Justin Thomas and Cameron Young were the early heroes for the USA in the Ryder Cup day one fourballs, where they clinched the first point for the hosts.
The USA suffered a disappointing 3-1 loss in the Friday foursomes in Bethpage, with Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay claiming their only point.
But Thomas and Young closed the gap to 3-2 in the afternoon, having thrashed Ludvig Aberg and Rasmus Hojgaard 6&5, although that was quickly changed to 4-2 by Europe.
Aberg beat Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley alongside Matt Fitzpatrick earlier in the day, while Thomas lost to Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton while playing with Bryson DeChambeau.
Hojgaard and Young meanwhile were making their Ryder Cup debuts against each other, and it was the American who emerged victorious in that particular battle.
Justin Thomas reacts to Cameron Young’s display on day one of the Ryder Cup
Young is one of four rookies in Keegan Bradley’s US Ryder Cup team, but the New Yorker wasn’t fazed in front of his home crowd during his winning debut.
Sharing his reaction to his partner’s display after being labelled the veteran of the pairing, Thomas said: “I mean, I really just kind of sat back and watched the show.
READ MORE: Justin Thomas says if he feels Scottie Scheffler has an ‘aura’ when he plays golf with him
“I tried to help when I could, but I’m just so happy for Cam and I’m proud of him. Playing in your first Ryder Cup is really hard, but playing in front of your home fans I would imagine is even harder.
“But he definitely played like the veteran today. It’s been fun watching his game progress, and I’m glad I got to sit alongside the show today.”
Cameron Young reacts after winning start to his Ryder Cup career
Young would have been feeling the pressure on the first tee at Bethpage Black, but any nerves looked like they quickly disappeared as the round progressed.
He was under extra pressure as a New Yorker, but he more than stepped up to the occasion to claim a very important point for the USA.
Describing the experience, Young commented: “It was pretty special. I love this place, and this is a team we worked really hard to make, so we’re just super grateful to have the opportunity to play today. Alongside him in front of these fans is pretty special.”
He’s now given Bradley plenty of food for thought going forward, particularly with the USA still needing to come from behind against Europe.
And given what Young produced and indeed the struggles of other Americans, Bradley would be very foolish to ignore him on Saturday.
Young’s love of Bethpage Black should also work in his favour in that regard, with Bradley needing every little positive factor he can get at this stage of proceedings.
He was a captain’s pick for this week, earning his spot after a fine season that involved winning his first PGA Tour title at the Wyndham Championship.
Receive exclusive golf news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
