Scottie Scheffler is carrying the weight of US expectations on his shoulders throughout Ryder Cup weekend.
The world’s top-ranked player, who scooped two majors and picked up the most wins on the PGA Tour before arriving at Bethpage Black, knows he needs to be at his best if the Americans are to avoid defeat on home soil.
But Day 1 of the 2025 Ryder Cup saw Scheffler thoroughly outplayed by his European rivals.
He went 0-2 on Friday, first losing in the foursomes with partner Russell Henley, as the visitors swept into a 3-1 lead after the first session.
Playing alongside J.J. Spaun in the afternoon four-balls, a similarly demoralizing 3-and-2 defeat to Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka followed for the world No.1.
With the US heading into Friday night staring at a 5½-2½ deficit, and their big dog failing to fire, the struggling hosts were in dire need of some outside encouragement.
And it didn’t come from the thousands of raucous fans who have already clashed with Rory McIlroy at Bethpage Black, or even President Donald Trump, who also made a quick visit to New York.
Instead, the encouragement came from the iconic NBA legend Michael Jordan who is a regular inside the ropes for Team USA.
MJ’s words of encouragement to Scheffler and Spaun
“Let’s go, boys!” the basketball icon yelled to Scheffler and Spaun on Friday afternoon, as the pair left the sixth green.
While they eventually lost to Rahm and Straka in Match 1, M.J’s rallying cry could well have inspired local hero Cameron Young and Justin Thomas, who won 6-and-5 against Ludvig Aberg and Rasmus Hojgaard.
Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay then tied Match 4 against McIlroy and Shane Lowry, denying Europe a chance to take a commanding 6-2 lead into Saturday.
There wasn’t too much for the Americans to cheer on Day 1, but the appearance from a legend like Jordan provided a much-needed morale boost.
Scheffler and the US are down 5.5-2.5 after Day 1 of the Ryder CupGetty M.J. was seen rocking the No.23 on his accreditation as he offered a rallying cryGettyFans spot iconic detail in M.J’s Ryder Cup appearance
Eagle-eyed fans even spotted a legendary detail on M.J’s accreditation, as he roamed around the course.
The six-time NBA Champion was wearing credential No. 23 on Friday, a callback to the iconic jersey number he wore with the Chicago Bulls.
“Aura,” one fan wrote, responding to a photo of Jordan’s No.23 ‘access all areas’ Ryder Cup accreditation.
“News flash. When you’re around M.J. everything is 23. Everything!!!” another said.
“The GOAT,” a third wrote.
Scheffler must channel M.J. for Ryder Cup success
Ahead of play at Bethpage Black, US team captain Keegan Bradley actually compared Scheffler to M.J. and another American sporting icon, Tom Brady.
Jordan has been cheering the US on from the stands at Bethpage BlackGettyHe hoped the 2025 PGA Championship and Open Championship winner would be the one to thrive off the pressure of a home tournament.
“That’s part of the Ryder Cup, when you’re the best player… you carry a big burden for your team,” Bradley said of the world No.1.
“I think that happens with Michael Jordan, Tom Brady. You know, these guys are built for it.
“In a sick way they look forward to it. They want that pressure. And not everyone wants that. People can say they do, but not everyone wants it.
US Captain Bradley had hoped for a Jordan-esc performance from SchefflerGetty“Scottie, I think he would hope that it comes down to him in singles.
“I bet he dreams about it. That kind of separates Scottie from the rest of the guys.”
Unfortunately for the Americans, Scheffler has not shown shades of Jordan’s domination so far this weekend, and Bradley’s team are in real danger of watching the Europeans lift the Ryder Cup on their home patch.
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