Ryder Cup Europe Lead US 5.5-2.5 at Bethpage
Europe Takes Commanding 5.5-2.5 Lead Over U.S. at Ryder Cup
New York – Team Europe grabbed early control of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black on Friday, surging to a 5.5-2.5 lead after winning both the foursomes and four-ball sessions against a star-studded United States squad.
Despite facing a vocal New York crowd, Europe showed remarkable composure. Captain Luke Donald praised his players’ resilience, highlighting their ability to deliver under pressure.
“A lot of mental resilience,” Donald said. “You look at some of the putts these guys holed when it mattered — it’s very gratifying as a captain. To be prepared for an away Ryder Cup, you need that composure, and I thought they handled it amazingly.”
American fans jeered Europe’s missed shots, but the visitors’ clutch play kept the home crowd subdued. Donald brushed off reports of an obscene gesture by Rory McIlroy caught on video, instead emphasizing his team’s strong start — winning the first three matches for the first time on U.S. soil.
“To create a bit of history with those wins was great,” Donald noted. “But history doesn’t mean anything unless we get 14.5 points on Sunday. That’s the only thing people will remember.”
World No. 2 McIlroy and Spain’s Jon Rahm were central to Europe’s success, both going unbeaten on the opening day. Donald praised Rahm’s leadership and consistency, calling him “an incredible leader on and off the course.” McIlroy, meanwhile, earned a win and a draw, narrowly missing a decisive birdie putt on the final hole of his second match.
“Rory has been clear about how much the Ryder Cup means to him, especially after the disappointment in Wisconsin,” Donald said. “He played fantastic golf today and showed just how much this event matters to him.”
England’s Tommy Fleetwood also impressed, going 2-0 just weeks after clinching his long-awaited first PGA Tour title at the Tour Championship.
“He’s a world-class player who has won around the world,” Donald said. “It took him some time to break through on the PGA Tour, but he’s reframed that in such a positive way.”
With Europe off to a dream start, Donald reminded his squad that the real test lies ahead: sealing the win on Sunday.
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