Fleetwood and McIlroy Lead Europe to Strong Ryder Cup Start

The European duo of Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy, affectionately dubbed “Fleetwood Mac” by fans, delivered a commanding performance in the opening day of the Ryder Cup on September 29, 2023. Competing at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, they achieved a decisive 5&4 victory against the American team of Collin Morikawa and Harris English during the foursomes matches.

With enthusiastic supporters filling the stands, the atmosphere was electric as the U.S. team received a warm welcome. Despite the fervent cheers from home fans, Fleetwood and McIlroy quickly silenced the crowd, showcasing a strong partnership that has yielded consistent success. This latest win marks their third consecutive victory in Ryder Cup foursome matches, echoing their triumph two years prior in Rome, where Fleetwood clinched the winning point for Europe.

Reflecting on their synergy, McIlroy expressed confidence in their collaboration, stating, “When you’ve got a partner like Tommy, you can play with so much freedom and so much trust in your game because you know you have someone that’s going to back you up.” He emphasized the reassurance that comes from having such a reliable partner, noting it allows him to play more freely.

Following the morning session, Europe held a promising 3-1 lead, setting the stage for a competitive afternoon. The dynamic pair entered this three-day tournament after a successful 2025 season, highlighted by Fleetwood’s first PGA Tour victory at the Tour Championship and McIlroy’s completion of a career Grand Slam at Augusta.

McIlroy shared his anticipation for reuniting with Fleetwood, stating he had looked forward to their “Fleetwood Mac” reunion since their last match in Rome. “He’s one of the best players in the world. And to know that I have him by my side, it frees me up,” McIlroy said. He underscored the importance of their partnership, which allows him to play with “ultimate trust and ultimate freedom.”

As the competition progresses, the European team aims to maintain their momentum and capitalize on their strong start. The Ryder Cup continues with a series of fourball matches in the afternoon, presenting both teams with opportunities to shift the balance of the tournament. The outcome of these matches will be crucial as Europe seeks to defend their title against a determined American squad.