Europe Nears Ryder Cup Victory with Strong Start at Bethpage Black

Europe took an early lead in the final singles matches of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, positioning themselves to secure an impressive away victory. The United States, fielding their strongest players early Sunday, aimed to ignite a remarkable comeback on home soil.

Heading into the singles session, Europe required just 2½ points to clinch the Ryder Cup following an unusual half-point allocation earlier in the day. Norwegian player Viktor Hovland withdrew due to a neck injury, resulting in his scheduled match against Harris English being declared a tie.

U.S. captain Keegan Bradley commented on the situation near the first tee, stating, "It’s tough. It’s a strange rule but we got to go with what the rules say," acknowledging how the injury shifted momentum in Europe’s favor before any ball was struck.

With Europe leading 12-5, the United States faced the daunting task of an unprecedented comeback to prevent losing the Ryder Cup at home.

Cameron Young, a rookie, opened the singles action boldly with a birdie, but Justin Rose quickly responded with a birdie of his own two holes later, leveling their match. Meanwhile, Europe’s Tommy Fleetwood, the tournament’s top scorer with four points, secured an early advantage by birdying the second hole against Justin Thomas.

In another match, Matt Fitzpatrick went 1UP over American Bryson DeChambeau after an opening birdie. This contest was observed keenly as Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland faced world number one Scottie Scheffler of the United States, marking the first Ryder Cup singles meeting between the top two players in the Official World Golf Rankings.

McIlroy has been in strong form throughout the week, earning 3½ points for Europe, while Scheffler made history as the first American to lose a match in each of the first four Ryder Cup sessions.

Hovland’s withdrawal left his match off the scoreboard, effectively moving Europe closer to victory in this prestigious biennial team event.