Ryder Cup Singles Underway Amidst Player Injury Concern & Fan Passion Debate
ROME, ITALY – The Ryder Cup singles matches commenced Sunday with uncertainty surrounding the participation of US team member Keegan Bradley, who experienced escalating back pain during practice, prompting an MRI scan.Meanwhile, US player Keegan Bradley defended American fans following incidents of disruptive behavior during Saturday’s play, characterizing their actions as simply “passionate.”
Bradley’s injury arose mid-round Saturday, requiring physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory medication to complete his foursomes match. A return to the range Sunday proved untenable,as pain intensified after only two swings with his driver. “He was feeling quite uncomfortable in the middle of the round this morning,” European captain Luke Donald stated.”He got some physio.He was given a lot of anti-inflammatories during the round. He finished. He was feeling OK. He went in to rest and then he went back out to the range to try and hit some balls. When he got to the driver, he hit one and it was very painful.He hit another one and it got even more painful.” Bradley is currently undergoing an MRI to determine the extent of the injury and his availability for play.
The singles pairings were announced as follows: Cameron Young v Justin Rose (12.02 EDT/17.02 BST), Justin Thomas v Tommy Fleetwood (12.13 EDT/17.13 BST), Bryson DeChambeau v Matt Fitzpatrick (12.24 EDT/17.24 BST), Scottie Scheffler v Rory McIlroy (12.35 EDT/17.35 BST), Patrick Cantlay v Ludvig Åberg (12.46 EDT/17.46 BST), Xander Schauffele v Jon Rahm (12.57 EDT/17.57 BST), JJ Spaun v Sepp Straka (13.08 EDT/18.08 BST),Russell Henley v Shane Lowry (13.19 EDT/18.19 BST), Ben Griffin v Rasmus Højgaard (13.30 EDT/18.30 BST), Collin Morikawa v Tyrrell Hatton (13.41 EDT/18.41 BST), Sam Burns v Robert MacIntyre (13.52 EDT/18.52 BST), and Harris English v Viktor Hovland (14.03 EDT/19.03 BST).
The unfolding events occur as Europe holds a significant 9-3 lead heading into the final session, needing just 4.5 points to secure victory. The placement of key European players - Rose, fleetwood, McIlroy, and Rahm – in the early matches signals a clear intent to close out the competition swiftly. The Ryder Cup, a biennial contest between teams from Europe and the united States, is one of golf’s most prestigious events, known for its intense competition and passionate fan base. The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, new York.
