Europe seizes early Ryder Cup momentum with fast start at Bethpage

Europe took command of the 2025 Ryder Cup on day one at Bethpage Black, building a 5½–2½ lead after the opening two sessions. A fast start in the morning alternate-shot matches, followed by a productive afternoon fourballs, put Luke Donald’s team in a strong position to defend the title on American soil. Across Ryder Cup history, leaders after the second session have won the trophy in five of the last six editions, and Europe has repeatedly capitalized on a rapid start in recent renewals. Since 1991, teams that earn at least three points in the first session have gone on to win seven times and lose only once, underscoring how momentum on Friday can shape the weekend. The numbers reinforce the sense that, when Europe gets a fast hop out of the blocks, they are difficult to slow down on American soil.

Europe opened with a 3–1 edge in the morning alternate-shot matches and followed with a 2½–1½ advantage in the afternoon fourballs, moving to a 5½–2½ lead at the close of play. Jon Rahm led Europe’s charge with two points, while Tommy Fleetwood supplied important late moments as part of a cohesive team performance. Donald opted to keep his foursomes pairings consistent for Saturday, a nod to the method that has yielded results for Europe in this format. For the United States, the only change in the lineup involved New York native Cameron Young coming in to pair with Bryson DeChambeau in hopes of sparking more points in the tougher formats ahead of the weekend. The Americans also rolled out a pair of veterans who would have to reverse the tide beginning Saturday, as the day’s results showed room for improvement in both patience and execution.

The day’s atmosphere on Long Island reflected a crowd eager to cheer the home team but tempered by Europe’s fast start. Bethpage’s first-tee ambience was less intimidating than some Ryder Cup venues, with a mix of boos and cheers that underscored the event’s sportsmanship. As the sessions progressed, the energy amplified in matches that stayed tight deeper into the holes, but Europe’s blue scoreboard dominance in the early going helped quiet any lingering noise as the afternoon carried on. The late matches offered a glimmer of urgency for the U.S., yet Europe’s advantage remained visible at the 18th green as the final putts dropped.

On the American side, Cantlay and Xander Schauffele managed to salvage the morning by birdieing the 18th to secure a half point in one of Friday’s closer finishes, preventing a complete knockout in the early phase. Nonetheless, the day’s narrative remained dominated by Europe’s effectiveness in converting key moments. Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau, a pairing expected to deliver relief for the home side, struggled to find their rhythm and finished Friday without a win. Scheffler, the world No. 1, went 0–4–0 across his matches, a reminder of the steep challenge the U.S. faces on this course and in this format. Fleetwood’s resilience and Rahm’s steady momentum became emblematic of Europe’s temperament under pressure, with Fleetwood delivering crucial moments that helped extend the lead as the day concluded.

Bradley, taking stock after Friday’s play, acknowledged the early deficit but stressed a plan and faith in his players. He defended the decisions that carried the Americans into the weekend and indicated that changes could come as the team shifts into Saturday’s schedule, where the morning session again features 11-plus hours of golf across multiple matchups. The plan, he said, remains to play with continuity where it has shown success and to lean on the depth that has characterized this U.S. team in recent years. As Saturday’s slate approaches, the U.S. knows it will need to turn momentum quickly if it hopes to prevent a first home victory for Europe since 2012.

The Ryder Cup’s momentum is inherently fragile, but the numbers suggest Europe’s lead on day one provides a significant foundation for a successful defense. Since 1991, leading after the first session has yielded seven victories and one defeat, a pattern that aligns with Europe’s performance on Friday. The past five Ryder Cups also show that the team that wins the opening foursomes has dominated the overall event, contributing to a strong narrative for Europe’s chances to translate Friday’s advantage into a championship. The next phase of the competition will test whether Europe’s early momentum can be sustained across two full days of golf, and whether the United States can mount a comeback that rewrites the script on home soil.

In a separate reflection on Friday’s events, the American team’s attempt to rebound and re-balance the pairings for Day 2 drew attention. Cameron Young’s inclusion alongside DeChambeau signaled a willingness to experiment with the order and mix, potentially unlocking a momentum shift that could energize the Americans in the morning session. Tommy Fleetwood’s steady presence for Europe remained a key talking point, illustrating how a veteran with the right temperament can anchor a team on a challenging day. The Friday narrative also touched on the differing atmospheres around the course, with some fans hoping for a chaotic home-field surge, while others acknowledged Europe’s capacity to translate early gains into a more assured, poised performance.

As the weekend advances, the core question remains whether the United States can flip the script on American soil. History indicates that Friday’s tempo can shape outcomes, particularly in the foursomes, which have tended to tilt toward the team with the momentum. Europe’s ability to convert early chances and maintain composure will be tested as they seek to translate a strong day into a victory-laden path toward the trophy. For now, the Ryder Cup at Bethpage remains a compelling chapter in the long-running rivalry between Europe and the United States, with momentum and strategy driving the conversation as teams prepare for Day 2.