Ryder Cup 2025 Day 3: Singles live updates from Bethpage Black
Europe have taken a commanding position heading into Sunday’s singles at Bethpage Black, with Luke Donald’s side carrying a heavy lead into the decisive phase of the Ryder Cup. After a two-and-a-half point scoring threshold was confirmed with Viktor Hovland’s late withdrawal due to injury, Europe hold a 12-5 advantage and sit within reach of retaining the trophy. The stage is set for a potential historic away win, given this is only the fifth time Europe have triumphed on American soil, and the first since the dramatic 2012 Miracle at Medinah.
The United States, captained by Keegan Bradley, have faced criticism for their setup in the early stages as Europe’s lineup looked to maximize momentum on day three. The marquee clash features Rory McIlroy versus Scottie Scheffler, a matchup that has captured most of the attention as play begins in the singles format where every result matters more than ever.
Headline clash: McIlroy vs Scheffler
McIlroy and Scheffler opened in a tense, high-stakes duel. McIlroy nailed a superb putt to level at the 11th, signaling a shift in momentum and drawing a reaction from the crowd. The match remains tightly contested, with Scheffler conceding a tie at a crucial moment before the hole was decided, leaving the pair squared and the outcome very much in doubt as play continues. It’s a fixture that could swing the overall match count and put pressure on the Americans to rally across multiple boards.
Both players bring a mix of power and precision to the fairways, with Scheffler showing resilience and McIlroy looking to capitalize on any green reading advantage. The dynamic around this tie has been a focal point for fans and pundits alike as the singles format exposes every mistake and every clutch moment.
Other notable ties in progress
Beyond the headline clash, several matches are shaping the afternoon. A few early results have already influenced the mood across the course: a tightly fought battle between Ben Griffin and Rasmus Hojgaard is trading blows as Griffin moves 1 up, while Xander Schauffele has edged in front against Jon Rahm in a see-saw encounter. Up the order, Sam Burns finds himself 1 up on Robert MacIntyre, with momentum shifting in what could become a pivotal point on the scoreboard. In another exciting matchup, Cameron Young has surged to a 3-up lead over Justin Rose, a position Rose has found a way to challenge within striking distance as nerves calm and nerves flare in equal measure.
Meanwhile, the American camp is trying to piece together a comeback as the air tightens around the leaderboard. Bryson DeChambeau’s form has sparked bursts of late energy as he margins a birdie at a critical moment, while Matt Fitzpatrick battles to claw back after a rough stretch. The dynamic of these matches could swing the final tally in a heartbeat, making every hole potentially decisive.
Europe’s position and USA’s challenge
With the current projected margin reading 18.5-11.5 in favor of Europe at the time of writing, the math is clear: two and a half points are enough for Europe to seal a historic win on American soil, and three to clinch outright victory. The European team, led by Donald, have demonstrated superior consistency so far, leveraging depth and experience to keep the scoreboard on their side as the singles unfold. For the USA, a dramatic turn-around is their only path to keeping the trophy in play, a scenario that would require several favorable results across multiple matches in quick succession.
What today means for the Ryder Cup history
If Europe can navigate Sunday’s singles successfully, they’ll cap a remarkable run that started with diet of bold strategy and clinical golf. The possibility of a rare back-to-back away win would reframe the 2025 edition as one of the most dramatic chapters in Ryder Cup lore, reinforcing the prestige of the competition and illustrating the enduring appeal of a biennial showcase that pits the best from two continents against one another.
Looking ahead
As singles play continues, all eyes are on the pivotal ties that could swing the final result. The culmination promises a weekend of intense golf, with every hole carrying weighty significance as Europe contends to seal the deal and the Americans push for a comeback of historic proportions.
