When Jon Rahm, Spain flashed a jaw‑dropping chip‑in on Saturday’s foursomes at Bethpage Black Golf Course, Team Europe vaulted to an 11.5‑4.5 lead in the Ryder CupNew York. Partnered with Tyrrell Hatton, the Spaniard’s low‑trajectory lob curled left and vanished into the cup, sparking an immediate roar from the crowd. Meanwhile, captain Luke Donald watched his side seize momentum, positioning Europe just three points away from clinching the trophy.
The Chip‑In That Stunned Bethpage Black
The shot came on the 13th hole, a tricky par‑four with a steep, undulating green. Rahm was buried in a fringe lie, club grounded, no proper stance. He knelt, gripped the club like a broom, and launched a knee‑high ball that used the slightest slope to swing left and drop dead‑center. Commentators called it "insane" and "the kind of moment you replay for years". "I saw the hole, trusted my feel and just went for it," Rahm later told reporters, laughing at the sheer audacity of the attempt.
Hatton, who had been struggling with his own putts, immediately breathed a sigh of relief. "Jon just saved us," he said, "and gave the whole team a massive boost." Their 4&3 victory over Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas was the fourth consecutive win for Europe on Saturday, cementing a lead that looks almost unassailable.
How Europe Built a Dominant Lead
Day 1 started with a modest 3‑1 edge after a lone American point by Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay. By the end of Day 2, Europe had rattled off eleven points, thanks to a blend of veteran composure and strategic pairings. Ludvig Åberg teamed with Matt Fitzpatrick for a clean win, while Tommy Fleetwood and Sir Justin Rose each added crucial half‑points.
Statistically, Europe's foursomes conversion rate sat at 73% (11½ out of 16 possible points), compared with a meager 27% for the United States. The Europeans also out‑hit the Americans on the greens, averaging 7.8 putts per player versus 9.2 for the U.S. side—numbers that underline a superior short‑game execution.
U.S. Struggles and Strategic Missteps
World number one Scottie Scheffler endured a historic start: go‑win‑lose‑lose in his Friday matches, the first time a top‑ranked player had gone winless in two openings since Tiger Woods in 2002. The decision to slot him on even‑numbered holes—away from the traditional odd‑hole rhythm—raised eyebrows. "We wanted to mix things up, but perhaps we over‑engineered," captain Keegan Bradley admitted in a post‑round interview.
DeChambeau, though a fan favorite for his scientific approach, also went 0‑2‑0, struggling to find the rhythm with Thomas. The U.S. team’s reliance on raw power over finesse showed in the statistics: they averaged 315 yards off the tee, versus Europe’s 301, but missed 38% of greens in regulation, a stark contrast to Europe’s 24% miss rate.
Captain Luke Donald’s Masterclass
Donald’s captaincy has been described as "quietly brilliant". Rather than grand speeches, he shuffled pairings based on recent form and complementary styles. The decision to pair the hot‑handed Åberg with the steady Fitzpatrick paid dividends, while placing the seasoned Rahm with the aggressive Hatton created a perfect balance of experience and firepower.
"Luke knows how to keep the guys relaxed and focused," veteran Rasmus Højgaard said, noting that the rookie felt "the confidence of a seasoned pro" even on his first Ryder Cup appearance. Højgaard earned the final automatic spot by winning the European Tour’s Order of Merit in June, replacing his twin brother Nicolai from the 2023 roster.
What Lies Ahead on Sunday
With Europe needing only three of the twelve singles points, the pressure is almost on the U.S. to pull off a miracle. If the Americans win eight matches, they could force a tie and push the Cup to a sudden‑death playoff—something not seen since 1999.
Key matchups to watch include Scheffler versus Rahm (a classic rivalry) and DeChambeau versus Højgaard (a battle of the new guard). The European side will likely stick to its proven formula: solid ball‑striking, disciplined putting, and a calm demeanor.
President Donald Trump made a brief appearance on Friday afternoon when Air Force One flew low over the 18th green, a sight that elicited mixed reactions. While some American fans cheered the patriotic display, many Europeans noted it added little to the on‑course drama.
- Event: 2025 Ryder Cup
- Location: Bethpage Black Golf Course, New York
- Current Score: Europe 11.5 – USA 4.5
- Points needed for Europe to retain: 3 of 12 singles matches
- Key players: Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Luke Donald (captain), Rasmus Højgaard (rookie)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Europe’s lead affect the United States team's chances?
With an 11.5‑4.5 advantage, the Americans must win at least eight of twelve singles matches to force a tie. That means a 67% win rate across the final day—a steep climb, especially after a struggling start.
What makes Rahm’s chip‑in so remarkable?
The shot was taken from a tight fringe with no clear stance, requiring Rahm to use a low‑lofted club and the slope of the ground. The ball travelled just enough height to avoid the fringe, then spun left into the hole—a combination of finesse and instinct that’s rare even among the world’s best.
Why is Luke Donald’s captaincy being praised?
Donald’s line‑up decisions maximized chemistry, like pairing the hot‑handed Åberg with the steady Fitzpatrick. He also kept the group focused without grandstanding, allowing the players to play their natural games and delivering a 73% points conversion rate.
What are the scenarios for Europe to clinch the Ryder Cup on Sunday?
If Europe wins just three singles matches, they seal the Cup. A 4‑2 split in the first six matches would already do it, leaving the final six contests as a formality. Even a 3‑3 split would be enough if the U.S. fails to win any of the remaining points.
Who is the only rookie on Team Europe and how might he impact the final day?
The newcomer is Rasmus Højgaard, who earned the final spot by leading the European Tour Order of Merit. His recent form suggests he can hold his own in singles, and a win could reduce the pressure on the veterans.
