Ryder Cup update: Åberg and Fitzpatrick stumble in tough foursome
New York’s Bethpage Black set the stage for a dramatic Ryder Cup day as Ludvig Åberg endured a difficult outing in the foursomes alongside Matt Fitzpatrick. The Swedish pair were up against Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Young, and the Americans precise and aggressive play proved tougher than expected. The result left Europe still charging ahead overall, but the day’s momentum showed that nothing is guaranteed in the team format.
Going into the match, Åberg and Fitzpatrick had enjoyed a standout session the day before, overpowering the U.S. duo of Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley in what had been a one-sided battle for much of Friday. That form offered hope that Europe could extend its early lead. However, the morning’s reality was different. The European pairing found themselves chasing the Americans’ momentum as DeChambeau and Young took control in several key moments.
After six holes, the score was firmly level, but the U.S. duo began to tilt the balance. Three of the next four holes fell to the Americans, and by the time ten holes were completed, DeChambeau and Young held a three-hole advantage. It was a wake-up call for Åberg, who has shown he can lift his game at the most demanding moments but clearly faced a harder pole in this particular matchup.
According to Åberg’s coach Hans Larsson, the issue wasn’t his technique but rather execution under pressure. “He’s probably okay with how he hits the ball, but you need to be a bit closer to the pins and a bit sharper with the chances you get,” Larsson said. The message was straightforward: the opportunity was there, but converting those chances would require precision when it mattered most. The match reached fifteen holes with Åberg nudging closer on the leaderboard, only to see a critical three-point deficit remain as his putt at the edge didn’t drop for a much-needed rally.
The duel concluded at the sixteenth hole, with the U.S. pair sealing the win by four holes. It was a tough result, but Larsson insisted that Åberg would respond with hunger in the subsequent sessions. “We know Bryson comes out and is fired up after losses, so it’s going to be a challenge,” he noted, emphasizing that the team’s best responses were still to come as the event progressed.
Europe still in the driver’s seat despite the setback
Despite the setback in this particular foursome, the European tide remained strong across the other matches. The day’s outcome did not spoil what has been a productive start for Continental Europe. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, for instance, dominated their match against Collin Morikawa and Harris English, and the European momentum extended into the other partnerships as well. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, along with Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland, appeared well-positioned to push Europe’s overall lead further in their favor.
By the close of Friday play, Europe led the Ryder Cup 5.5 to 2.5, underscoring the team’s depth and resilience. The early stage of the competition has highlighted a clear contrast: while Åberg’s day didn’t go as hoped, the broader European machine has continued to click across most pairs. The message from the team remains consistent: stay focused, keep pressure on, and convert opportunities when they appear.
Looking ahead to Sunday: singles could decide the outcome
With the Ryder Cup now headed to singles on Sunday, the mood among the European camp is one of measured confidence. Åberg’s future chances to bounce back are bright, given the energy he’s shown and the backing of a team that continues to deliver in several other matches. For the American side, the day’s result is a reminder that Sweden’s rising star is a formidable competitor who will be eager to make amends in the upcoming sessions.
As the event moves toward its final phase, the Ryder Cup atmosphere remains electric. Fans are watching closely how Europe keeps leveraging its depth while Åberg, with his coach’s guidance, seeks to convert the chances that will inevitably come in the most consequential moments of the tournament.
