Europe Holds Command, Despite a Tough Outing for Ludvig Åberg
NEW YORK — The Ryder Cup kicked off with a stumble for Sweden’s Ludvig Åberg, who teamed with Matt Fitzpatrick to face Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Young at Bethpage Black. After a Friday surge against Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley, Åberg and Fitzpatrick found themselves on the back foot in a different battle, with the U.S. duo seizing the initiative and pulling away in the later stages. By the time the match concluded, the Americans had won the affair by several holes, leaving Åberg to regroup for the weekend.
The Turning Point in the Foursome
Through the first six holes, the competition remained tight, but momentum gradually swayed in the Americans’ favor. DeChambeau and Young won three of four holes around the middle portion of the front nine and moved three holes ahead of Åberg and Fitzpatrick after ten holes. Åberg, who had appeared confident with his ball-striking earlier in the week, found his accuracy slipping and was unable to convert key chances when they mattered most. Åberg’s coach, Hans Larsson, later reflected on the day: “He is probably OK 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.”
The rally Åberg hoped for remained distant as the match moved toward its conclusion. The 15th hole offered a flicker of light for the European pair, with Åberg pulling closer on the scoreboard, but his attempt to convert a critical opportunity failed at the edge of the cup. The 16th hole sealed the outcome, and the U.S. pair finished with a four-hole victory over Åberg and Fitzpatrick, a result that underscored how quickly Ryder Cup momentum can swing in hostile environments.
Europe’s Other Points on Friday
Despite the setback in the Åberg–Fitzpatrick pairing, Europe’s other matches on Friday painted a much rosier picture. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood dominated Collin Morikawa and Harris English, while Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, as well as Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland, appeared poised to add more points as the day progressed. After the opening sessions, Europe carried a substantial lead, 5.5–2.5, signaling a strong platform heading into the weekend and a resilient response from the continent’s lineup.
What It Means Going Forward
The Ryder Cup’s format means momentum can flip quickly as matches evolve, and Friday’s results remind fans that any single pairing can yield different outcomes. For Åberg, the immediate task is clear: rebound, learn, and contribute in the remaining format as Europe presses toward Sunday’s singles. Larsson’s assessment echoed the broader sentiment in the camp: the team remains confident in Åberg’s abilities and expects him to be hungry to prove himself in the next rounds.
Looking Ahead to Saturday and Sunday
With the European team holding a substantial lead, Saturday’s sessions will be about consolidating wins and managing pressure in decisive matchups. The Sunday singles could be the defining moment, and if Åberg can shake off Friday’s setback and execute under pressure, Europe could extend its advantage even further. In a Ryder Cup defined by grit and resilience, the focus will be on sustaining form, seizing opportunities, and maintaining composure amid a boisterous home crowd and a demanding course at Bethpage Black.
