Ryder Cup Preview

The most patriotic team golf event is back with the 2025 Ryder Cup on U.S. soil at Bethpage Black Golf Course in Farmingdale, New York. From September 26 to 28, golfers will experience fierce international competition. 

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History and Format

The Ryder Cup has a very long history, dating back to 1927. In the overall score of the Ryder Cups, the U.S. is leading 27 to 15 over Europe. The Ryder Cup was invented by Samuel Ryder, a golf enthusiast, in the 1900s. He envisioned a team style of golf as opposed to the traditional style. Ryder believed that separating the professional golfers by American versus European nationality would best suit this competition. The Ryder Cup is a three-day event, with groups of four golfers, two from America and two from Europe, playing an alternate shot format where each player follows the others’ shot. The second day is groups of four, both playing their own ball, but taking the best score from each hole. The final day is 12 one-vs-one matches with tons of pressure and winner-takes-all implications. A total of 28 points are on the table; each match won awards a point to the team. A tie in a match results in each team receiving a half point. 

Stakes

The European team is the reigning champion this year, winning last year on their home soil. The American team is hungry for revenge this year as they look to defend their home turf. Since the European team won last year, they need 14 out of the 28 points to win back-to-back years. The American team, however, needs 14 and a half to be victorious. 

Teams and Captains

For the American team, Captain Keagan Bradley leads them into battle. Leading up to this event, Bradley has said, “We’re bringing the fire,” and “Bethpage is a battlefield, and we plan to defend it.” The European Captain, Luke Donald, doesn’t plan to back down, saying things such as “This is about composure under pressure,” and “We know what it takes.”

Players to Watch

🇺🇸 Team USA

• Scottie Scheffler – The world No. 1 and putting woes aside, still the rock of the American lineup.
  
  
• Collin Morikawa – Precision iron play will be key on Bethpage’s demanding par-4s.
  
  
• Justin Thomas – A fiery competitor who thrives in team formats.
  
  

🇪🇺 Team Europe

• Rory McIlroy – The emotional heartbeat of Team Europe; always a Ryder Cup force.
  
  
• Viktor Hovland – Brilliant off the tee and ice-cold under pressure.
  
  
• Ludvig Åberg – The breakout star from 2023 returns with higher expectations.

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Prediction

I am predicting the final score for the 2025 Ryder Cup to be America 15, Europe 13, with the Americans defending their home soil and taking home the trophy. I think America will come out early and take the lead, but the Europeans won’t give up, leading to an exciting final day.

Best Match: With the Friday pairings finally out, I predict that the Best Match will be Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley against Ludvig åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick.

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