Ryder Cup Opens at Bethpage; Thomas Leads Off

The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black opens Friday on a penal layout whose tight fairways and raised greens make short‑game recovery decisive. Captain Keegan Bradley announced the opening No. 1 foursomes pairing: Justin Thomas and Bryson DeChambeau vs. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton; Thomas also drew attention for inviting a young fan onto the course during practice. Thomas has been taking chipping lessons from Jim Furyk to shore up his short game. Europe captain Luke Donald used the opening ceremony to criticize pay‑for‑play, warn that pricey tickets and reported player stipends could turn New York fans against underperforming Americans, and emphasized European unity while assembling a veteran backroom staff. The week’s charged, rowdy atmosphere — underscored by a U.S. win in the All‑Star Celebrity Matches and the expected attendance of former President Donald Trump on Friday — means small shots and the gallery’s mood could be decisive.