Europe takes early command at Bethpage Black
Europe seized the momentum at the Ryder Cup on the storied Bethpage Black course, taking a commanding 8.5–3.5 lead over the United States after the opening day. The Europeans opened with a strong showing in both foursomes and fourballs, building a sizable cushion ahead of the weekend’s decisive matches. The early swing set the tone for a European side aiming to reclaim the cup on American soil.
Åberg shines in Friday foursomes
Sweden’s Ludvig Åberg delivered a standout moment for Europe in Friday’s foursomes, pairing with Matt Fitzpatrick to topple the world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley 5&3. The victory gave Åberg a valuable first Ryder Cup point and underscored his growing impact on the European lineup as he continues to adapt to the pressure of match play on golf’s biggest stage.
Saturday’s fourballs: Åberg’s moment to rest yet again
As the day shifted to fourball play, Åberg and Fitzpatrick faced a tougher assignment. The European duo managed just one hole in their match against Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Young, slipping behind early and never fully catching up. By the twelfth hole, the Americans had built a three-hole advantage, and DeChambeau/Young closed out the match 4&2. The result mirrored the challenging nature of best-ball pairs in a Ryder Cup that rewards aggressive, high-pressure play.
Other results keep Europe ahead
While Åberg experienced a stiffer test on Saturday, several other European pairings found success. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood claimed a 3&2 victory over Harris English and Collin Morikawa, sharpening Europe’s lead. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton followed with a 3&2 win over Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay. In a tense, late-press match, Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland edged Russell Henley and Scottie Scheffler 1 up on the final hole, ensuring Europe maintained substantial momentum heading into the evening’s final fourball sessions.
What it means for Sunday’s singles and the overall fight
With four fourball matches left to play on Saturday and Sunday’s singles looming, Europe leads decisively at 8.5–3.5. Luke Donald has indicated plans to rest Åberg for the evening fourballs, a move that keeps the rookie’s freshness ready for Sunday’s singles, where every point could prove pivotal. The Ryder Cup has a storied history of national swing moments on U.S. soil, and the latest results hint at a potential repeat of Europe’s success on American turf. The last time Europe won on U.S. soil was 2012, a reminder that every match counts in this storied rivalry.
Looking ahead: Sunday singles and the path to the trophy
Sunday’s singles feature a calibrated mix of veterans and rising stars for Europe and the United States. If Europe manages to hold or extend its lead, the cup would be retained regardless of the day’s outcomes; the United States, however, must reach 14.5 points to clinch victory. The drama remains high as fans anticipate a final-day submission that could tilt the balance of golf’s most famous team event.
Bottom line
Friday’s results sent a clear message: Europe is in control, with Åberg delivering a key early point and the rest of the team building a platform for a decisive weekend. Whether Åberg returns for the late foursomes or a fresh set of fourballs on Sunday, the Swedish star remains a focal point of Europe’s pursuit of Ryder Cup glory on American soil.
