Weather Could Alter Dynamic

The forecast bad weather on Thursday is a factor. The opening ceremony was shifted forward because of it, and the expectation is that the greens will soften. 

That makes Bethpage more like target practice than the brutal test it can be when firm and fast. Slower greens should help Europe. 

Our players are more accustomed to that pace, and if they can take advantage by firing aggressively into pins, the balance of power shifts a little. 

It also takes some of the sting out of the American crowd, because birdies will come more freely on both sides.

Donald Likely To Trust Rome Heroes

I expect Luke Donald to lean heavily on the majority of the eight players who delivered so convincingly in the Friday morning foursomes in Rome: Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Tommy Fleetwood, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, Ludvig Aberg, Shane Lowry and Sepp Straka. 

The only real question mark is Straka who hasn’t had as much game time of late and was one of the few to taste defeat in Italy. 

But the argument for keeping him with Lowry is psychological as much as tactical. Donald will want to show faith, and Straka is a player who thrives when he feels that confidence behind him.

If there is a change, it might be Hatton or Robert MacIntyre stepping in. 

For my bet on Hatton, that would be the way I’d go with doubts around Straka.

Rookie Conundrum For Bradley

Keegan Bradley, in his first outing as US captain, has bigger headaches. 

He has four rookies to blood: Russell Henley, Cameron Young, Ben Griffin and JJ Spaun. 

I would expect at least one of them to feature in the morning. 

The whispers suggest Scottie Scheffler could be paired with Henley, while Justin Thomas may go with Young, and Collin Morikawa with Sam Burns.

Henley Appeals In Top Rookie Market

Russell Henley appeals in the top rookie points scorer market. 

His recent Presidents Cup showing alongside Scheffler proved just how effective the partnership can be, the pair combining for two wins and a narrow loss. 

Henley himself explained that his job was to put Scheffler in the fairway and let the world number one’s long-iron game shine on the par threes. 

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It worked perfectly, and if Bradley sticks with that formula at Bethpage, they could play three or four sessions together. 

With Henley’s tidy accuracy and Scheffler’s ball-striking, it’s a partnership built to collect points, and that makes Henley strong value to outscore the other rookies. 

I’m happy to chance him at 15/8 on betting apps.

Ryder Cup Tip: Russell Henley Top Rookie Points Scorer - 15/8 With Bet365

(Odds correct at time of publication - 11.00am 25/9/25)

Who do you think will grab the advantage after day one of the Ryder Cup? Post your thoughts below!