Bethpage Black became Bethpage blue. Europe had waited 21 years to lead at the end of a Ryder Cup’s opening day on American soil. In 2004, they romped to victory at Oakland Hills. There should be no sense of a similar procession for Luke Donald and his 2025 contingent. Nonetheless, the strength of Europe’s early performance in New York felt hugely significant. It is Keegan Bradley, the US captain, who does not have his troubles to seek. Europe won two sessions out of two, including five of the first six matches.
“We have only played 28% of the points,” said a bullish Bradley. “This is first quarter. We’ve still got three quarters to go. I’ve got a lot of faith in my boys.” As shadows lengthened, the final joust of the day became the most captivating. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry faced Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns in a fourball contest that ebbed and flowed quite wonderfully. Europe had taken the foursome element by 3-1, with two more points subsequently secured. Bradley was cheered only by Cameron Young and Justin Thomas dismissing Ludvig Åberg and Rasmus Højgaard. Could Cantlay and Burns spare some blushes?
