Europe takes early Ryder Cup lead as WAGs rally behind players on Day One at Bethpage
Erica Stoll leads a group of wives and girlfriends arriving in coordinated outfits to support both sides on Long Island.
Europe opened Day One of the Ryder Cup with an early edge at Bethpage Black, winning three of the four morning foursomes to seize momentum on Long Island. The result left Team Europe ahead as the day progressed, while Team USA pursued a comeback in the later sessions. Off the course, a social spectacle unfolded as the wives and girlfriends of the players—WAGs—arrived in force to cheer their partners. Erica Stoll, the wife of Rory McIlroy, was among the notable attendees, mingling with others in the group.
Spectators watched not only the golf but also the color-coded sidelines, as American WAGs coordinated outfits to reflect their side. The morning action saw Europe claim three of the four foursomes, bolstering confidence for captain Luke Donald and those players. Team USA, led by captain Zach Johnson, answered back in the afternoon sessions, trimming the overall deficit and keeping the competition tight as the day wore on.
Erica Stoll's presence underscored the tournament's high-profile nature, with other spouses including Meredith Scheffler among those photographed amid the crowd. The coordinated outfits by the WAGs highlighted a social thread that runs alongside the sport's competitive drama, giving fans additional angles to watch as the players prepared for the next rounds.
Bethpage Black is known for its demanding layout and variable winds, testing players from both sides. In a Ryder Cup that can swing on a few holes, the opening day combined elite golf with personal narratives as families and partners watched from the ropes.
Friday's schedule calls for additional fourball matches in the afternoon, followed by further foursomes and eventually singles on the weekend. Officials emphasize pace of play and safety, but the atmosphere around Bethpage remains electric, with thousands of spectators and a global television audience tracking every shot.
Analysts point out that the Ryder Cup's team format can amplify momentum in short bursts, meaning one or two wins can alter the day's emotional balance. The WAG presence adds a human element to the event, but the focus remains on the players and the scoreboard.
As play continues over the weekend, teams will seek to convert the early position into a sustained advantage. Whether the WAG outfits become a longer-running tradition or a one-day spectacle, the opening round delivered a blend of top-level golf and personal stories that will echo long after the final putt.