Europe’s Commanding Lead, History Beckons
Day two of the Ryder Cup 2025 at Bethpage Black belonged entirely to Europe. By the close of play, the scoreboard read Europe 11½ – USA 4½, a margin that has put the visitors on the cusp of history. This isn’t just a healthy lead; it’s the kind of gap that weighs on players’ minds, especially when the defending champions look sharp and unshaken.
European captain Luke Donald called it a “near-perfect day,” while U.S. skipper Keegan Bradley admitted that his team “needs something extraordinary on Sunday to flip the script.”
Key Matches and Turning Points, McIlroy, Fleetwood, Hatton
The morning foursomes set the tone. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood powered through with a 3&2 victory, their chemistry on display from the very first tee shot. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton followed with a similar 3&2 result, showcasing aggression and composure in equal measure.
In the afternoon fourballs, Europe again dominated. Fleetwood, now emerging as the tournament’s star, stayed unbeaten. His partnership with Justin Rose delivered a clinical 3&2 win that silenced even the loudest sections of the New York crowd.
The lone highlight for Team USA came from Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Young in the morning, and later from Xander Schauffele alongside J.J. Spaun, but those points felt more like consolation than a comeback.
USA’s Fading Hope, Scheffler’s Struggles
For the Americans, the story has been one of missed putts and lost momentum. Scottie Scheffler, the world number one, suffered another defeat and became the first top-ranked golfer to start a Ryder Cup with four straight losses. For a player often seen as unshakable, this slump is both surprising and concerning.
Keegan Bradley tried to defend his players after the session, praising Europe’s level of play. Yet, the scoreline leaves little room for optimism. To overturn a seven-point deficit in Sunday singles would require a record-breaking miracle.
Crowd Intensity and Reactions, Pressure at Bethpage
Bethpage Black is known for its passionate fans, and Day 2 brought plenty of noise — some of it crossing the line. European players, especially McIlroy, faced heckling throughout the day. At one point, Rory gestured back at a section of the crowd, clearly fed up with constant taunts.
Security presence had to be stepped up after incidents of verbal abuse near the greens. Despite the hostility, European golfers seemed to channel the energy rather than shrink under it. As one fan was overheard saying, “They look more fired up with every boo.”
What to Expect on Sunday, Singles Deciders
Sunday singles will decide it all, but Europe only needs three and a half points to reclaim the Cup on U.S. soil. Justin Rose is set to lead Europe out, while the marquee clash pits Rory McIlroy against Scottie Scheffler. On paper, the Americans have the talent to fight back, but with momentum so heavily tilted toward Europe, it feels more like damage limitation.
If Europe holds their nerve, Bethpage could witness one of the most one-sided Ryder Cups in recent memory. For fans, Sunday is less about whether Europe wins, but by how much.
Final Word
Day two of the Ryder Cup 2025 will be remembered as the moment Europe broke American resistance. From Fleetwood’s flawless run to McIlroy’s grit under pressure, the Europeans played like a team on a mission.
The U.S., meanwhile, has been left searching for answers. Unless Sunday produces a sporting miracle, the Ryder Cup looks set to cross the Atlantic once again, carried by a European side that has mastered both the course and the moment.