Europe Takes Command with Record Lead in Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black

Europe surged to a commanding 11.5-4.5 lead over the United States entering the final day of the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, following a dominant 3-1 performance in Saturday’s four-ball matches. This lead represents the largest margin going into the singles matches since the current format began, surpassing the previous records of 11-5 held by the US in 2021 and Europe in 2004.

Despite intense heckling from the New York crowd, the European team maintained their composure and positioned themselves strongly to retain the Cup. They need just two wins and a draw from the 12 singles matches scheduled for Sunday. The Americans, meanwhile, must accumulate 14.5 points on the final day to reclaim the trophy.

Saturday’s session was marked by heightened tensions and notable moments. World number two Rory McIlroy, visibly frustrated by crowd distractions while putting, exchanged expletives at hecklers before teaming with Shane Lowry to secure a 2-up victory against the American duo Justin Thomas and Cam Young.

England’s Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood delivered a 3&2 win over top-ranked Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau, leaving Scheffler with a winless 0-4 start – a first for an American player at the Ryder Cup. Rose was involved in a brief confrontation with DeChambeau’s caddie Greg Bodine on the 15th green, though he later described it as a misunderstanding that was quickly resolved.

US Open champion J.J. Spaun birdied the final two holes alongside teammate Xander Schauffele to edge out Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka, marking Rahm’s first loss in Ryder Cup pairs competition since 2018.

Duly substituting for the injured Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton clinched a crucial 1-up victory with Matt Fitzpatrick over Americans Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay by birdying the final hole.

With Europe in a strong position heading into Sunday’s singles, the stage is set for a gripping conclusion to the prestigious tournament.