Europe Leads Ryder Cup at Bethpage With Historic US Road Victory in Sight

Team Europe has made a dominant start in the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, taking a commanding 3-1 lead over the United States in the morning foursomes matches, a performance that historically correlates with eventual victory. Europe captain Luke Donald and key players like Rory McIlroy expressed confidence, noting the team thrived despite the hostile New York crowd, with McIlroy's pairing notably improving to a perfect 3-0 record. The early lead is significant, as teams leading after the first session have a strong winning record, and Europe's past success in away Ryder Cups bolsters optimism for a historic win on American soil. The U.S. team, including captain Keegan Bradley, acknowledged the tough start and missed opportunities, especially on the putting greens, while President Donald Trump was present but could not inspire a turnaround. Europe's resilience and strategic play, combined with mental preparation for the intense atmosphere, echo past European successes in the U.S., which have been rare but memorable, including wins in 1987, 1989, and 1995. The stage is set for Europe to potentially secure their first Ryder Cup victory on U.S. soil since 2012, with the team focused on maintaining momentum amid the pressure of hostile crowds and high expectations.