The Ryder Cup returned to Long Island with plenty of drama, both inside the ropes and just beyond them. On the first day at Bethpage Black, Team Europe surged ahead early, while the wives and girlfriends of both squads – known as the WAGs – brought a different kind of energy with coordinated fashion choices.
Europe struck first in the morning foursomes, winning three of four matches to silence the home crowd. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood delivered a 5&4 victory over Collin Morikawa and Harris English, while Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick overwhelmed world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton added another point, beating Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas 4&3. Only Patrick Cantlay and Xander Schauffele secured a U.S. win, edging Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland 2-Up.
A Different Kind of Show
Away from the scoreboards, the spotlight shifted to the sidelines. Rory McIlroy’s wife, Erica Stoll, turned heads with a straw-colored hat, soft blouse, and golf-inspired jewelry, highlighted by a Patek Philippe Nautilus watch. Jon Rahm’s wife, Kelley Cahill, followed the European palette with a navy blazer over cream, joining her husband for a quick break on a golf cart. Diane Donald, wife of Europe’s captain Luke Donald, mirrored the theme with white shorts and a sharp blazer, giving the group a polished look.
Team USA’s partners chose a uniform approach. Dressed in matching navy Ralph Lauren polos with “USA” stitched on the chest and paired with white trousers, they presented a united front. Many topped the look with navy hats carrying the Stars and Stripes. The sporty gear stood in contrast to the more formal attire at a gala earlier in the week, where social media roasted the Americans for pairing white sneakers with tailored suits.
Europe in Control
By the end of the morning, Europe held a commanding lead, once again setting the tone as they did in Rome in 2023. The crowd at Bethpage buzzed not only over big putts and missed chances but also over the WAGs who brought their own brand of team spirit.
On a stage where pressure and pride collide, it was Europe who struck first – on the course and in the stands.
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