Ludvig Åberg and Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick decided already on the 15th hole against world number one Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley and with a five-hole lead, the advantage was insurmountable.
It was a fun morning, we played really well both. Overall, I'm satisfied and look forward to a good competition, says Åberg who makes his second Ryder Cup after his debut in Rome two years ago.
Naturally, I feel more comfortable, a little more experience in the bank and satisfied with that. Always fun to get points on the board, says Åberg after the first match to Viaplay.
Åberg/Fitzpatrick made a strong start with four birdies on the first six holes in Friday's foursome, which started the classic golf competition between Europe and the USA.
Ludvig Åberg also got to play in the best ball together with Danish debutant Rasmus Højgaard. It didn't go as well there and Americans Cameron Young and Justin Thomas were superior and won with 6/5.
Europe dominates
In the foursome, it also went really well for the European team. Rory McIlroy, Northern Ireland, and Tommy Fleetwood, England, decided already with four holes left against Collin Morikawa and Harris English and Spaniard Jon Rahm and Englishman Tyrrell Hatton, who went out first of all, won with 4/3 against Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas.
Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay did, however, take home an American victory, when they defeated the Scottish-Norwegian pair Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland in a match that went over all 18 holes.
Cheers and boos
It was as expected, packed stands around the first tee when the competition started at Bethpage Black outside New York. The American players were met with an equally expected cheer while the European players had to take booing mixed with a few European golf supporters' encouraging chants.
Europe won the competition last time, in Rome two years ago. The last time it was a European victory on American soil was, however, 2012.
Ryder Cup is played in the match formats foursome and best ball the first two days with singles as the finale on Sunday.
Foursome:
Bryson DeChambeau/Cameron Young (USA) – Ludvig Åberg/Matt Fitzpatrick (Europe)
Collin Morikawa/Harris English (USA) – Rory McIlroy/Tommy Fleetwood (Europe)
Xander Schauffele/Patrick Cantlay (USA) – Jon Rahm/Tyrrell Hatton (Europe)
Scottie Scheffler/Russell Henley (USA) – Robert MacIntyre/Viktor Hovland (Europe)
