Europe Completes Historic Sweep of Day 2 Sessions, Leads USA 11.5-4.5 at Bethpage Black

FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Team Europe delivered a historic performance Saturday at Bethpage Black, becoming the first road team to sweep both sessions on Day 2 of a Ryder Cup since the modern format began in 1979. The visitors dominated both the morning foursomes and afternoon four-ball matches to extend their lead to a commanding 11.5-4.5, putting them on the verge of their first victory on American soil since the "Miracle at Medinah" in 2012.

Tommy Fleetwood emerged as the star of the European assault, maintaining his perfect 4-0-0 record through the first four team sessions while partnering brilliantly with both Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose. The Englishman's flawless performance stands in stark contrast to world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler's historic struggles, as the American made unwanted history by going 0-4-0 to start a Ryder Cup.

Saturday Morning Foursomes Results

Fleetwood's Perfect Performance Continues

Tommy Fleetwood's remarkable Ryder Cup continued Saturday as he and Rory McIlroy extended their perfect foursomes partnership record to 4-0-0 with a commanding 3&2 victory over Harris English and Collin Morikawa. The "Fleetwood Mac" duo got off to a lightning start, responding to an American birdie on the first hole with four consecutive birdies from holes 2-5, including spectacular putts from 30 feet by Fleetwood and 22 feet from McIlroy.

The English golfer's consistency under pressure has been extraordinary, making crucial putts at pivotal moments and demonstrating the kind of clutch performance that defines Ryder Cup legends. His ability to complement McIlroy's aggressive style with steady precision has created an unstoppable combination that has frustrated American captains and players alike.

Scheffler's Historic Struggles Deepen

Scottie Scheffler's Ryder Cup nightmare reached new depths Saturday as he became the first golfer in modern Ryder Cup history to start 0-4-0 through the opening four team sessions. The world No. 1's morning loss with Russell Henley to Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland extended his unprecedented winless streak, marking the first time a top-ranked player has struggled so dramatically in team competition.

"I think it's hard to put into words how much it hurts to lose all four matches," Scheffler said after his disappointing day. "To have the trust of my captains and teammates to go out there and play all four matches and lose all four, it's really hard to put into words how much that stings."

The American's afternoon four-ball match with Bryson DeChambeau provided no relief, as the pair fell 3&2 to Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose despite DeChambeau's prodigious driving display. Scheffler's putting woes continued throughout both matches, failing to convert crucial opportunities that might have shifted momentum back to the American side.

Saturday Afternoon Four-Ball Drama

The afternoon four-ball session provided brief hope for the American team when J.J. Spaun and Xander Schauffele delivered the lone U.S. point with a hard-fought 1-up victory over Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka. However, Europe quickly reasserted control as their established partnerships continued to click under pressure.

Rory McIlroy teamed with Shane Lowry to defeat Justin Thomas and Cameron Young 2-up, with McIlroy providing the emotional leadership that has become his Ryder Cup trademark. The Northern Irishman's fiery response to crowd heckling, punctuated by a stunning approach shot into the 15th, demonstrated the kind of passion that has made him Europe's spiritual leader.

European Partnerships Excel Under Pressure

The European success story extends far beyond individual brilliance to the chemistry between established partnerships. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, the two LIV Golf members on Team Europe, continued their excellent form with a 3&2 victory over Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay in the morning foursomes, proving their integration into the European team structure.

Luke Donald's decision-making has been vindicated at every turn, with his pairings delivering exactly the performances needed to maintain European momentum. The captain's trust in experienced partnerships while carefully managing newer combinations has created a perfect balance between reliability and fresh energy.

American Bright Spots Amid Struggle

Cameron Young provided one of the few American highlights, improving his Ryder Cup record to 2-0-0 after his victory with Bryson DeChambeau in the morning foursomes. The rookie's fearless approach and clutch putting have made him a valuable asset for Captain Keegan Bradley, providing hope for future American teams even as the current squad struggles.

Bryson DeChambeau's power display continued to thrill the partisan crowds, even as his partnerships failed to generate consistent results. The 2024 U.S. Open champion's ability to reach unreachable distances has provided spectacular moments, but converting those advantages into points has proven elusive throughout the opening two days.

Historic Context and Sunday's Challenge

Europe's 11.5-4.5 lead represents the largest advantage after two days in Ryder Cup history, surpassing even the most dominant performances of previous generations. The seven-point margin puts the Americans in the position of needing to achieve one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history, requiring them to win 10 of the 12 singles matches on Sunday.

Historical precedent suggests Europe is in an virtually unassailable position, as no team has ever overcome a deficit of this magnitude in Ryder Cup competition. However, the unique pressure of singles play and the desperate pride of American golf ensure that Sunday's matches will provide compelling drama regardless of the mathematical improbability of a U.S. comeback.

For Europe, Sunday represents an opportunity to complete one of the most dominant Ryder Cup performances in history while achieving their first victory on American soil in over a decade. The stage is set for a memorable conclusion to what has already become a historic weekend at Bethpage Black, where European excellence has redefined what seemed possible in the hostile environment of New York golf.