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Golf fans won’t have to wait long: DeChambeau and Thomas open 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black

Golf fans won’t have to wait long to see Bryson DeChambeau tee off at the 45th Ryder Cup: he and Justin Thomas open the Friday foursomes at 7:10 a.m. ET vs. Rahm/Hatton. A dramatic start at Bethpage Black. Golf fans won’t have to wait long to watch Bryson DeChambeau at the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. From the first tee on Friday morning, DeChambeau and Justin Thomas will be front and center as the U.S. kicks off its campaign in dramatic fashion. The two-time U.S. Open champion will partner with Thomas at 7:10 a.m. ET in the opening foursomes (alternate-shot) match, facing Europe’s pairing of Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. As the teams roll out their first session lineups, expectations are high, tensions electric, and the stage set for a blockbuster weekend in New York.

In this post, we’ll explore the storylines behind that opening match, how both teams are shaping their early pairs, and what to watch as the 45th Ryder Cup unfolds at Bethpage Black.

The opening salvo: DeChambeau & Thomas vs. Rahm & Hatton
Captain’s logic: Why Bradley chose this pairing
European response: Confidence and continuity
Other key morning matches to watch
Course dynamics and crowd influence at Bethpage Black
Historical context: foursomes in Ryder Cup lore
What this opening could mean for momentum
Format, schedule & what to expect Friday

1. The opening salvo: DeChambeau & Thomas vs. Rahm & Hatton

The headline match for Friday morning will feature Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas representing Team USA, launching their Ryder Cup campaign against Europe’s Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. (Reuters) The match is set to begin at 7:10 a.m. ET on the first tee. (Reuters)

DeChambeau, a polarizing but undeniably dynamic figure in golf, brings star power and crowd appeal. Thomas, meanwhile, is a seasoned Ryder Cup performer who knows how to handle high-pressure moments. The U.S. pairing will face a tough European duo: Rahm, a veteran with a strong match play record, and Hatton, returning to the European team with momentum. (Reuters)

When asked about the challenge, DeChambeau acknowledged the magnitude: “We’ve got a big responsibility and role … we’re going to be going up against a great team, Rahm and Hatton. They’re a formidable force, but we want to send a message.” (Reuters)

On the European side, both Rahm and Hatton come with confidence: they went 2–0 in foursomes in the last Ryder Cup at Marco Simone, a performance that underscores their compatibility and strength in alternate-shot formats. (Reuters) Rahm, in particular, enters with a strong 4–0 record in foursomes over prior appearances. (Reuters)

Expect fireworks from the first tee.

2. Captain’s logic: Why Bradley chose this pairing

U.S. captain Keegan Bradley gave insight into his decision to open with DeChambeau and Thomas. “Besides the fact that they’re both phenomenal players, they both bring a spark to our team,” he said. “Bryson has been an incredible teammate in the locker room, and we really want him to lead our team out with Justin in the first match.” (Reuters)

Bradley clearly sees more than just skill — he’s placing a premium on energy, leadership, and momentum from the opening tee. DeChambeau’s presence is as much about the intimidation factor and crowd reaction as it is about shotmaking. The aim: set the tone early, fire up the crowd, and force Europe to fight from the outset.

It’s telling that DeChambeau and Thomas have never played together in a Ryder Cup match — Bradley is betting on raw firepower and chemistry beyond past pairings. (Reuters)

If the U.S. can capture that opening point (or even salvage a half), it would be a psychological win.

3. European response: Confidence and continuity

Over in the European camp, captain Luke Donald is sending out one of his most reliable combinations first. “We want to start strong, obviously,” Donald said. “We know that in match play you’ve got to get off to a good start. These guys have had a lot of success together. They know how to win. They’re a strong partnership; they get along well. We’re very happy to send them out first.” (Reuters)

That confidence isn’t empty. Rahm and Hatton have a proven record in foursomes, and their success in Rome two years ago gives them both momentum and cohesion. (Reuters)

Rahm, for his part, has also spoken about preparing mentally for the hostile New York crowd. Europe even tried to simulate crowd hostility through VR headsets to acclimate themselves — but according to Rahm, nothing replicates the intensity and creativity of a real-life hostile U.S. gallery. (Reuters)

The Europeans will hope that consistency, experience, and confidence can blunt whatever early U.S. momentum may come.

4. Other key morning matches to watch

While the DeChambeau–Thomas duel will draw the spotlight, the morning session features three other critical foursome matches that could shape the overall trajectory:

Scottie Scheffler & Russell Henley (USA) vs. Ludvig Åberg & Matt Fitzpatrick (Europe). Scheffler, the world No. 1, is seeking redemption after going 0–2–2 in Rome. (CBSSports.com)
Collin Morikawa & Harris English (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy & Tommy Fleetwood (Europe). This might be considered a “surprise” pairing for the U.S., mixing youth and experience against two European stalwarts. (Reuters)
Xander Schauffele & Patrick Cantlay (USA) vs. Robert MacIntyre & Viktor Hovland (Europe). Schauffele had major success in 2024 but struggled this season post-injury; meanwhile Hovland and MacIntyre have been steady performers for Europe. (Reuters)

These matches will not only provide scoreboard balance but test depth and pairing chemistry. A strong showing in these matches can relieve pressure from the marquee pairing.

5. Course dynamics and crowd influence at Bethpage Black

Bethpage Black is legendary for its difficulty — thick rough, undulating lies, punishing greens — but tournament setup and weather can alter how forbidding it feels. In 2025, some have noted softer conditions and more accessible roughs, which may lead to more birdie opportunities than usual. (New York Post)

Still, the course’s bite will be felt; tight corridors, penal rough, and demanding second shots will punish errant play. U.S. and European teams must adapt quickly.

Crucially, the crowd will play a massive role. From the opening tee, golf fans won’t have to wait long to make their voices heard. DeChambeau even quipped when asked what he expects from fans: “Tsunami of a wave of support.” (Reuters)

Rahm, though, has warned his side not to underestimate the gallery. During practice rounds, fans have already lobbed creative heckling (including references to weight-loss drugs) that even high-end VR simulations failed to replicate. (Reuters)

In short: crowd energy, pressure, and noise may rival the golf itself in determining momentum.

6. Historical context: foursomes in Ryder Cup lore

Foursomes (alternate-shot) is often a make-or-break format in Ryder Cup play. It is the format where partnerships, chemistry, and strategic alignment matter most. Good pairings can dominate; mismatches can collapse under pressure.

In the 2023 Ryder Cup, Europe swept the opening foursomes to lead 4–0 — the first time any team had ever gone out that strongly in that session. (CBSSports.com) That sweep set the tone and drove momentum throughout the weekend. (Ryder Cup)

U.S. captain Bradley will hope to avoid another cold start. The U.S. has often started well on home soil, with home fans providing lift. (CBSSports.com)

The first session is more than just point-scoring — it’s about confidence, rub of the green, momentum, and shifting the psychological battleground.

7. What this opening could mean for momentum

If DeChambeau/Thomas can win or even halve their match, it would be a statement. It could:

Ignite U.S. confidence and silence European momentum.
Place psychological pressure on Rahm/Hatton, possibly forcing strategic adjustments later.
Allow the U.S. to ride crowd energy into afternoon four-ball matches.

Conversely, if Europe win, it would:

Reinforce their dominance and composure on the road.
Provide breathing room and possibly tilt lineup decisions across sessions.
Rattle the U.S. pairing depth and test composure under crowd noise.

Of course, a 2–2 split or modest 3–1 European lead would leave things balanced, but with an edge to the visitors. The opening session may well presage weekend trajectories.

8. Format, schedule & what to expect Friday

Understanding the structure is key to following the drama:

Friday morning: 4 foursomes (alternate-shot) matches
Friday afternoon: 4 four-ball (best-ball) matches
Saturday: Same schedule — foursomes in morning, four-ball in afternoon
Sunday: 12 singles matches

Altogether, 28 points are available. The Europeans need 14 points to retain the Cup; the U.S. needs 14½ points to win it outright. (Wikipedia)

Captains typically reveal pairings for morning and afternoon on the same day, so adaptation and freshness matter. (Ryder Cup)

In the first session, the four matches tee off in quick succession starting at 7:10 a.m. ET, followed by the four-ball matches beginning at 12:25 p.m. ET. (Ryder Cup)

From a fan’s perspective: the first tee is the must-see, and then a full slate of high-stakes match play runs through the afternoon — ideal for spectators and TV viewers alike.

Golf fans won’t have to wait long to witness one of the most anticipated moments of the 2025 Ryder Cup: Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas launching Team USA’s campaign at Bethpage Black. Their opponent pair, Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, brings proven foursomes pedigree and confidence.

With captains Bradley and Donald stacking their opening lineups deliberately, the first session will be a strategic chess match, a momentum test, and a crowd spectacle all rolled into one. Whether DeChambeau and Thomas can channel their energy into points, or Europe asserts early control, the tone is set for what promises to be an epic weekend of international golf.