Ryder Cup Afternoon Pairings Revealed: Key Matchups That Could Decide the 2025 Tournament in Dramatic Fashion

The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is off to a thrilling start as Europe surged to a commanding 3–1 lead in the opening morning foursomes. With the stage set for a dramatic afternoon, both captains have unveiled fresh Ryder Cup pairings that promise fireworks. The afternoon four-ball lineups bring new partnerships, bold strategies, and heavyweight clashes that could decide the momentum of this year’s tournament.

Europe Holds Control After Dominant Morning Session

Team Europe struck early, winning three of the four morning matches to silence the home crowd. The chemistry between their top names proved decisive:

• Jon Rahm & Tyrrell Hatton defeated Bryson DeChambeau & Justin Thomas, 4 & 3.

• Ludvig Åberg & Matt Fitzpatrick overwhelmed Scottie Scheffler & Russell Henley, 5 & 3.

• Rory McIlroy & Tommy Fleetwood dominated Collin Morikawa & Harris English, 5 & 4.

• Xander Schauffele & Patrick Cantlay secured the lone U.S. point by edging Robert MacIntyre & Viktor Hovland, 2UP.

The scoreboard read 3–1 to Europe, a powerful opening statement. With eight new players entering the fray, the Ryder Cup afternoon pairings offer the United States a chance to rebound, but the challenge is steep.

Ryder Cup Pairings for Friday Afternoon Four-Ball

The afternoon matchups showcase fresh combinations as all eight golfers who sat out in the morning now join the action. Both captains reshuffled their lineups in search of spark and chemistry.

Each clash has its own storyline, from superstar duels to emerging talents eager to make their mark.

Afternoon Four-Ball Matchups to Watch

Scheffler and Spaun vs Rahm and Straka

The world number one, Scottie Scheffler, is under pressure after losing in the morning. Partnering with J.J. Spaun, he faces the formidable Jon Rahm alongside Sepp Straka. A victory here could swing momentum back to the Americans.

Griffin and DeChambeau vs Fleetwood and Rose

Power meets experience in this matchup. DeChambeau brings raw strength while rookie Ben Griffin looks to prove himself. Europe counters with Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose, a steady duo whose consistency could frustrate their rivals.

Young and Thomas vs Åberg and Højgaard

This battle of youth promises fireworks. Cameron Young and Justin Thomas provide explosive firepower, but Europe’s Ludvig Åberg and Rasmus Højgaard have already shown their chemistry. This match could be the most unpredictable of the day.

Burns and Cantlay vs McIlroy and Lowry

The final match is loaded with star power. Patrick Cantlay, fresh off a morning win, teams with Sam Burns against Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry. With McIlroy in top form, this could prove the decisive showdown of the session.

Tactical Implications for the 2025 Ryder Cup

• Momentum at stake: The U.S. cannot afford to lose another session, making early points critical.

• Chemistry vs experimentation: Europe has leaned on proven partnerships, while the Americans are testing new ones.

• Crowd influence: Bethpage Black’s atmosphere will grow louder if the U.S. starts strong, but Europe thrives in hostile environments.

• Depth tested: With Europe’s bench already contributing heavily, the Americans need contributions from all eight players in the afternoon.

Europe vs USA Ryder Cup Drama Intensifies

The Ryder Cup afternoon pairings revealed at Bethpage Black highlight the contrast between Europe’s cohesion and America’s search for the right formula. With Rahm, McIlroy, and Fleetwood in form, Europe aims to extend its advantage. For the United States, stars like Scheffler, DeChambeau, and Thomas must deliver immediately.

As the Ryder Cup 2025 schedule continues into the weekend, these afternoon four-ball contests could very well define the tournament’s outcome. The question remains: can the U.S. rally at home, or will Europe tighten its grip on the trophy?