Saturday Afternoon Fourball Action
When the sun rose over Bethpage Black on September 27, the atmosphere was already buzzing from the morning foursomes. Europe had taken three of four matches, pushing the scoreboard to 8.5‑3.5. The afternoon fourball session was poised to either cement that lead or give the U.S. a fighting chance.
Team Europe entered the session with a clear game plan: pair the most in‑form players together and let them dictate the pace. Rory McIlroy teamed up with Collin Lowry, hunting the American duo of Matt Thomas and Matt Young. The pairing was a mix of McIlroy’s raw power and Lowry’s steady ball‑striking – a combination that proved too much for the U.S. side, as the Europeans pulled a decisive 2‑1 win.
The middle match featured a showdown between the Baltic-born veteran, Jon Rahm, and the up‑and‑coming Czech, Martin Straka, against the American pair of Xander Spaun and Xander Schauffele. Rahm’s relentless driving distance paired with Straka’s sharp iron play gave Europe a comfortable edge. The U.S. managed to win a single hole, but the Europeans secured the match 2‑0.5.
In the third pairing, the young British talent, Tyrrell Fitzpatrick, joined forces with the seasoned Englishman, Lee Hatton, to face the American youngsters Billy Burns and the steady Pat Cantlay. While Cantlay’s experience kept the Americans in the contest, Fitzpatrick’s aggressive tee shots forced errors from Burns, allowing Europe to finish the match 2‑1.
Beyond the headline pairings, the afternoon session featured two more crucial victories. Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose, both seasoned veterans, produced a flawless 2‑0 result, showcasing flawless teamwork and clutch putting on the daunting Black course. Their win added a vital point to the already swelling European lead.
By the end of the day, the scoreboard read 11.5‑4.5 in Europe’s favour. Sixteen of the twenty‑eight total matches had been decided, and the continent‑wide crowd sensed the pressure mounting on the U.S. squad. The United States managed only a solitary point in the afternoon, a testament to the fierce competition but also a clear indication that the gap was widening.
What Lies Ahead for Sunday
With a three‑point cushion needed to clinch the cup, Europe only requires three more points out of the twelve singles matches set for Sunday, September 28. Captain Luke Donald addressed his team in a brief locker‑room talk, reminding them that “the job isn’t finished until every putt drops.” His words underscored the psychological edge Europe enjoys, while also warning against complacency.
All eleven members of the 2023 winning squad returned, providing continuity and confidence. The only new face, Denmark’s Rasmus Højgaard, secured his spot by winning the final automatic qualifying event, replacing his twin brother Nicolai. Højgaard’s inclusion adds youthful vigor and a fresh perspective, especially valuable in the high‑stakes singles format.
For the United States, the singular point earned by Xander Schauffele earlier in the competition serves as a flicker of hope. The American team will need to rally around their seasoned leaders—Patrick Cantlay, Billy Burns, and Xander Schauffele—to generate enough momentum to close the gap. A strong showing from the younger contingent, particularly from Thomas and Young, could be the catalyst needed for a dramatic comeback.
The singles lineup is slated to kick off at 12:02 p.m. ET, with live television coverage beginning at noon on NBC. Analysts predict that the early matches could set the tone, especially if Europe’s top pairings—McIlroy, Lowry, Rahm, and Straka—secure quick wins. Meanwhile, the U.S. will likely focus on leveraging their depth, hoping that a surprise upset from an underdog like Patrick Cantlay can swing momentum their way.
Beyond the immediate drama, this edition of the Ryder Cup 2025 carries broader implications for the sport. A European victory would mark a second consecutive win on American soil, reinforcing the continent’s growing dominance in world golf. Conversely, a U.S. comeback would revitalize the home‑team narrative and could reshape player selections for future editions.
As the sun sets on Bethpage Black, fans worldwide are already counting down the hours until the singles showdown. Whether Europe will seal the trophy or the United States will mount a historic rally remains the story to watch on Sunday.