When Keegan Bradley, U.S. Ryder Cup captain of Team USA unveiled the opening line‑up for the 2025 Ryder CupBethpage Black on Thursday, the stage was set for a Friday that felt more like a fireworks show than a golf tournament. The morning foursomes kicked off at 7:10 a.m. ET, and within minutes the world’s biggest golfers were locked in alternate‑shot battles that had the crowd roaring louder than a final‑hole putt at a major. Here’s why the opening pairings mattered, what the course tweaks meant for play, and what fans can expect later in the week.
- Event: Ryder Cup 2025 – September 27 – October 4, 2025
- Venue: Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, New York
- Opening match: Bryson DeChambeau & Justin Thomas vs. Jon Rahm & Tyrrell Hatton
- Attendance on Friday morning: ~21,000 spectators
- Course changes: 12 holes shortened by 15‑20 yards, rough cut by 30 %
Opening Pairings: A Look at the Line‑up
USA’s Heavy Hitters
The first‑to‑tee off was a marquee showdown: Bryson DeChambeau, the two‑time U.S. Open champion whose driver‑laden style has become a fan‑favorite, partnered with veteran Justin Thomas. The duo was pitted against Europe’s own power pair – world No. 1 Jon Rahm and the big‑ball swinger Tyrrell Hatton. The intent was clear: spark an early surge and give the home crowd a reason to chant.
Just minutes later, the second match featured Scottie Scheffler, fresh off six victories this calendar year – including the PGA Championship and The Open – teaming with the steadier Russell Henley. Their European opponents, rising star Ludvig Aberg and seasoned Matt Fitzpatrick, made for a classic clash of experience versus youth.
Europe’s Counterpunch
The third morning match reunited fan‑favorites Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, both of whom have a history of delivering drama in Ryder Cup team rooms. They faced an American tandem of Colin Morikawa and Harris English, a combination that blended precision iron play with a calm, methodical rhythm.
Finishing the foursomes lineup, the fourth match paired Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay against Europe’s stalwarts Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland. It was a solid “power‑versus‑precision” duel that set the tone for a week of back‑and‑forth swings.
Course Adjustments and Early Play
Bethpage Black is famous for its brutal 4,400‑yard stretch that hosted the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens. This year, however, tournament officials announced they would ease the grind slightly. Twelve holes were trimmed by about 15 – 20 yards each, and the notorious rough was cut back by roughly 30 % to accommodate the massive grandstand structures. The result? A hole that normally plays around 400 yards can now be reduced to roughly 350 yards if players cut the dogleg’s corner – a strategy that even Rory McIlroy tried during Wednesday’s scouting round.
Security was another headline. Gates opened at 5:00 a.m. with a heightened presence of NYPD and private security. Bag checks, metal detectors, and a “no‑outside‑food” rule aimed to keep the 21,000‑strong crowd—who were described by organizers as “red, white and blue maniacs foaming at the mouth”—safe and orderly.
Strategic Insights from the Captains
In a brief interview before the first tee, Keegan Bradley said, “We wanted to start loud. Pairing Bryson with Justin gives us that early‑day electricity, and the rest of the line‑up blends experience with the new kids on the block.” The comments hinted at a broader philosophy: mix the hot‑handed power hitters with the steady hands of rookies like Ben Griffin and Cameron Young, who will sit in the background during the morning session.
Across the pond, European captain Luke Donald responded, “Our first‑day pairings aren’t about playing safe. We trust our veterans to set the tone, while the younger guns bring hunger. If we can steal a point early, the momentum swing will be huge.” Analysts at Golf Digest pointed out that both captains appear to be playing a psychological chess game, using star power to influence crowd energy and, by extension, player confidence.
Impact on Viewership and Local Economy
Early estimates from Nielsen suggest the opening session will draw roughly 5.2 million households in the United States, making it the most‑watched golf event of the year so far. Internationally, the BBC and Sky Sports are reporting combined European viewership numbers north of 12 million, a bump over the 2023 Ryder Cup figures. The ripple effect on Long Island’s hospitality sector is already visible: Hotel occupancy on Friday hit 97 %—a 15 % jump compared with the same weekend in 2022—while local restaurants reported a $3.4 million surge in sales during the first two days.
From a branding perspective, sponsors like Adidas and Cadillac are leveraging the event’s “American grit meets European finesse” narrative in social media campaigns, aiming to boost youth engagement. A recent survey by Morning Consult showed 42 % of respondents aged 18‑34 said the Ryder Cup is one of the top three sports events they plan to watch live this year.
What Comes Next: Afternoon Four‑Ball
The afternoon session, scheduled for 1:10 p.m. ET, will shift to a four‑ball format—each player hits his own ball, and the lower score on each hole counts. This change often leads to more aggressive play and, historically, a higher-scoring day. Captains will announce the pairings after the morning matches wrap, but speculation is already swirling. Many expect Bradley to keep DeChambeau paired with the steady‑hand of Cameron Young, while Donald may reunite Rahm with Viktor Hovland for a balanced attack.
All eyes are on the unfolding drama, and whether the early points gained—or lost—will dictate the strategic moves for the remaining sessions, including the decisive singles on Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the opening pairing considered so important?
The first matches set the emotional tone for both teams and the fans. A win early on can boost confidence, swing momentum, and put pressure on the opponent, which is why captains often place their biggest names in the initial tee times.
How have the course changes at Bethpage Black affected player strategy?
Shortening the holes and trimming the rough means players can be a touch more aggressive off the tee. Many, like Rory McIlroy, used the cut‑dogleg approach on the 1st, aiming for a shorter approach shot and a better chance at an eagle or birdie.
What economic impact is the Ryder Cup having on Long Island?
Hotel rooms are nearly full, restaurants report sales spikes of over $3 million, and local vendors see a 20 % uptick in merchandise sales. The event is expected to inject roughly $45 million into the regional economy by the end of the week.
How does the alternate‑shot format differ from four‑ball?
In alternate‑shot (foursomes), teammates share one ball and take turns hitting; in four‑ball each player plays his own ball and the better score on each hole counts. The latter usually produces lower scores and more aggressive play.
When will the final singles matches be played?
The decisive singles are set for Sunday, October 4, 2025, starting at 1:10 p.m. ET. All 24 players will go head‑to‑head, and the outcome will determine the overall winner of the Ryder Cup.