McIlroy’s side lost the first hole, but the Americans’ advantage didn’t last long. And McIlroy put the pedal down in a huge way with electric birdie makes to win Nos. 6 and 7.

The 2025 Ryder Cup will be won by a team and of course it has 24 golfers playing but it's really all about McIlroy and his two-year-old prediction from the victory press conference in Italy. It's about his message to the Great Britian and Ireland Walker Cuppers last month:

A brief look at the opening round Friday of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black (all times EDT): THE LEADER: Europe 5 1/2, United States 2 1/2. FOURSOMES: E

Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm outshine Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler on day one at Bethpage Black, New York

It went just as U.S. captain Keegan Bradley drew it up — for about an hour. Then, the Europeans came along and slapped the U.S. back to reality, dominating to take three of the four matches to make an early statement in the morning foursome (alternate shot) session of the 45th Ryder Cup.

Luke Donald’s team battle Keegan Bradley’s home favourites at Bethpage Black, with the morning foursomes kicking things off on Friday before President Donald Trump arrives

Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler in action for the afternoon fourballs at Bethpage Black, New York

Before players tee off on Friday for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Behpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, golfers and their wives and girlfriends from both the United States and Europe got together for the Ryder Cup Gala. Rory McIlroy’s wife Erica Stoll certainly had a winning night with her dress amongst the other WAGs.