Ryder Cup Day 1 was nothing less than a dark moment for Team USA

The pride of Long Island could represent a stain on America. Day 1 of the 45th Ryder Cup kicked off Friday morning at Bethpage Black, and concluded with Europe quieting the bulk of the 55,000-plus and crushing the confidence of Team USA, seizing control with a 5½-2½ lead at the iconic public course. Bringing back a record 11 of the 12 players who dominated the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, returning captain Luke Donald’s side became the first European team in the 98-year history of the Ryder Cup to win the opening three foursomes (alternate shot) matches, while America’s top stars (Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau) went a combined 0-4 on the day. No host nation has lost the Ryder Cup since 2012.The U.S.

needs 14.5 points to win the event.Europe needs 14 to retain the trophy. “We’ve only played 28 percent of the points,” said U.S.

captain Keegan Bradley.“This is the first quarter.

We’ve still got three quarters to go.I’ve got a lot of faith in my boys.” The day began in darkness, as thousands sprinted through the state park to secure seats at the massive grandstand behind the first tee.

Each spot was filled well before 6 a.m., allowing the anticipation to build as the sun slowly rose over the surreal setting, shifting the sky from charcoal to tangerine. Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas emerged with the American flag wrapped around their shoulders, as fans sang a capella versions of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and jets flew overhead.Everyone shared the same thought — victory. Fans took glee as Jon Rahm opened the event by finding the rough before DeChambeau hit a 344-foot bomb over the trees, stopping just short of the green to set up a birdie to win the opening hole. The $750 single-day tickets and 3:30 a.m.

alarms were justified, a scene that most will never see play out before their eyes again.But it was the highlight of the American experience on Day 1 at Bethpage Black. The thousands clad in red, white and blue walked a...