Morning Foursomes Ignite Day 2 Excitement
Europe entered Day 2 with a 5½-2½ lead, and Bethpage was buzzing as the live coverage opened. On the first tee, Rory McIlroy faced a pantomime-style reception, responding with a playful smile and a theatrical kiss to the crowd before hammering his opening drive. McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood were among Europe’s strongest performers yesterday, and they looked to translate that form against Harris English and Collin Morikawa. English, meanwhile, started well for Team USA, finding the semi-rough down the right and signaling that the afternoon could tilt in America’s direction if such momentum continued.
DeChambeau and Young Set the Tone
Across the course, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Young set an aggressive pace in their morning match against Matt Fitzpatrick and Ludvig Åberg. DeChambeau’s booming drives and bold style sparked a chorus of applause from the stands, while Åberg responded with a birdie to keep the match competitive. The crowd embraced the moment, with the American fans introducing a fresh chant that underscored the high-energy atmosphere surrounding Team USA’s day two bid to climb back into contention.
Young’s Form Continues and European Response
Cameron Young carried yesterday’s momentum into the morning, landing a wedge from the center of the fairway to 15 feet and then bringing it back to tap-in distance for a confident-looking birdie. The shot drew a wide smile from those watching, including a nod from the crowd’s longstanding figure in attendance. Fitzpatrick, playing from a tight angle in the rough, answered with a precise ten-foot wedge to keep the European side in touch. The early exchanges suggested a day full of crunch moments and momentum swings.
Team Talk: Donald’s Confidence and Bradley’s Fire
Luke Donald spoke to the media about the positives Europe took from yesterday, highlighting the team’s resilience, the ability to handle pressure, and the plan to get some blue on the board early on Saturday. His message emphasized momentum and readiness for a fight that would unfold across several matches. Keegan Bradley, speaking on US television, delivered a rousing call to arms from the gallery — the American squad was ready to elevate its intensity, with Bradley expressing optimism about the day ahead and urging his teammates to lead by example in pursuit of points for Team USA.
Crowd Vibe: New Chants and Early Energy
The atmosphere grew louder as the morning session progressed, with fans crafting new chants for DeChambeau and Young. That energy matched the afternoon mood from yesterday, creating a carnival-like backdrop that amplified each pivotal moment. The crowd’s enthusiasm was a reminder of how central ambience is to the Ryder Cup experience, especially as teams chase crucial foursomes points and build early momentum on Day 2.
Saturday Morning Pairings to Watch
12.10pm: Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Young v Matt Fitzpatrick and Ludvig Åberg
12.26pm: Harris English and Collin Morikawa v Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood
12.42pm: Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay v Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton
12.58pm: Russell Henley and Scottie Scheffler v Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland
Looking Ahead
With Europe holding a narrow advantage as play resumes on Saturday morning, the next set of foursomes will shape how Day 2 unfolds. The home fans will be hoping the momentum can swing decisively in favor of Team USA, while Europe seeks to extend its lead and keep pressure on the hosts. Stay tuned for a roller-coaster afternoon as Bethpage welcomes back the drama, energy, and high-stakes golf that defines the Ryder Cup.
