United States in Trouble: Europe Dominates at the Ryder Cup
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. – The 45th edition of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black promised strong emotions, but the opening day left the Americans in a complicated situation. The United States team found itself on the verge of a 4-0 adverse score against Europe after the first foursomes (alternate shots) session, repeating a worrying pattern. Despite the difficulties, the pair formed by Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay achieved a crucial 2-up victory, winning the last two holes in the final match against Robert MacIntyre (Scotland) and Viktor Hovland (Norway). This result avoided a complete sweep and added a vital point for the home team.The situation quickly became complicated for the Americans, who lost the first three matches of the session. According to historical data, this was the first time in Ryder Cup history that Europe won three foursomes matches with a lead of three or more holes in a single session, and the first time Europe took the first three matches on American soil. This defeat recalls the 2023 Ryder Cup at Marco Simone Golf & Country Club, where Europe dominated with a 4-0 score in Friday morning’s foursomes, heading towards a 16½-11½ victory, their tenth in the last 14 encounters. The European team demonstrated its superiority, leaving the Americans with a tough task ahead in the four four-ball (best ball) matches of the afternoon. Historically, teams that win at least three points in the first session have a 7-1 record in the Ryder Cup since 1991, which further complicates the comeback chances for the United States. Cantlay and Schauffele were the only bright spots for the Americans. After leading by 3 holes after 11, the Europeans won three of the next four to tie the match. Hovland made birdie putts of 6½ feet on holes 12 and 13, and then holed a 6-foot putt to save par on the 15th hole after Cantlay missed. In the 17th hole, MacIntyre sent his tee shot into a bunker, and the Europeans failed to get out and save par. Schauffele’s tee shot found the right side of the green, and two putts from 20½ feet gave them a 1-up lead. The captain of the American team, Keegan Bradley, sent Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas, hoping they would boost the home team. DeChambeau almost reached the green with a 344-yard tee shot, setting up an easy birdie and a quick lead. However, DeChambeau and Thomas couldn’t handle the European pair of Jon Rahm (Spain) and Tyrrell Hatton (England), who made five birdies after the sixth hole to secure a 4 and 3 victory. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood had no trouble defeating Harris English and Collin Morikawa with a 5 and 4 victory for Europe’s second point. Rahm and Fleetwood improved to 5-0 in foursomes at the Ryder Cup, which ties the third-longest streak to start a European player’s career.“If we’re only going to get one point, it’s better if it’s the anchor match to generate momentum,” commented Schauffele, highlighting the need to score points in the afternoon session.
Xander Schauffele
The surprise for the Americans was the performance of Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley, who did not offer much resistance against Ludvig Åberg (Sweden) and Matt Fitzpatrick (England), who secured a 5 and 3 victory. “I felt like Russ and I did some good things,” Scheffler said. “We just didn’t make enough putts early on. We had some opportunities. I think the putts just didn’t fall. But overall, the guys we played with, they played a really good round, and [we’ll] be back out there this afternoon and see what we can do.” Scheffler has lost his last three foursomes matches in the Ryder Cup, and he and his partner have been behind by at least four holes in each of them. Scheffler is not the only elite golfer struggling in alternate shot matches. The world’s number ones now have a record of 10-11-1 in foursomes.“Foursomes is a very difficult format,” said Fleetwood. “It’s Friday morning at the Ryder Cup. I think we talk a lot about fast starts. I think Luke [Donald] has always instilled that in us since he’s been captain, and that’s what you want to do. That’s the ideal. So far, so good.”
Tommy Fleetwood
