now, the standings are clear: Europe on top, the U.S. chasing. Fans draped in American Jackets and waving flags will be hoping for a comeback worthy of Ryder Cup history.
Buckle up. This is only getting started.
