The Ryder Cup always brings tension and excitement. Day one at Bethpage Black proved why this event feels bigger than golf.
Fans saw sparks of brilliance and moments of collapse.
This blog breaks down Day 1 in simple terms. You’ll see who stepped up, who struggled, and why it matters.
By the end, you’ll know the key players to watch on Day 2.
Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Day 1 overview and standings
- Winners who set the tone
- Losers who let momentum slip
- What the results mean for both sides
- What to expect in the coming matches
Day 1 Overview: Europe Takes the Edge
The first day ended with Europe leading 5½ to 2½. That’s a solid start, but not a knockout. The U.S. had chances but failed to convert in several matches. Europe’s calm and steady play made the difference.
Winners of the Day
Jon Rahm
Rahm was the heartbeat of Team Europe. He dropped clutch putts and dominated from start to finish. Losing only two holes across both matches showed his control.
Rory McIlroy
Rory looked sharp from the first tee shot. With Tommy Fleetwood, he cruised in the morning. In the afternoon, he battled hard for a half point with Shane Lowry.
Patrick Cantlay
Cantlay delivered when it mattered. Three birdies late in his morning match turned the tide. In the afternoon, he stayed steady and showed fight.
Matt Fitzpatrick
With Ludvig Åberg, Fitzpatrick was unstoppable. Their 5 & 3 win was one of the cleanest of the day. It proved Europe’s depth can’t be ignored.
Cameron Young
Young sparked the U.S. with early birdies. His energy gave his partner confidence. He showed flashes of the form America badly needs.
Losers of the Day
Scottie Scheffler
The world No. 1 lost both matches. That’s a rare and painful stat for a top-ranked player. He never found rhythm and Europe made him pay.
Bryson DeChambeau
His length wasn’t enough. Missed shots at key holes, especially 18, hurt his team. He couldn’t turn power into points.
Collin Morikawa & Harris English
Their loss was lopsided. They never found chemistry. That performance might keep them on the bench.
Keegan Bradley
Bradley fought early but lost control as pressure rose. Once Europe pushed back, he couldn’t recover. It was a tough debut to the Cup.
Why It Matters
Europe’s lead isn’t just about points. It sets the tone for the whole weekend. Confidence grows with every win. For the U.S., the opposite is true.
When stars like Scheffler and DeChambeau struggle, the team feels it. History shows Day 1 momentum often decides the Cup.
That’s why tomorrow is so important.
What to Watch Next
- Can the U.S. find the right pairings?
- Will Scheffler bounce back as world No. 1?
- Can Europe keep the pressure steady?
- Which side handles the nerves better on Day 2?
The answers to those questions may decide the Ryder Cup.
Final Thoughts
Day 1 gave us heroes and disappointments. Rahm, McIlroy, Cantlay, and Fitzpatrick shone for Europe. Scheffler and DeChambeau faltered for the U.S. The lead is clear, but the story isn’t finished.
Tomorrow is a new chance. Momentum can swing fast in the Ryder Cup. Who steps up next will decide if the U.S. can fight back—or if Europe runs away with it.
