Ryder Cup Highlights: Team Europe Takes Early Lead

The anticipation surrounding the Bethpage Black course was intense.

For some, there was a sense of determination stemming from a disappointing showing in Rome two years prior.

When Team USA teed off on Friday morning, Bryson DeChambeau unleashed a staggering 344-yard drive over the trees, energizing the crowd and giving the Americans an early lead.

However, that excitement quickly faded. The morning session became increasingly one-sided as Team Europe solidified their dominance at the Ryder Cup.

By the end of the morning matches, Europe held a 3-1 lead heading into the afternoon’s four-ball matches, thanks in part to Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay who secured a point against Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland.

The rest of the morning? Not great for the U.S.

DeChambeau and Justin Thomas lost 4 & 3 to Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, while Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley faced a challenging match, ending 5 & 3 against Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick.

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood continued their strong partnership, defeating Collin Morikawa and Harris English by a convincing five and four.

Interestingly, according to the Elias Sports Bureau, it marked the third time since 1973 that Team Europe has accrued at least three points in the opening session of a Ryder Cup. Historically, when they achieved this in 1991, they went on to dominate with a 7-1 record thereafter.

Meanwhile, Team Europe’s solid start marked a first as they won their initial three matches on U.S. soil, while the crowd remained anxious for a response.

European captain Luke Donald opted for consistency in his pairings, allowing the Rahm-Hatton and McIlroy-Fleetwood teams to continue their undefeated streak at 3-0.

Fitzpatrick, who previously struggled with a dismal 1-7-0 record over the last three Ryder Cups, made significant contributions, including a crucial winning putt.

As the day progressed, Europe secured two victories before even reaching the back nine, leaving Team USA grappling with their performance—nothing seemed to go right.

Henry couldn’t sink his putts, Scheffler was unable to shake off past disappointments from Rome, and McIlroy, having completed a career grand slam earlier this year, put on a fascinating display.

By the day’s end, the Americans found themselves looking at a considerable deficit yet again.