"DeChambeau's bold start sparks excitement before Europe dampens the mood"

The early morning light spread slowly over Bethpage State Park on Friday, a faint glow filtering through the trees as if hesitant to reveal the scene unfolding below. Spectators dressed in patriotic colors had gathered outside since 3 a.m., making their way down illuminated paths toward the grandstand near the first tee when the gates opened at 5 a.m. By 6 a.m., thousands were packed tightly together, moving to rhythmic chants and holding cups of coffee, cans of alcohol, and breakfast sandwiches.

As the clock neared the 7:10 a.m. start, the energy in the 5,000-seat amphitheater surged. The crowd’s chants echoed around the stands: “We want Bryson! We want Bryson!” Some had Bryson DeChambeau’s name painted on their chests, while others held up makeshift signs. Their demand was answered. DeChambeau, golf’s most divisive figure, appeared alongside Justin Thomas. The two walked through the tunnel side by side, an American flag draped over them, with DeChambeau thumping his chest as if preparing for battle. Opposite them stood Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, the European pair in blue and gold, Rahm expressionless and Hatton whispering to himself.

Military jets roared overhead in a flyover. Security helicopters circled in preparation for an expected visit from Donald Trump later that day. Those who hadn’t arrived early were stranded in the surrounding streets, creating gridlock. On the video screen, Rory McIlroy warmed up on the practice range, met with boos and shouts. Moments earlier, U.S. captain Keegan Bradley had shouted into a microphone—"Let’s go, boys!"—making it clear this was no quiet country club event. It was a battle, just as promised.

The day before, DeChambeau had hinted at the possibility—the 397-yard first hole was "reachable" with the right wind, he said, if a player could generate enough speed. Rahm’s first shot strayed into the rough, drawing mocking cheers. Then DeChambeau turned to the crowd, took two aggressive practice swings, and launched his drive into the morning sky. The ball rolled to within 10 yards of the green. Thomas followed with a shot to 16 feet. DeChambeau made the putt, putting the U.S. ahead early. The crowd erupted, Thomas pumped his fist, and DeChambeau let out a triumphant yell. The stands nearly trembled from the noise. The U.S. had struck first, just as Bradley had hoped.

For a moment, it seemed a pattern was set. The event had returned to U.S. soil, with the home team eager to redeem themselves after defeat in Rome, and the crowd ready to erupt with every favorable score. But the momentum stalled. The rain-softened course offered little challenge. Europe absorbed the early blow and retaliated. By the turn, their scores began to dominate the leaderboard. Rahm and Hatton steadied themselves and fought back. Scottie Scheffler...