Europe’s Ryder Cup Surge Puts U.S. Team on Brink of Defeat

Published: September-28-2025, 07:30 EDT

Team Europe closed Saturday at Bethpage Black with a commanding lead in the Ryder Cup, setting a record margin under the modern format and leaving the United States facing near-impossible odds. The Europeans, led by captain Luke Donald, excelled in both foursomes and fourballs despite a hostile crowd, positioning themselves to reclaim golf’s most prestigious team trophy.

Europe Surges With Historic Performance

By the end of play on Saturday, Europe held an 11½–4½ advantage, the largest lead entering Sunday singles since the current format was adopted in 1979. To secure victory, Europe needs only three points from the 12 singles matches.

“I didn’t imagine this,” said European captain Luke Donald. “Every time the Americans came at us, we came back. The resiliency and confidence they have is really, truly incredible.”

The Americans, captained by Keegan Bradley, struggled to generate momentum. Bradley acknowledged the strength of his opponents, saying, “I’m seeing what looks like historical putting. They’re making everything. They’re a tough team to beat.”

McIlroy Leads the Way Amid Hostile Atmosphere

The New York crowd, known for its intensity, gave Europe little respite. Rory McIlroy bore much of the verbal abuse, even telling one heckler to “shut up” before sinking a decisive birdie putt. Despite the taunts, McIlroy thrived, winning all four of his matches so far and positioning himself to become the first European to go 5–0 on American soil.

The atmosphere became heated enough that the PGA of America and New York State Police added security measures, ejecting two fans and posting messages reminding spectators about etiquette and responsible alcohol use. Boos rang out as those reminders appeared on large screens.

U.S. Team Falters in Key Moments

The Americans found themselves trailing for much of the afternoon. In the fourballs session, they led in only three of the 70 holes played. Scottie Scheffler, ranked world No. 1, endured a particularly difficult week, becoming the first player under the modern format to post an 0–4 record.

One telling moment came on the 10th hole of fourballs. Tommy Fleetwood struck a wedge to within two feet, only for Scheffler to see his approach shot hit the pin and ricochet into the rough. The contrast summed up the Americans’ frustrations and Europe’s consistency.

U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun and teammate Xander Schauffele delivered one of only two American points of the day with late birdies at the 17th and 18th holes. The other U.S. point came from Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Young in the morning foursomes.

Crowd Dynamics Add to Drama

While the home fans cheered the Americans, they frequently jeered Europe, booing shots and shouting between swings. McIlroy addressed the situation afterward, saying: “In between shots, say whatever you want to me. That’s fine. Just give us the respect to hit our shots, the same chance the Americans have.”

Despite the crowd noise, Europe seemed to thrive under pressure. The chants of “Ole, Ole, Ole” echoed late into the day as European victories piled up, with American supporters left subdued.

Key Matches Highlight Europe’s Edge

The final match of the day symbolized Europe’s dominance. Patrick Cantlay and Sam Burns had a chance to narrow the gap, but Europe’s Matt Fitzpatrick and Tyrrell Hatton delivered clutch shots from a bunker and fairway wedge to secure another point.

Meanwhile, tensions briefly flared in the match between Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose against Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau. Rose confronted DeChambeau’s caddie for standing too close during a crucial putt. “I made my feelings known—maybe not as politely as I could have—but it’s intense out there,” Rose explained. Both players holed long putts, and tempers cooled with handshakes afterward.

Statistical and Historical Context

Europe’s 11½–4½ lead surpasses the previous record of 11–5 after four sessions. No team in Ryder Cup history has overcome more than a four-point deficit on the final day. The Americans would need to produce the greatest comeback in the event’s history to retain the trophy.

Bradley, searching for hope, pointed to an example outside of golf: the New England Patriots’ improbable comeback against the Atlanta Falcons in the 2017 Super Bowl. “Twenty-eight to three. I was there. What a cool thing to witness,” he said.

Yet golf history offers fewer opportunities for such dramatic reversals. With Europe needing just three points, Sunday singles will likely determine only the margin of victory.

Europe’s Confidence and Closing Push

As the competition heads into its final day, Europe’s confidence is evident. Veteran players like McIlroy, Rose, and Fleetwood, combined with steady performances from younger talents, have created a formidable balance.

If McIlroy secures a fifth win, he would not only achieve personal history but also symbolize Europe’s dominance in this edition of the Ryder Cup. For the U.S. team, the challenge is steep: regroup, inspire belief, and attempt to turn the tide against a near-unstoppable opponent.