Europe takes Day 1 Ryder Cup lead as Uber price backlash swirls around Bethpage

Europe seized the opening day of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York, taking a commanding 5.5-2.5 lead over the United States as Friday’s play wrapped up. The result sets Europe up for a weekend surge, with high-level performances from Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm and Luke Donald helping to build the cushion ahead of Saturday’s and Sunday’s sessions.

The day featured a notable moment when President Donald Trump appeared at the event, taking center stage from behind a glass screen on the first tee grandstand and greeting players from both teams as they emerged from the tunnel. Reports from players noted Trump’s presence added an extra layer of spectacle to the day, though the competition remained focused on the course. Europe’s early momentum was underscored by a strong morning session, in which they blitzed the foursomes 3-1 before withstanding a late United States rally in the afternoon.

Away from the course, the Ryder Cup’s departure logistics drew its own headlines. Golf influencer Cailyn Henderson shared screenshots showing exorbitant Uber prices for leaving the Bethpage Black area. In her post, the most affordable option was listed as UberX Priority at $440, while the costliest option, a Premier SUV, reached $1,077. Henderson on social media said she and a friend ultimately used an Uber shuttle service run by the platform, noting that it took about 90 minutes to exit the venue and that she began to feel faint during the escape.

The price spike triggered a wave of commentary from fans on social platforms, many expressing disbelief and sympathy for attendees trying to depart after a full day of competition. Phrases such as “This should be illegal” and “This is criminal @uber” circulated among accounts that tracked the Ryder Cup and fan experiences. The episode underscored a broader conversation about event-day transportation costs around large sporting events and the challenges of moving tens of thousands of fans from major venues in a short period.

As play concluded, Europe held a clear lead heading into the weekend, with a 5.5-2.5 edge that reflected a combination of strong European play and some American stumble in the later afternoon. McIlroy, Rahm and Donald were among the standouts in the European lineup, contributing to a performance that left the hosts facing a difficult climb back over the next two days. Trump’s cameo added a political and cultural layer to the weekend’s early narrative, but the competition itself moved forward with Sunday’s schedule still to come.

Looking ahead, teams shift focus to the fourball and foursomes sessions on Saturday, with both sides aiming to reverse the early standings. Fans will monitor not only the on-course drama but also ongoing conversations about access, logistics and the cost of attendance, including transportation options after the opening day at Bethpage Black.