Few would have ever imagined that Bryson DeChambeau would end the opening day of the Ryder Cup with two defeats under his belt, with Team USA giving themselves plenty of work to do at Bethpage.
Bryson DeChambeau was given the task of leading Team USA out on Friday morning at the 2025 Ryder Cup, with Keegan Bradley pairing him with Justin Thomas in the foursomes.
The pair got off to a good start against Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton in the top match. However, they did not pull away while Rahm, in particular, was struggling to get going. And they were subsequently punished as they lost 4&3.
DeChambeau was sent out with Ben Griffin in match two of the afternoon.
Bryson DeChambeau suggests what needs to change after the first day of the Ryder Cup
Griffin had spoken of wanting to play alongside DeChambeau earlier in the season. And Griffin had lauded DeChambeau ahead of the opening day’s play.
Up against Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose, the Americans were either 1 up or level for the first 13 holes. However, some sublime putting from Fleetwood turned the match around.
And when Rose holed a birdie putt on the last, it meant that Europe secured a huge point on a fantastic first day for Luke Donald‘s men.
It was a huge surprise to see DeChambeau lose both matches. And he suggested that his game was not quite at the level it needed to be.
“Experience was great. 0-2 today, pretty disappointed. I played good golf, just not good enough, and they made everything. Luck is on their side right now,” he said.
The Crushers captain was then asked about what he will take from his display into the second day.
“Hit my irons better and roll in a couple more putts. I felt like I was clutch when I needed to be, but the putt on 16, putt on 14, there were so many putts that just didn’t go in for us that went in for them,” he added.
Ben Griffin issues his verdict after their defeat to Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose
Like DeChambeau, Griffin was not at his very best on Friday. He holed a long birdie putt on the seventh, but saw Rose follow him in shortly after.
He made as many birdies as DeChambeau and Rose. Nevertheless, he suggested that the American pairing were never quite able to find that extra gear.
“Yeah, it was a tough match. They both played very solid, Tommy and Justin. They kept it in play together a lot. I felt like I was out of position a little bit in the middle there. Gave myself a lot of looks coming down the stretch, and I just couldn’t get too much to fall,” he said.
“But yeah, it was a tight race. I thought we were building some momentum early. Just kind of leveled out there for a while and just never got hot on the back nine. It happens, and we’re going to have to step on the gas tomorrow.”
Team USA obviously cannot afford to have a similar day on Saturday. DeChambeau needs to fly out of the blocks.
Europe will know that they cannot expect him to be as rusty for a second day in a row.
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