When Justin Rose, an English golfer, sank a birdie putt on the 18th hole of the Friday four‑ball session, Europe clinched a crucial point that shifted the momentum of the 2025 Ryder Cup.
The match unfolded at the famed Bethpage Black Golf Course in Long Island, New York, on September 26, 2025. Europe entered the session trailing 5‑4, and Rose’s late‑day heroics helped the team pull even at 7‑7, setting the stage for a tightly contested weekend.
Background: The Ryder Cup and Bethpage Black
The Ryder Cup, a biennial showdown between Europe and the United States, is one of golf’s most passionately followed events. This edition is the first time the competition has landed at Bethpage Black, a course known for its brutal rough and intimidating 12th‑hole island green. The venue hosted the 2002 U.S. Open, where Tiger Woods famously navigated the same challenges.
Organized by the Ryder Cup Committee, the tournament features three formats over three days: four‑ball, foursomes, and singles. The four‑ball format, used on Friday, pits two-player teams against each other, with each player playing their own ball; the lower score on each hole wins the hole for the pair.
Friday Four‑ball: Rose’s Match in Detail
Rose partnered with Padraig Harrington, while the U.S. side fielded Ben Griffin and Matt Kuchar. The pairings opened with a buzzy start at the 2nd hole, where Griffin’s 42‑foot putt edged out Rose’s 39‑foot effort, resulting in a split‑point.
But wait – the tide turned on the 7th when Rose matched Griffin’s long putt, forcing a tie. "We both knew we couldn’t give an inch that day," Rose later told Sky Sports. The match stayed dead‑locked until the 15th hole, where a miscommunication over the putting order sparked a brief flare‑up with American star Bryson DeChambeau and their caddies.
The Birdie Putt That Sealed the Point
Approaching the 18th, Europe trailed by a single hole. Rose, playing the ball, faced a 15‑yard downhill putt. The crowd—a mix of die‑hard American fans and a modest contingent of European supporters—fell silent as he steadied his stance.
"He just stared at the hole like it was a target on a highway," recalled a nearby spectator. Rose’s putt rolled true, kissed the edge of the back‑bunker, and dropped. The birdie gave Europe the winning point, tying the overall score at 7‑7.
Sky Sports described the moment as a "monster putt" that "shut the American crowd up for good." The reaction on social media mirrored the sentiment; the clip of the putt garnered over 2.3 million views within the first hour.
Tensions on the 15th Hole: Rose vs DeChambeau
Earlier that same afternoon, a video surfaced showing Rose, DeChambeau, and their caddies arguing over who should putt first on the 15th. The dispute stemmed from a misunderstanding of the order announced by the officials. DeChambeau, known for his methodical approach, insisted his ball was next, while Rose’s caddie, Michael O’Brien, argued the contrary.
The altercation lasted about 45 seconds before the referee intervened. Neither player incurred a penalty, but the incident underscored the high‑stakes atmosphere that defines Ryder Cup play.
Implications for the Rest of the Tournament
Europe’s even‑score after Friday puts them in a solid position heading into the Saturday foursomes, where teamwork and strategy become even more crucial. Analysts at Golf Digest note that Europe’s resilience, highlighted by Rose’s clutch performance, could prove decisive in the final day’s singles matches.
For the United States, the missed opportunity on Friday adds pressure. Team captain John Wood acknowledged the setback, saying, "We have to regroup quickly. The energy here is electric, and we’ll need to channel that into the next sessions."
What’s Next for Europe and the USA
Saturday’s foursomes will feature eight matches, each worth a point. Europe hopes to capitalize on the momentum from Rose’s birdie, while the U.S. looks to lean on its depth in the ranks, especially with the likes of DeChambeau and Jordan Spieth.
Beyond the competition, the 2025 Ryder Cup is expected to draw a record 250,000 spectators over three days, providing a notable boost to the local economy in Bethpage and the surrounding Nassau County.
- Event: 2025 Ryder Cup Bethpage Black, Long Island, NY
- Key point secured by: Justin Rose on September 26, 2025
- Europe‑USA score after Friday: 7‑7
- Notable incident: Putting order dispute on the 15th involving Bryson DeChambeau
- Projected attendance: ~250,000 spectators
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Justin Rose’s birdie affect Europe’s chances of winning?
The birdie tied the overall score at 7‑7, shifting momentum toward Europe. Psychologically, clinching a point in a high‑pressure moment boosts confidence and puts the U.S. under extra pressure in the upcoming foursomes and singles.
What caused the tension between Rose and DeChambeau on the 15th hole?
A miscommunication about the announced putting order led to both players and their caddies disputing who should putt first. The referee intervened, and no penalty was assessed, but the episode highlighted the event’s intensity.
Who are the key players to watch in the remaining Ryder Cup matches?
For Europe, besides Rose, keep an eye on Padraig Harrington and Jon Rahm. For the U.S., Bryson DeChambeau, Jordan Spieth, and Collin Morikawa are expected to be decisive.
What is the historical significance of the Ryder Cup being held at Bethpage Black?
Bethpage Black has hosted the 2002 U.S. Open and is renowned for its challenging layout. Hosting the Ryder Cup marks the first time a senior‑level team competition has been played there, adding a fresh chapter to the course’s storied legacy.
When is the next session and what format will it be?
Saturday, September 27, 2025, will feature the foursomes format, where team members alternate shots using the same ball. Eight matches will be played, each worth one point.
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