DeChambeau and Thomas lead off for Team USA, Rahm and Hatton headline Team Europe. President Trump’s attendance ups the stakes for a fiery New York showdown.
The Ryder Cup has returned to American soil and brought all the spectacle New York could offer. Day one at Bethpage Black sees a partisan U.S. crowd, heightened security, and some of the most anticipated pairings in Ryder Cup history.
Keegan Bradley’s bold lineup moves, anchored by emotional leaders Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas facing Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, set the tone for the morning session, a clash of energy and experience that’s sure to ignite the grandstands. Only one rookie, 36-year-old Russell Henley, will tee off for the U.S. on Friday morning, partnering with world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler against Europe’s Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick.
Team Europe, captained by Luke Donald, counters with proven duos and analytics-driven pairings. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood headline for Europe, bringing an undefeated partnership to take on Collin Morikawa and Harris English, while Viktor Hovland and Bob MacIntyre round out the foursomes against Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, another decorated American duo.
All eyes will also be on President Donald Trump, whose arrival is expected to add an extra layer of hype, security, and symbolism to the tourney’s American atmosphere. With over 50,000 fans in attendance and enhanced measures in place, both teams are bracing for an afternoon that could swing momentum in a cauldron of noise rarely seen in professional golf.
For Europe, defending their crown on such hostile territory has been described by their own camp as “the ultimate challenge.” Team USA, meanwhile, faces pressure to reclaim the trophy after falling in Rome two years ago, and anything less than a home win will go down as a massive letdown in front of their fervent fans. From the raucous opening tee shots to the carefully selected pairings designed to balance power and precision, the 2025 Ryder Cup is set for a legendary weekend in New York.
