DeChambeau, Thomas lead USA flag-draped entry as Ryder Cup opens at Bethpage Black
Flag draping and anthem singalongs mark a high-energy start as Bethpage Black hosts the Ryder Cup's long-awaited return to the New York area
Bethpage Black opened the Ryder Cup on Friday with a display of national pride as Team USA took the field. Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas walked onto the first tee draped in an American flag as fans sang the national anthem twice and a flyover punctuated the pre-dawn scene.
The opening day began with a 7:10 a.m. local start, and players headed to the first tee under a dark sky. Thousands of fans had traveled from the Farmingdale Long Island Rail Road station to Bethpage Black as early as 5 a.m. hoping to catch a glimpse of the action. EDM music blared, USA chants rang out, and a few profanities were directed at Rory McIlroy when he appeared on the big screen. DeChambeau and Thomas stepped to the tee together and, after DeChambeau nearly drove the green, converted a birdie on the first hole. DeChambeau later told reporters he “wanted to be there” and acknowledged it was “a whole other conversation” with LIV. He added that he knew what he was up against when he went to LIV, noting that it was a different topic altogether but that representing the United States remained his priority.
DeChambeau also spoke about the team’s dynamic and leadership, emphasizing unity and the impact of the captain in bringing the squad together in a way that several captains have sought but few have matched. “The words really aren't there right now to explain how passionate I am about this USA team and how good I think we are and how positive we are and encouraging we are and what this captain has done to bring us together, to band us together like other like possibly no other captains have done in the history,” he said. “Making this team was a passion project of mine. It was A1. It was the thing I wanted to do most, represent my country.”
President Donald Trump is slated to make an appearance at Bethpage Black on Friday, resulting in enhanced security measures throughout the course. The event marks the Ryder Cup’s return to the New York area and comes as Europe eyes a rare back-to-back triumph on American soil.
The atmosphere around Bethpage Black reflects the tournament’s long-awaited return to a major market, with fans, players and organizers hoping to harness a unique blend of sport and pageantry. The schedule calls for a full slate of foursomes and fourball matches across the weekend, with the defending U.S. team and Europe renewing one of golf’s oldest rivalries on a UNESCO-worthy course that has hosted major championships before.
As the day progressed, the competition shifted into focus while security preparations for the Trump appearance and the sheer scale of the event underscored the Ryder Cup’s special status in the sport. The Ryder Cup’s cross-continental format — pitting American and European teams against each other in a multi-day competition — remains a true test of depth, strategy and temperament.
Fans continued to pour into the venue as the flags and crowds built a crescendo of energy typical of a Ryder Cup opening. The energy pattern suggested a weekend of high-intensity, tightly contested matches that could hinge on small margins and the home-field advantage Bethpage provides for the American squad.
As rounds continue, players will chase momentum across the weekend’s pairings and sessions, with the results shaping the atmosphere for Sunday’s decisive finishes. The Ryder Cup’s return to New York is as much about the event’s spectacle as it is about the competition on the course, and early signs point to another memorable contest between two of golf’s most storied continents.