PENN STATE GRABS EARLY ADVANTAGE IN 2025 HITMEN RYDER CUP

Warren, OH — The sun rose on a crisp July morning and with it the roar of competition echoed across the rolling hills of Avalon Lakes, as the 2025 edition of the Hitmen Ryder Cup got underway. After the dust settled on Day 1, it was the boys from Penn State strutting tall, seizing 2 of the 3 available points in Best Ball play and planting their flag atop the leaderboard.

The opening bout, though last to conclude, was a true dandy. Team World’s® own Ben Somerville—undefeated, unshaken, and unmistakably brilliant—joined forces with the fiery Andrew Drake against Penn State’s icy tactician Captain Matthew Welch and the boisterous Captain Ed Persinger. With victory hanging in the balance and the pressure mounting down the 18th, it was Drake who rose to the occasion, driving a dagger through the heart of Penn State’s comeback hopes. Somerville, cool as the other side of the pillow, continued his Ryder Cup reign of dominance.

Following the match, this reporter caught up with Captain Persinger, who was less than enthused. “Normally I’d scout the venue, but Avalon Lakes didn’t even make Golf Digest’s top 100. Unbelievable! That a match of this magnitude is held on a goat track like this? I’ve seen cow pastures in better shape,” Persinger huffed. “Still, the real scandal is a 16 handicap breaking 80. I’ve seen miracles before, but that might top them all.”

While Persinger fired barbs at the course, his squad did most of their talking with the sticks. Captain Logan “Piss” Krawchyk found a bit of his long-lost mojo and teamed up with Captain Vellky to finally unseat the high-flying tandem of Nathan “Juice” Simpson and Patrick McGovern. Juice, fresh off a hole-in-one at Strawberry Ridge, found the cup less kind today, while Krawchyk delivered one of his best performances in recent memory.

The final pairing saw Captain Dante “Pow” Palmieri putting on a fireworks show of his own. With the swagger of a man chasing destiny, Pow scorched the back nine to steal the final point from Team World’s® Garrison Drake and Rob Swan, despite sharp play for the Team World® duo.

After the day’s action, we caught up with a jubilant Andrew Drake, who was riding high on adrenaline and confidence. “I got my guy,” he said, pointing over his shoulder. “Can’t speak for the rest of the crew, but I’m untouchable right now. I’m undefeated. I’m peak human. I’ll take on anyone with a pulse.”

But Team World® isn’t out—not by a long shot. “Sure, we’re behind,” Drake added. “But you can’t mount a legendary comeback unless you fall behind first. And when we do come back? It'll be sweeter than a cold beer on a hot day.”

So there you have it, folks. Day 1 has dealt its hand, and the chips are flying. With Penn State in front and Team World® sharpening their swords, tomorrow promises to be a barnburner for the ages. Our team will be on the ground with every divot, drive, and dramatic turn as it unfolds.

Stay tuned—this one’s far from over.