Farmingdale, USA - Sep 26 (AP): Fans gathered in the massive grandstands of Bethpage Black golf course hours before dawn on Friday morning, eagerly anticipating the start of a much-hyped Ryder Cup on U.S. soil. Their patience paid off when Bryson DeChambeau opened with a stunning 344-yard drive, landing just shy of the green on the first hole, setting the tone for the Americans as they secured the opening hole.
This edition of the Ryder Cup, held at the famously rowdy Bethpage Black on Long Island, promised excitement and fervor, amplified by heightened security protocols in anticipation of President Donald Trump's arrival later in the morning.
Keegan Bradley, the U.S. team captain, arrived 90 minutes before the event began and energized the crowd with his spirited rally cry, taking the microphone to declare, "Let's (expletive) go, boys!" Despite the traditional chanting and singing that usually marks the tournament's start, the atmosphere felt somewhat disjointed, with one side of the grandstands starting a cheer while the other had a different one. Tempers flared at times, especially when Rory McIlroy appeared on the video board warming up on the range.
The usual warnings of "Fore!" on golf courses were notably absent, replaced by more colorful language fitting of New York's public courses. While the Americans have claimed victory in the last two home events, Europe boasts a strong record, having won 10 of the last 14 Ryder Cups. The European team, victorious in Rome two years ago, returns nearly the same lineup, with newcomer Rasmus Hojgaard of Denmark joining his twin brother Nicolai, who competed last time.
Though DeChambeau hadn't participated in a Ryder Cup foursome since 2018 in France, Bradley wanted to start this tournament with a bang, and he certainly delivered. DeChambeau and Justin Thomas made their entrance, draped in American flags as they emerged from the tunnel, their every step broadcast on the video board.
Jon Rahm, with a perfect 4-0 record in the foursomes format, hit his drive into the right rough. In contrast, DeChambeau turned to the crowd, took two powerful practice swings, and launched the ball over the trees, just 45 yards from the back pin. Thomas's subsequent pitch was precise, landing 15 feet from the hole, allowing DeChambeau to hole the putt, securing a 1-up lead.
Scottie Scheffler, currently the world's top golfer, sought redemption after not winning a match in Rome. The formidable duo of Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, nicknamed "Fleetwood Mac," featured in the third match, while Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele anchored the American lineup.
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