How the Four‑Ball Match Unfolded
When the first tee shot rang out on Friday, the atmosphere at Bethpage Black was electric. The American side, anchored by Bryson DeChambeau’s booming drives, grabbed an early lead with birdies on holes 1 and 5. Those quick gains put Team USA ahead 2‑0, and the crowd sensed a potentially dominant performance.
But the European duo of Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose didn’t look rattled. Fleetwood’s fairway accuracy and Rose’s seasoned experience began to chip away at the deficit. By the ninth hole, the Europeans had clawed back a half‑point, thanks to a slick birdie putt from Rose on the par‑4 that left the American pair staring at the fresh scoreboard.
The turning point arrived on the back‑nine. After missing a short birdie opportunity on the 12th, DeChambeau’s momentum stalled, while Rose responded with a long‑iron approach that settled just inside the 13‑foot circle. Rose’s calm two‑putt birdie gave Europe a 3‑2 lead, and the pressure visibly shifted.
From there, Fleetwood’s steady drives kept the ball in the sweet spots, and Rose’s short‑game wizardry produced a string of crucial pars. The final hole saw both teams locked in a tie, but Rose’s decisive birdie from a 15‑foot putt clinched the point for Europe, sealing a 4‑3 victory in a match that swung like a pendulum.
What the Victory Means for Europe’s Campaign
Luke Donald’s squad entered the 45th edition of the Ryder Cup as defending champions, fresh off a 16½‑11½ triumph at Marco Simone in 2023. Securing a point early in the competition not only boosts morale but also puts pressure on the U.S. captain, Keegan Bradley, to respond.
The comeback win showcases Europe’s depth. Fleetwood, still in his early thirties, demonstrated why he’s considered one of the continent’s most reliable match‑play players. Rose, a veteran with multiple Ryder Cup appearances, added another highlight reel moment with his clutch putting—a skill that often decides tightly contested matches.
For Team USA, the loss is a reminder that early birdies don’t guarantee a win in match play. DeChambeau’s powerful tee shots still make him a threat, but the round underscored the importance of maintaining composure when the tide turns. Ben Griffin, a relative newcomer to Ryder Cup pressure, will likely review his approach to the short game after seeing how a few missed chances cost the team.
Beyond the scoreboard, the match offered fans a glimpse of why the Ryder Cup remains one of golf’s most unpredictable spectacles. The dramatic swing from a 2‑0 American lead to a European triumph encapsulated the emotional roller‑coaster that spectators adore.
As the tournament continues through September 26‑28, both captains will be tweaking pairings based on today’s display. Europe’s ability to rally under pressure could be the defining factor as the competition moves into the singles sessions, where every point becomes a battlefield.