Few events in sport capture drama quite like the Ryder Cup. It’s not just a golf tournament; it’s a head-to-head clash of pride, pressure, and passion. Every hole feels like it matters, every shot carries weight, and the energy from the crowd seeps into every decision players make. The buzz around the event this year feels similar to the excitement fans show when sporting their Baltimore Ravens Starter jacket on game day — full of pride, rivalry, and tradition. In 2025, the famous Bethpage Black course on Long Island is the stage. Known for its length, brutal rough, and merciless design, it’s a venue that demands resilience. And after the opening day, the story is clear: Europe has seized control. They lead the United States 5½ to 2½, and it’s the kind of early edge that tilts the entire weekend. But the Ryder Cup is never decided in one day. Let’s break down what’s happened, who’s thriving, who’s stumbling, and what to expect as the matches roll on.
Europe Comes Out Swinging
From the first tee shot Friday morning, Europe looked sharp, organized, and confident. They didn’t just grab a few points; they grabbed momentum. That’s the thing about the Ryder Cup — momentum can feel as important as the leaderboard itself.
In the morning foursomes, they set the tone with clinical play. They went 3–1 in the session, silencing the home crowd and forcing the Americans into catch-up mode almost immediately. Then, in the afternoon four-ball session — where the U.S. traditionally finds some rhythm — Europe held steady again, outscoring their hosts 2½ to 1½.
By the time the sun dropped over Bethpage, the scoreboard showed Europe with a three-point cushion. Not insurmountable, but significant.
Session by Session
Morning Foursomes
Alternate-shot golf is the ultimate stress test for a team. There’s no hiding if your partner sprays a drive or leaves a chip short — you’re in it together, for better or worse. Europe seemed completely at home.
- Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton were relentless. Their chemistry has always been strong, and it showed once again. Rahm’s power combined with Hatton’s precision made them tough to beat.
- Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick, Europe’s fresh pairing, looked fearless. This was Åberg’s first Ryder Cup, but you wouldn’t have known it from his body language. They didn’t play like rookies; they played like veterans.
- Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, one of Europe’s most reliable duos, delivered exactly what fans expected: energy, execution, and emotion.
The U.S. salvaged one point thanks to Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, who fought through to defeat Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland. Without that win, the session could have been a complete disaster for the Americans.
Afternoon Four-Ball
The afternoon was supposed to be America’s chance to fight back. Four-ball, with each player playing their own ball and the best score counting, often favors aggressive shot-makers. But Europe didn’t budge.
Rahm continued to dominate. McIlroy thrived in the spotlight, feeding off the crowd’s energy rather than being rattled by it. Fleetwood, steady as ever, came up clutch when it mattered most.
On the other side, the Americans couldn’t quite find their spark. Scottie Scheffler, the world number one and the man many thought would be the backbone of Team USA, went 0–2 on the day. That stung. When your leader struggles, it puts pressure on the entire roster.
Current Standings
- Europe: 5½ points
- United States: 2½ points
The magic number to win the Ryder Cup outright is 14 1⁄2 points. Europe is already over a third of the way there after just one day. For the U.S., the math is simple: they can’t afford to fall much further behind.
Standout Performers
Jon Rahm: He’s the heartbeat of Team Europe right now. Rahm thrives in this format because he combines raw talent with a fiery competitive spirit. His record in Ryder Cup pairings is getting scary good.
Rory McIlroy: Once criticized for wearing his heart too openly, McIlroy has matured into the emotional leader of Europe. His passion is contagious, and his play backed it up all day.
Tommy Fleetwood: Fleetwood has a way of raising his game at the Ryder Cup. He doesn’t always dominate in majors, but in this event, he becomes a star. His calm energy and steady putting make him the perfect partner.
Åberg and Fitzpatrick: This pairing was Europe’s pleasant surprise. They didn’t just survive; they thrived, showing chemistry and fearlessness that suggests Europe’s future is in good hands.
On the U.S. side, the bright spots were limited. Schauffele and Cantlay’s morning win was crucial, but elsewhere, there were too many missed chances and too little spark.
Why This Lead Matters
History shows that the team leading after Day 1 has a huge advantage. It’s not just about points on a board — it’s about belief. Europe now knows they can win at Bethpage. The U.S. knows they’re on the back foot.
A three-point margin isn’t impossible to overcome, but it’s enough to make Saturday morning critical. If the U.S. loses that session, the hill becomes a mountain.
What Needs to Change for the U.S.
The Americans have to do three things:
- Rework pairings. Some simply didn’t click. Scheffler needs a partner who complements him better.
- Find energy early. They can’t afford to drift into matches. They need to win holes quickly, get the crowd engaged, and build pressure.
- Rely on depth. Beyond their stars, players like Morikawa and Spieth need to contribute consistently.
If they don’t fix those issues fast, Sunday’s singles could be irrelevant.
Europe’s Challenge
For Europe, the challenge is different. They must balance confidence with caution. Complacency is the only real threat. If they keep their foot on the gas, they’ll be tough to stop. But if they try to play not to lose, the U.S. could pounce.
Captain Luke Donald’s job is to keep his players sharp, remind them the job isn’t done, and stick with the partnerships that are working.
The Bethpage Factor
One element that can’t be overlooked is the course itself. Bethpage Black is notoriously demanding. Its length, roughness, and hazards punish even slight mistakes. Over three days, fatigue will set in. Players who can manage their energy and stay mentally sharp will make the difference.
That’s where Europe’s discipline might shine. They don’t just hit shots; they play smart golf. The U.S. will need to balance aggression with caution — something easier said than done on this course.
Final Thoughts
After Day 1, the Ryder Cup feels tilted toward Europe. They’ve got a three-point lead, their stars are playing like stars, and their young pairings look fearless. For the U.S., the path forward is clear: adjust, regroup, and come out swinging. If they can win Saturday’s morning session, the momentum could flip quickly. But if Europe extends the lead, Sunday could be less about drama and more about inevitability.
That’s what makes the Ryder Cup so compelling — nothing is guaranteed. A single putt, a single hole, can change the entire weekend. Right now, Europe holds the edge. The Americans are chasing, and fans — whether they’re following the action live or showing team pride in their North American jackets — are in for a weekend of golf they won’t soon forget.