What we covered here
• Day 2 of the Ryder Cup: Team Europe will go to bed with a commanding seven-point lead, 11.5-4.5, after another dominating day by the away team. Our reporters witnessed a European team rack up the most points after Day 2 since 1979.
• Another brutal day for the Americans: Team USA only took one point in the first match as the Europeans grabbed the other three in the morning. Captain Keegan Bradley and gang could not shift the tide in the afternoon and it will now take the biggest comeback in this competition’s history for Team USA to win.
• Day 1 recap: It was a dream for the away squad from the first tee as the Europeans held a 3-1 lead after the morning matches. But it’s not that the Americans didn’t have chances to keep pace with the Europeans on Friday, they just kept missing putts in a performance to forget. Team Europe hasn’t lost a Ryder Cup that it’s led after the first day since 1999.
Team Europe within touching distance of victory after feisty Saturday
Team USA woke up on Saturday morning knowing it would need a much better performance after the Day 1 whimper to wrestle back control of this year’s Ryder Cup.
The Americans had fallen to a 5.5 – 2.5 deficit on Friday. Their stars had faltered, their boisterous support had begun to be silenced, and questions had started to be asked about captain Keegan Bradley.
They needed a big day. They did not get one.
Fast forward to Saturday after all the matches were complete, and it’s fair to say Team USA now needs a miracle. Some big shots from Bryson DeChambeau in the foursomes in the morning offered a glimmer of hope, but he and Cameron Young ended up as two of only four Americans to register a win today.
Elsewhere in the foursomes, Bradley opted to stick with Harris English and Collin Morikawa, who were comfortably beaten by Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood.
There were also wins for Europe’s Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, as well as Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler was on the losing side once again, and Team Europe’s lead stretched to 8.5–3.5.
For the fourballs, Bradley chose to switch things up by pairing his two biggest stars – Scheffler and DeChambeau.
That didn’t work either.
The Americans were comfortably beaten 3&2 by an inspired duo of Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood, both of whom ended up in some pretty feisty dialogue with DeChambeau towards the end of the match, after Rose had asked the American’s caddie to move out of his way.
“It was a shame that the match got to this point,” Rose said afterwards. “Maybe I didn’t say it as politely as I could have said it in the moment, but by no means was there any disrespect or anything like that. But obviously it was taken the wrong way. But yeah, I don’t think we should dwell on that.”
It wasn’t just the players who were trading words. American fans are not used to watching their team lose on home soil, and as the day went on the heckling directed towards the Europeans grew louder and louder.
It reached fever pitch when Rory McIlroy decided he’d had enough, paused and refused to play until the noise had died down. In true McIlroy fashion, he made his putt and went on to win the opening match of the afternoon.
Tyrrell Hatton and Matt Fitzpatrick joined their European teammates in putting some blue on the board, with only JJ Spaun and Xander Schauffele managing to grab a point for Team USA this afternoon.
The deficit now stands at a huge 11.5 – 4.5. The most optimistic Americans will point to the last day of the 1999 Ryder Cup as evidence that a win is still possible. But even that – a return from four points down to register the joint-largest final-day comeback in the competition’s history – would be nothing compared to what Bradley’s team now need.
In truth, this could all be over quickly on Sunday.
Hatton and Fitzpatrick complete miserable day for Team USA
From a bunker, Matt Fitzpatrick lands a majestic shot two feet from the hole. That is, two feet from the hole until Tyrrell Hatton’s approach knocks his teammate’s ball a couple of inches further away!
Rory McIlroy and other members of the European contingent couldn’t help but laugh at the incredible pair of shots.
Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay cannot find the same accuracy and, with Hatton claiming the birdie, it’s all on Burns to prevent another European victory.
He cannot, and Team Europe win it on the last hole. More misery for the Americans.
Hatton/Fitzpatrick defeats Burns/Cantlay 1 UP
Team USA puts a point on the board
Feel like I called this one.
The American duo of Xander Schauffele and JJ Spaun came back to defeat Team Europe’s Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka.
Spaun had a nice approach shot to sit the ball about two feet from the pin, setting up an easy birdie for the win, which he later secured.
Team USA captain Keegan Bradley, who hasn’t had much to cheer about these last few days, celebrated the victory.
The win gives the Americans a vital point, making the score 10.5-4.5 with one match still ongoing before Sunday’s singles session.
As for Rahm, it is his first loss of the tournament.
Schauffele/Spaun defeats Rahm/Straka 1 UP
Team USA showing a tiny bit of life?
Maybe this is just a denial post but Team USA has shown a little bit of life after the pairing of Xander Schauffele and JJ Spaun tied things up on the 17th hole.
The US Open champion Spaun holed a 3-foot putt in for birdie much to the delight of the American fans that still haven’t headed for the exits.
As it stands with one hole remaining, the Team USA duo could secure the team a 1/2 point, which might not mean much but is still better than nothing.
Lets see how the 18th hole plays out.
Schauffele/Spaun TIED vs. Rahm/Straka (17)
Feels like Ireland 2027 right now at 18
It’s a Euro dance party behind the 18th green after Shane Lowry and Rory McIlroy seal their win over Justin Thomas and Cameron Young. The scene resembles what it may look like the morning of Day 1 when Ireland hosts the next Ryder Cup in two years.
Both the European stars celebrated with the fans, screaming in joy as the emotion of an intense match poured out following the win.
It’s not all joy. The police break up a fight between two men (both wearing green, so it’s a little hard to tell who they’re supporting) and one of them is ushered out by police.
But the overwhelming mood is of celebration as the European fans sing for their conquering heroes. Unlike yesterday, only Team Europe is gathered behind the green at the moment. Team USA is likely still watching the two matches that have yet to finish up.
McIlroy and Lowry wrap up victory in opening match
The 17th hole sees Justin Thomas notch a birdie before asking for quiet from the crowd as Shane Lowry attempts to do the same.
It’s not exactly silent as the Irishman lines up his shot, but it doesn’t matter – Lowry sinks it all the same.
With half a point all the Americans would be able to manage, they fell off at the final hole, Sam Burns’ long putt rolling wide at the end to seal victory for Lowry and Rory McIlroy.
Cue a big hug between the pair, followed by an even bigger cheer from Lowry as they approached the fans.
Thomas and Cameron Young were not bad. But Lowry and McIlroy were really, really good.
McIlroy/Lowry defeats Thomas/Young 2 UP
Rose and Fleetwood downplay tense moments on 15th green and 16th tee
Playing exceptionally well in front of a hostile crowd and having world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and his partner Bryson DeChambeau on the ropes, the adrenaline was surely flowing for Justin Rose on the 15th green. He brusquely dismissed DeChambeau’s caddie as the caddie strayed close to the Englishman’s putting line.
The Americans took exception and it appeared that heated words were exchanged by all involved as the grouping made their way from the 15th green to the 16th tee after Rose drained yet another clutch putt.
After the Europeans closed out the match, Rose and his partner Tommy Fleetwood were quick to chalk up the testy moments to the heat of competition.
“It was a shame that the match got to that point because it was actually a really great match,” Rose said afterwards.
“I was waiting to putt, the boys were obviously working on their read … so I sort of waited a few seconds and then I felt like they came up again and I was sort of – I questioned whether – I was like, ‘it’s my putt, right,’ or however I said it.
“Maybe I didn’t say it as politely as I could have said it in the moment, but by no means was there any disrespect or anything like that, but obviously it was taken the wrong way.”
“I don’t think we should dwell on that, honestly,” Rose added. “I said to the boys, ‘If you want me to say, excuse me, please,’ then yeah, my bad, but it was an amazing match, honestly.”
Fleetwood echoed Rose’s take on the incident.
“You’re out there and, yeah, it happens. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal,” Fleetwood said.
“But for us, I think, I really enjoyed being part of that match, even though I didn’t contribute quite that much. Just watching Justin there today and being by his side was amazing.”
Rose said he doesn’t expect any lingering bad blood to spill over into Sunday’s singles matches.
“From my point of view, it was something that was sort of taken in a way that wasn’t intended in a way, but obviously it was a big putt, big moment,” Rose explained.
“We’re all competitors, right, so I think that’s all within the framework of what we’ve got to do out here.”
Fleetwood/Rose defeat DeChambeau/Scheffler
Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose have just taken down the two biggest stars on Team USA in convincing fashion.
Fleetwood and Rose defeat Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau 3&2, ending an intense match of heavyweights that looked like a must-win for the Americans.
DeChambeau and Fleetwood both missed the green long and chipped close to the hole for par putts, while Rose’s bump-and-run shot sailed past the hole for a longer par putt.
It was the world No. 1 who had the chance to win the hole for the USA with a birdie putt. Scheffler’s putter had been mostly cold this weekend, but he’s hit a few big putts today. He stands over it, takes the club back and hits it — but not enough. It ends up short.
Fleetwood missed his par putt but Rose did not, burying the putt and making the score 9.5-3.5 in favor of the Europeans.
Fleetwood/Rose defeat DeChambeau/Scheffler 3&2
Huge putt from Sam Burns ties fourth match
That’s just excellent from Sam Burns. The Louisiana native tees off and sees his shot drop 20 feet away from the hole, just off the green.
No matter – Burns finds the cup regardless.
Tyrrell Hatton is tasked with matching him, and cannot. Team USA finally has a modicum of respite as they wipe one quarter of the blue from the board.
Burns/Cantlay TIED vs. Hatton/Fitzpatrick (14)
The away fans are having some fun in song
European fans are basking in the glory of an extraordinary performance here.
It was hard to hear them at the start of the competition on Friday morning, but now they are in full voice, with the American fans so quiet that they’re taunting them by chanting, “Is this a library?”
They’re singing, “We’ll break the record,” and “Can we play you every year?”
“Ole, ole ole ole” is drifting across the 17th fairway.
Blimey, I never thought I’d say this at the notorious Bethpage Black, but this feels like a home game for Europe now.
It is getting testy out here
Some major shots are being made in this match between Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler, Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood. And the animosity between the players is boiling up too.
Rose and DeChambeau both hit bonkers approach shots, going beyond the hole and spinning the ball back to within about 12 feet or so. Their playing partners both missed the green.
The European fans behind the green are making all the noise as Fleetwood and Rose close in on an epic win. Fleetwood’s shot out of the greenside bunker rolled past the hole. Scheffler’s chip ended up well short of the hole.
It came down to the two birdie putts from Rose and DeChambeau. A bit of drama as Rose lines up his putt and DeChambeau’s caddie wanders into his field of vision. The Englishman waves him out of the way, getting an “ooooooh” from the fans around the green.
And the wait was worth it.
Rose buries the birdie putt and shrugs to the court like Michael Jordan in the NBA Finals.
Suddenly, DeChambeau must make this birdie putt to keep the match going. And he buries it!
The Europeans are guaranteed at least half a point and things are getting feisty.
DeChambeau and Fleetwood are in an animated conversation as they head to the next tee and this genteel match just saw its intensity level just fly off the charts.
There’s still some intense discussion happening on the next tee, as DeChambeau did not like how Rose treated his caddie on the 15th green. DeChambeau has no interest in making amends as this match rolls on.
Fleetwood/Rose leads DeChambeau/Scheffler 3 UP (15)
Hold up. We found a Team Europe fan rooting for the Americans
Never in a million years did I think I’d see European fans rooting for the American team in the Ryder Cup, but it’s so one-sided that some of them now are.
Alex Peterson from Norway says that everything so far is going to plan for the European team, but he could never have imagined such a big lead.
“Go easy on them, Tommy!” he shouts towards Fleetwood on the 15th tee.
“We want to come back tomorrow!
“Maybe it’s a bit much,” he told me, “We’re silently hoping they pull some back, so there will be some energy on Sunday.”
Does he feel sorry for the American team?
“Not really, they’ve been kings of the world for 100 years. They can handle this.”
Shane Lowry matches Justin Thomas' impressive putt
That 15th hole just summed up this opening match perfectly.
Justin Thomas finds the cup from the fringe with an excellent putt. It’s a really impressive shot, but once again Team Europe has an answer.
This time it comes from Shane Lowry, whose second shot drops onto the green and rolls down the hill, ending up eight feet from the hole. Lowry converts, and it’s his turn to let out an expletive-laden celebratory scream.
Thomas and Cameron Young have not been bad today – far from it. But they are running out of holes to overcome their Irish opponents.
McIlroy/Lowry leads Thomas/Young 1 UP (15)
The sun, as well as belief, are fading
The sun is starting to go down at Bethpage Black and it seems hopes of an American comeback are going with it.
The leaderboard is all blue at the moment and the team of Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood is now three holes up with four to play over Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau.
The mood has changed dramatically from where it was 30 or so minutes ago when it appeared the Americans were primed for a comeback in this match.
But now, on the par-3 14th hole, Rose poured in yet another birdie and DeChambeau shockingly missed a three-footer to cost the US the hole.
It is unbelievable how well this duo, and the Europeans as a whole, are playing.
They are simply devouring a course that is supposed to be one of the most difficult in the world. Rose and Fleetwood, in particular, are playing like golfing demons, hardly missing anything as they try to put this away.
Fleetwood/Rose leads DeChambeau/Scheffler 3 UP (14)
Rory McIlroy makes it blue across the board
A fantastic drive from Justin Thomas is matched by one from Rory McIlroy, and both have a good chance at a birdie.
McIlroy takes full advantage, then remains calm for a second before letting out a huge cheer and a fist pump. After the heckling had seemingly started to unsettle him, that is a massive moment for the veteran.
Thomas cannot match him this time, his effort lipping the cup and spinning away.
Four matches. Four European leads.
McIlroy/Lowry leads Thomas/Young 1 UP (14)
Fleetwood showing his mettle
Every time the Americans do something, the Europeans have an amazing answer.
A truly magnificent shot by Scottie Scheffler ensured a birdie for Team USA at the 13th. His approach from the fairway landed just feet from the hole and spun back to tap in distance. The world No. 1 looks sometimes like he’s about to hit overdrive after appearing lost in the first few sessions.
But Tommy Fleetwood cannot be stopped.
A lengthy birdie putt rolls in from 30 feet, dropping gently into the hole and unleashing a massive fist pump as he saves the hole for the Europeans.
An incredible stat: There have only been three holes in this afternoon session that Fleetwood and Rose did not birdie. The Europeans are truly playing out of their mind. The Americans in this match have seven birdies and an eagle. Normally, you’d think that’s more than enough.
Fleetwood/Rose leads DeChambeau/Scheffler 2 UP (13)
Hovland remains hopeful for Sunday's singles after neck injury
Hours after Viktor Hovland was replaced by Tyrrell Hatton in Saturday’s afternoon fourball due to a neck injury, the 28-year-old Norwegian remains hopeful he will be able to play tomorrow.
“I took some painkillers on the seventh hole and then got some treatment from Matt Roberts, the physio, on the tenth tee box. It stayed the same for the remainder of the match after that. But I came in and rested up and got some more treatment and when I went back out onto the range, I tried hitting some shots trying to build up to the driver. I hit three or four hard ones and it just got worse,” Hovland said.
“I didn’t want to risk it for the match in case it got worse and I couldn’t continue, especially in fourballs when you are hitting every shot.”
Hovland pulled out of the Travelers Championship in June because of the injury.
“I’m going to get some treatment this afternoon and tonight and hopefully I will be ok for the singles tomorrow,” he added.
Singles are scheduled to begin just after noon on Sunday at Bethpage Black.
Where are you going?
I’ve just walked down the side of the 18th fairway, cutting along the service road that dissects the course to get to the 15th tee.
Thousands of long-faced American fans were heading past me in the opposite direction, in droves, off the property. They are done for the day.
These afternoon matches are all still very competitive, but it seems as though they’ve seen enough … or perhaps they’re just trying to get ahead of the Bethpage traffic jams, which have been brutal this week.
Cameron Young nearly establishes American lead in first match
Rory McIlroy can’t convert from 18 feet. The cheers go up, his head goes down.
It’s a chance for Team USA to take the lead for the first time in this opening match of the afternoon session. Up steps Cameron Young, whose putt looks to have a good line but stops short of the cup.
Shane Lowry misses a straightforward birdie putt, but McIlroy taps in from close range to ensure we’re still tied heading to the 14th hole.
McIlroy/Lowry TIED vs. Thomas/Young (13)
McIlroy versus this crowd feels like a separate competition
It’s possible that all the heckling and noise is starting to wear on Rory McIlroy.
I’ve caught up to his group on the 13th green and he just missed a birdie putt. He clearly looked frustrated and appeared to be looking off into the distance searching for an answer.
But maybe he’s also looking for a break from the New York fans. This match has been feisty and the subject of a lot of extraneous yelling while players are trying to concentrate. Team USA’s Justin Thomas has been acting like a crowd marshal, raising his hands to try to keep them quiet as the Europeans hit their shots.
There have been a few flashpoints between McIlroy and the fans over the last two days. When he lined up his par putt to halve the hole, the Northern Irishman didn’t gesture to the crowd or remonstrate as he had earlier in the day.
