The day opened with a series of foursomes that saw Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton set the pace, defeating Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas 4&3. The European team showcased their shotmaking and composure, with notable performances from rookies Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick, who overwhelmed Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley 5&3. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, a proven pairing, dominated Collin Morikawa and Harris English 5&4. The only bright spot for Team USA in the morning came from Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, who edged out Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland 2-up, ensuring the hosts avoided a whitewash in the opening session.
As play shifted to fourballs in the afternoon, the momentum continued to favor Europe. Rahm and Sepp Straka put on a clinical display against Scheffler and JJ Spaun, winning 3&2. Justin Rose and Fleetwood, in a tense finish, edged Griffin and DeChambeau 1-up after Rose drained a decisive birdie on the last green. Meanwhile, Cameron Young and Thomas gave the US crowd something to cheer about, thrashing Åberg and Højgaard 6&5—a performance highlighting Young’s Ryder Cup debut brilliance.
The final fourball match of the day, featuring Sam Burns and Cantlay against McIlroy and Shane Lowry, epitomized Ryder Cup tension. Burns buried a key birdie putt on 17 to send the match to the 18th all square. On the final hole, both teams found the fairway, but neither could clinch the win, resulting in a halved match—an outcome that felt fitting given the high-quality golf and pressure-packed moments.
Statistically, Europe’s dominance was clear: they won five of the eight matches outright and halved another, with only one convincing loss. Jon Rahm’s putting was clinical, while Fitzpatrick and Åberg capitalized on American errors, especially from a cold-putting Scheffler. The Americans, despite their home advantage and world-class roster, struggled to generate sustained momentum, with only Young and Thomas producing a lopsided win.
Historically, Friday’s results put Europe in a strong position. Since 2014, every team leading after the first day has won the Ryder Cup, underscoring the importance of early momentum in this biennial contest. With the score at 5.5–2.5, Luke Donald’s European squad has the statistical edge, but as past Ryder Cups have proven, swings can happen quickly, especially in the cauldron of American crowds at Bethpage.
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With Saturday’s sessions looming, all eyes will be on whether Team USA can rally and reverse recent Ryder Cup history, or if Europe can maintain their statistical and psychological edge en route to a rare away triumph.