Bryson DeChambeau Sparks Ryder Cup Energy, Europe Silences U.S. Momentum/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Bryson DeChambeau electrified Ryder Cup fans at Bethpage Black with a 344-yard opening drive and early U.S. lead, but Europe quickly seized control of the morning session. Despite the loud New York crowd and heightened security for President Donald Trump’s arrival, Europe led three of four matches at the turn. With stars like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Tommy Fleetwood steadying Europe, the Americans’ fiery start faded fast.
Ryder Cup Highlights at Bethpage Black
- DeChambeau’s Blast: 344-yard drive set up a birdie for an early 1-up U.S. lead.
- Captain’s Call: Keegan Bradley pumped up fans with a fiery pre-match speech.
- Crowd Factor: Rowdy atmosphere turned tense, with scattered chants and jeers at Rory McIlroy.
- Europe’s Strength: Led three of four matches at the turn, with Rahm and McIlroy anchoring strong pairings.
- Security Spotlight: Extra checks delayed fans due to President Trump’s scheduled late-morning arrival.
- History in Play: U.S. has won last two at home, but Europe dominates overall (10 wins in last 14).
Full Story: Ryder Cup Drama at Bethpage Black
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — The Ryder Cup returned to U.S. soil Friday with roaring anticipation, a rowdy New York crowd, and a spectacular start from Bryson DeChambeau. But as the morning unfolded, Europe reasserted its dominance, cooling the American energy at Bethpage Black.
DeChambeau Lights Up the Opener
Fans poured into the grandstands before dawn, creating a cauldron of noise two hours before the first tee shot. They were rewarded when DeChambeau launched a 344-yard drive just shy of the green on the opening hole.
Teaming with Justin Thomas, DeChambeau converted a 15-foot birdie putt to grab a 1-up lead over Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. The crowd erupted, waving flags as chants echoed across the course.
Captain Keegan Bradley, eager to set the tone, had arrived early, taking a microphone to hype the crowd with a blunt rallying cry: “Let’s (expletive) go, boys!”
A Rowdy but Uneven Atmosphere
Despite the noise, the Bethpage galleries weren’t always unified. Different sections launched competing chants, and some turned ugly, particularly when Rory McIlroy appeared on screen. At Bethpage, the most common four-letter word in golf isn’t “fore.”
The atmosphere carried extra weight with President Donald Trump’s scheduled arrival, prompting enhanced security and long entry delays for fans.
Europe Pushes Back
The opening spark quickly dimmed. By the turn, Europe was ahead in three of four matches, a reminder of their remarkable consistency in team golf.
- Jon Rahm, undefeated in foursomes (4-0), steadied Europe after DeChambeau’s opening fireworks.
- Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, reunited as the “Fleetwood Mac” pairing, controlled their match against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele.
- Scottie Scheffler, still searching for his first Ryder Cup victory after a winless Rome performance, faced immense pressure early.
Europe’s lineup, unchanged from their 2023 triumph in Rome except for newcomer Rasmus Hojgaard, showed why they’ve captured 10 of the last 14 Ryder Cups.
Ryder Cup History and Stakes
The U.S. entered the week confident, having won the last two Ryder Cups on home soil. Yet Europe’s dominance over the past three decades loomed large.
DeChambeau, who hadn’t played foursomes since 2018 (where he lost both matches), was Bradley’s gamble to set the tone. His opening drive delivered exactly that — but Europe’s seasoned veterans quickly muted the celebration.
What’s Next
As Friday unfolds, the question is whether the U.S. can regain its footing or if Europe will build an early cushion. With Rahm, McIlroy, and Fleetwood steadying their team and the New York crowd restless, the Americans face an uphill battle despite their explosive start.
Bethpage Black is proving once again that at the Ryder Cup, no early fireworks guarantee long-term momentum.
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