Europe takes early command at Bethpage Black
Bethpage Black, just outside New York, hosted a fast start for Europe as the Ryder Cup opened with a strong showing. After four foursomes and four fourball matches on Friday, Europe led 5.5–2.5, powered by a standout performance from Ludvig Åberg alongside Matt Fitzpatrick in the afternoon session.
Åberg’s Friday highlight and Saturday shake-up
Åberg contributed a crucial point on day one when paired with Fitzpatrick to beat world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley 5&3. The win underscored Europe’s willingness to let its young talents lead from the front, setting a confident tone for the weekend.
Saturday morning fourball action
In the opening fourball on Saturday, Åberg and Fitzpatrick faced Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Young. The European duo fought hard but were unable to repeat Friday’s success, losing 4&2. By the twelfth hole they trailed by three, and DeChambeau and Young closed it out on the 16th green, extending the U.S. momentum in the session.
Other Saturday results and the widening gap
Europe quickly added more points as Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood beat Harris English and Collin Morikawa 3&2, and Jon Rahm teamed with Tyrrell Hatton to defeat Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay 3&2. In a late tilt, Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland edged Russell Henley and Scottie Scheffler 1-up, keeping Europe comfortably ahead at 8.5–3.5 heading into the next set of fourball matches.
Decision to rest Åberg and what’s next
With the scoreline favorable, Europe’s captain Luke Donald opted to rest Åberg for the night’s fourball session to protect the rising star ahead of Sunday’s singles. The move aligns with a strategy to manage energy and leverage depth as the competition heads toward its deciding day.
Historical context and what to watch Sunday
Europe last won on American soil in 2012, and the defending champions will look to capitalize on this momentum as Sunday’s singles determine whether the trophy remains in Europe’s hands. If the U.S. is to turn the tide, several matchups will be key as players aim for crucial points and national pride in a Ryder Cup that promises drama until the final hole.
Conclusion
Ryder Cup action continues to deliver high drama on American soil, with Europe holding a commanding lead as the teams prepare for Sunday’s singles showdowns. Fans will be watching closely to see if the on-paper advantage translates into a historic win away from home.
