Team USA got off to a rough start in the Ryder Cup, dropping its first three matches to open the event in a deficit.
The biggest surprise of the Friday morning foursomes came when Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick routed Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley. What was expected to be one of Team USA’s strongest pairings turned into its most disappointing performance.
Henley, in particular, struggled alongside the world’s No. 1 player. The 36-year-old earned an automatic qualifying spot and was viewed as a steady option for Team USA, but he quickly proved to be an early liability.
Here’s a closer look at why Henley qualified for the tournament.
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What is Russell Henley's world ranking?
Henley enters the Ryder Cup ranked No. 3 in the world by the Official World Golf Ranking, behind only Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. His 2025 PGA Tour season was marked by steady play, highlighted by one victory, two runner-up finishes, five top-fives and eight top-10s overall.
That consistency secured him an automatic spot on Team USA as the fourth-highest American in the Ryder Cup standings.
MORE: Complete guide to Ryder Cup scoring system
Why was Russell Henley paired with Scottie Scheffler?
Henley and Scheffler have history and chemistry together, even if this was their first time playing together in the Ryder Cup. Last year, the duo was paired together in the Presidents Cup, going 2-1-0 in three matches and 1-1 in foursomes, specifically.
Entering the Ryder Cup, the expectation was that Scheffler and Henley would play together considering how well their styles match and that they already have chemistry.
MORE: Scottie Scheffler Ryder Cup history
Russell Henley tournament wins
Henley has five career PGA Tour victories, starting with the 2013 Sony Open in Hawaii during his rookie season. He followed it up the next year with a playoff win at The Honda Classic.
His third title came in 2017 at the Shell Houston Open, and he added a fourth in 2022 at the World Wide Technology Championship. Henley’s most recent win was at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March 2025, marking his fifth career victory.
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