European Momentum After Morning Foursomes
When the first half of the competition wrapped up on Friday morning, the scoreboard read a striking 3‑1 in favor of Team Europe. The opening foursomes on Bethpage Black’s notorious Black Course gave the Europeans a comfortable cushion, thanks to three dominant victories out of four matches.
Jon Rahm, paired with Tyrrell Hatton, delivered a decisive 4&3 win over Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas, showcasing the Spaniard’s uncanny ability to swing the ball under pressure. Meanwhile, a youthful duo—Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick—outplayed world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley 5&3, adding another point to the tally. The third win came from the seasoned partnership of Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, who thrashed Collin Morikawa and Harris English by 5&4.
The lone American point emerged from the match between Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland, who managed to halve the contest against their European opponents. That single half‑point left the United States scrambling to halt Europe’s early surge.
Analysts pointed out that the foursomes format—where teammates alternate shots—favours players who can adapt quickly and maintain composure when it’s not their turn to swing. Europe’s depth of experience, especially from veterans like McIlroy and Rose, translated into steady, low‑error play that paid dividends on the demanding fairways of Bethpage.
Friday Afternoon Four‑Ball Matchups
With the morning’s results fresh in everyone’s mind, captains Luke Donald (Europe) and Keegan Bradley (USA) unveiled the line‑ups for the critical four‑ball session, set to begin at 12:25 p.m. ET. The format switches to each player using his own ball, allowing the best score on each hole to count for the team. This change often produces a flurry of birdies and aggressive tactics, as players are free to chase the low‑score without worrying about a partner’s miss.
- Match 1 (12:25 p.m. ET): Jon Rahm teams up with Sepp Straka to meet world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and J.J. Spaun. The pairing is fresh for Europe—Rahm’s chemistry with Straka is untested in Ryder Cup play, but both have shown the ability to bounce back after tough rounds.
- Match 2 (12:41 p.m. ET): Tommy Fleetwood joins forces with Justin Rose against Ben Griffin and Bryson DeChambeau. Fleetwood’s steady ball‑striking combined with Rose’s strategic course management make this a classic veteran showdown.
- Match 3 (12:57 p.m. ET): Young guns Ludvig Åberg and Rasmus Højgaard face Cameron Young and Justin Thomas. Both sides have a mix of fresh talent and seasoned firepower, promising an exciting back‑and‑forth on the open fairways.
- Match 4 (1:13 p.m. ET): Rory McIlroy partners with Shane Lowry to battle Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay. McIlroy‑Lowry have a proven record in European team events, and their aggressive play could tip the balance in the final match.
Each pairing carries its own storyline. Rahm‑Straka’s fresh combination pits the Spanish star against the top‑ranked American, while Straka’s recent form on the European Tour suggests he can handle the pressure. Fleetwood‑Rose offers a blend of power and precise iron play, which could neutralize DeChambeau’s notorious distance.
The Åberg‑Højgaard duo represents the next generation of European talent, both having already secured points in the morning session. Their opponents, Young and Thomas, bring a mix of youthful vigor and seasoned experience, setting the stage for a tightly contested match.
McIlroy’s partnership with Lowry is perhaps the most familiar to fans, recalling their success in the 2023 Rome Ryder Cup. Their ability to launch low, rolling drives into the wind‑swept trouble spots of Bethpage could prove decisive against the steady‑playing Burns and the methodical Cantlay.
Beyond individual matchups, the afternoon session carries strategic weight. Europe’s early lead forces the United States to adopt a more aggressive stance to claw back points, while the Europeans can afford to play a measured game, preserving energy for the grueling Saturday sessions.
Historical trends add another layer of intrigue. In the past decade, the U.S. has struggled to bounce back after a poor Friday start, often seeing the deficit widen on Saturday. Conversely, when Europe captures an early lead, they have a track record of maintaining momentum, as demonstrated in the 2018 and 2021 competitions.
As the first tee shots of the afternoon are set to echo across the iconic pines of Bethpage, both captains face the ultimate test of roster management. Bradley’s selections reflect a blend of youth and experience, hoping that fresh legs can inject the necessary spark. Donald, meanwhile, leans on proven pairings that have already tasted success this week.
Fans worldwide will be watching closely, aware that each birdie, each missed putt, could swing not just the match but the psychological tide of the entire Cup. With the Ryder Cup 2025 still in its opening day, every swing matters, and the four‑ball format promises a spectacle of daring golf that could reshape the rivalry before the sun sets on Friday.
