Max Homa explains why he feels robbed after watching Jon Rahm’s display on Friday at Bethpage Black

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Jon Rahm confirmed his place as the talisman of the European side by winning both of his matches on Friday at the Ryder Cup as Luke Donald’s men got off to a flyer at Bethpage Black.

You would have been forgiven for worrying about Jon Rahm after the first few holes of the opening session of the 2025 Ryder Cup. The Spaniard looked shaky initially, up against Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas in the foursomes.

But the Americans were punished for not making more of their brighter start. Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton were absolutely superb before going on to win 4&3.

It would have raised a few eyebrows when Rahm was paired with Sepp Straka in the afternoon. But the pair dovetailed perfectly, with the two-time major champion holing putts from everywhere and making six birdies. Straka provided three of his own despite not being at his best.

Max Homa expresses disappointment about Jon Rahm after the opening day’s play at the Ryder Cup

It felt particularly significant that they beat the American pairing of Scottie Scheffler and J.J. Spaun. Scheffler had a very disappointing Friday at the Ryder Cup.

Speaking on the No Laying Up podcast after the opening day had concluded, Max Homa offered a defence of Scheffler, before going to express his disappointment at how rarely he gets to battle it out with Rahm now.

“He’s the best golfer I’ve ever seen, him and Rahm, as far as longevity goes are the best just in my age range. Scottie’s the best prepared. He is really good at that. And I don’t know if this has something to do with it, it also could be random,” he said.

“I know what you’re saying, I don’t see him pull a pitching wedge ever, but also, we have a ridiculously high bar for the guy, like absurdly. I do think a lot of it’s random. He also seems to get paired against a guy who’s playing great or one of their two top guys going into it. I’m sure he played amazing, I didn’t get to watch, but Sunday of Rome and he’s playing against Jon Rahm – what a battle that is.

“Which leads me to say, I feel so robbed of Rahm against Scottie on the PGA Tour. As a golf fan, it sucks, because that was fun to watch them go and when Scottie got going at the end. Scottie at the PGA this year was against Rahm, it’s like who’s going to outlast the other?”

The contrasting Ryder Cup records of Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm

While Scheffler has undoubtedly been the better player since Rahm went to LIV Golf in December 2023, the Spaniard’s record in the Ryder Cup puts the world number one to shame.

Scheffler is still awaiting a first win in the Ryder Cup since beating Rahm in the singles at Whistling Straits in 2021.

Meanwhile, that remains Rahm’s most recent defeat in the event. You would have to go back to 2018 for the last time he lost with a partner alongside him.

He has now won 9.5 points in just 14 matches in his career. And if the Americans cannot find a way to end his superb run, it is going to be unbelievably difficult for Keegan Bradley‘s men to stop Europe taking the Ryder Cup home with them.