Team Europe take commanding Ryder Cup lead after opening day at Bethpage Black

Luke Donald's side laid the platform in the morning foursomes, racing into a 3–1 advantage — their biggest away-day opening session since 2004. 

Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton repeated their winning partnership from Rome two years ago with a 4&3 victory over Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas, while Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood — the familiar "Fleetwood Mac" pairing — brushed aside Collin Morikawa and Harris English 5&4. Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick also impressed, thrashing world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley 5&3. 

The only American success came through Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, who edged out Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland 2UP.

The afternoon fourballs proved tighter, but Europe kept their momentum to extend their cushion. Rahm secured his second point of the day alongside Sepp Straka with a 3&2 win over JJ Spaun and Scheffler, who endured a bruising start with two defeats. 

Justin Thomas and rookie Cam Young delivered a much-needed 6&5 win for the Americans over Åberg and Rasmus Højgaard, but the other matches swung Europe's way. Justin Rose birdied the final hole to snatch victory with Fleetwood against DeChambeau and Ben Griffin, while McIlroy and Shane Lowry halved a gripping contest with Cantlay and Sam Burns.

It marked the first time since 2004 that Europe have led an away Ryder Cup after the opening day — and history is on their side, with the last five teams to do so going on to lift the trophy.

"Obviously right now, disappointed I didn't hole out for a full point," McIlroy said after halving his afternoon match. "But it's been a great day for Europe. We have come out of the gates really strong like we wanted to. We should be really proud of ourselves."

Team Europe captain Luke Donald hailed his team's fantastic start away from home. 

"Incredible day. To win this morning was huge for us and we all know how important it is to get off to a good start. We know how strong the United States were in foursomes. 

"3-1 was a great start, and the top two especially were such good momentum and inspiration for our boys. The guys grinded to win the session again this afternoon. That's another tick in our box, and I'm very happy where we are."

US captain Zach Johnson admitted there was work to be done but remained defiant. 

"The boys played really good this afternoon. Europe made a lot of putts. Hopefully it'll turn and our putts will go in tomorrow. We've only played 28 per cent of the points. This is the first quarter. We've still got three quarters to go, and I've got a lot of faith in my boys."

With Europe firmly in control but the Americans far from finished, Saturday's matches promise another tense chapter in this Ryder Cup clash at Bethpage.

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