The 2025 Ryder Cup is in full swing, with intense competition unfolding at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. As Saturday's foursomes matches progress, the momentum is shifting, and the stakes are higher than ever for both teams. The latest updates reveal a fierce battle with the European team trying to maintain their lead while the Americans strive for a comeback.
In a pivotal moment, the pairing of Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland pulled back within one of the American duo, Scottie Scheffler and Sam Henley. A critical error from MacIntyre, who overshot the green with his second shot, cost the Europeans a significant advantage in the anchor match. Hovland's subsequent chip shot did not fare much better, running off the front of the green. However, Scheffler's impressive birdie putt shifted the tide, bringing the Americans to just 1 down through 11 holes. This match is crucial for the U.S. if they hope to mount a successful comeback on Saturday.
On the par-3 8th hole, Hovland made a crucial birdie, putting Europe 2 up against Scheffler and Henley. The early pairings from U.S. captain Keegan Bradley have come under scrutiny, particularly the repeat of Morikawa and English, who have been struggling against Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood. Despite having opportunities, Scheffler has struggled with the greens at Bethpage, missing another putt and leaving the Americans searching for answers.
Just when it seemed like the U.S. was gaining momentum, Jon Rahm executed a remarkable chip-in from a difficult position on the par-3 8th, putting Europe 1 up in his match against Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele. Despite early struggles, the American duo managed to level the match after Cantlay sank a lengthy par putt to pressure Hatton, who was unable to respond. This match is crucial, with momentum swinging back and forth between both teams.
In a surprising decision, Keegan Bradley paired Morikawa and English again, a duo that previously struggled against McIlroy and Fleetwood. After a promising start, they quickly fell behind, trailing 3 down as Fleetwood continued his stellar performance by sinking another long putt. The European pair have not lost in foursomes yet, raising significant questions about the U.S. strategy moving forward.
Amid the chaos, Cameron Young has emerged as a standout player for the U.S. team. After winning the 7th hole with a solid par putt, Young followed up with an impressive tee shot on the 200-yard 8th, placing it within gimme range. As the only match where the Americans hold the lead, Young’s performance alongside Bryson DeChambeau is vital as they aim to secure points for the U.S.
For the first time in the competition, the Americans have managed to put red on the leaderboard, as Fitzpatrick and Åberg made a bogey. Young and DeChambeau capitalized on this opportunity, putting the Americans 1 up in their match. Schauffele and Cantlay also managed to pull closer to Rahm and Hatton, spurring hope for the U.S. team as they look to gain ground.
The U.S. squad faced a dismal start on Saturday morning, with Europe leading in three matches and tied in the lead match. Dominance from the European teams of Fleetwood-McIlroy and Rahm-Hatton has made it a tough day for the Americans, who are determined to turn the tide. Captain Bradley's decision to repeat three of the four pairings is now under scrutiny as the Americans work to find a way back into contention.
After the Americans showed signs of life with early leads, the European team quickly responded. Fleetwood's long birdie putt on the 2nd hole evened the match against Morikawa and English, while Fitzpatrick's close chip on the 3rd allowed him to maintain pressure on DeChambeau. In the third group, Hatton's effective wedge approach on the 1st hole gave Europe the early advantage.
Throughout the competition, Cameron Young has proven to be a key player for the U.S. team. After a strong performance in the four-ball format, he has continued to shine in the foursomes, chipping in from the collar on the 3rd hole to give the Americans a 1 up lead. His consistent play is crucial as the U.S. looks to rally for points in the ongoing matches.
In an unexpected turn, Morikawa and English finally took their first lead of the Ryder Cup after winning the first hole with a birdie. This is a significant turnaround for a duo that struggled on Friday, providing hope that they can pull off a surprising victory against a formidable European team.
Rory McIlroy has been a focal point of the event, engaging with the crowd amid the high-pressure atmosphere. After a mixed Friday performance, he faced chants from the New York crowd but remained focused on his game. His ability to handle the pressure will be crucial as the matches continue.
As the day unfolds at the 2025 Ryder Cup, both teams are showcasing their talent and resilience. With thrilling moments and unexpected turns, the matchups at Bethpage Black promise to deliver excitement as the competition intensifies.