The Ryder Cup returns in 2025 to one of America’s most iconic venues—Bethpage Black in New York. This year’s contest once again pits the United States against Europe in golf’s most intense team competition. With passionate crowds, a brutal course, and the weight of national pride, the stage is set for another unforgettable week.
We’ll break down the history, the format, the rosters, and what to watch for as the 49th Ryder Cup gets underway.
A Brief History of the Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup has been held every two years since 1927, when it was first played at Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts. Originally a contest between the U.S. and Great Britain, the event expanded in 1979 to include all of Europe, creating the fierce rivalry we know today.
The competition is named after Samuel Ryder, the English businessman who donated the trophy. It is jointly managed by the PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe, which includes the PGA of Britain and Ireland as well as the PGAs of Europe.
Through 44 matches, the United States leads with 27 wins, while Europe (and the earlier Great Britain/Ireland teams) has 15 victories, with two ties.
The Ryder Cup is unique in golf: there’s no prize money. Players compete purely for pride, their country, and their continent.
The event has shifted dates a few times: originally played in odd years, it moved to even years after 2002 due to the 9/11 attacks, then back to odd years in 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ryder Cup Format
Unlike traditional stroke-play golf tournaments, the Ryder Cup is contested in match play over three days: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Days 1 & 2 (Friday and Saturday)
Foursomes (alternate shot): Two-player teams take turns hitting the same ball. Lowest score wins the hole.
Four-ball (best ball): Each player plays their own ball; the lowest score from each team counts for the hole.
Day 3 (Sunday)
Singles: 12 head-to-head matches, where every player faces off one-on-one.
Each match is worth one point. With 28 total points available, a team needs 14½ points to win the Cup.
Team USA Roster
Here’s a breakdown of the American squad:
Scottie Scheffler (2021, 2023)
Overall: 2-2-3
Foursomes: 0-2-0
Four-ball: 1-0-2
Singles: 1-0-1
J.J. Spaun (Rookie)
Xander Schauffele (2021, 2023)
Overall: 4-4-0
Foursomes: 2-2-0
Four-ball: 1-1-0
Singles: 1-1-0
Russell Henley (Rookie)
Harris English (2021)
Overall: 1-2-0
Foursomes: 0-0-0
Four-ball: 1-1-0
Singles: 0-1-0
Bryson DeChambeau (2021, 2023)
Overall: 2-3-1
Foursomes: 0-2-0
Four-ball: 1-0-1
Singles: 1-1-0
Justin Thomas (2018, 2021, 2023)
Overall: 7-4-2
Foursomes: 2-3-0
Four-ball: 2-1-2
Singles: 3-0-0
Collin Morikawa (2021, 2023)
Overall: 4-3-1
Foursomes: 2-1-0
Four-ball: 2-1-0
Singles: 0-1-1
Ben Griffin (Rookie)
Cameron Young (Rookie)
Patrick Cantlay (2021, 2023)
Overall: 5-2-1
Foursomes: 2-2-0
Four-ball: 1-0-1
Singles: 2-0-0
Sam Burns (2023)
Overall: 1-2-0
Foursomes: 0-1-0
Four-ball: 1-0-0
Singles: 0-1-0
Team USA Outlook:
This is a relatively young and untested American squad. Justin Thomas is the veteran leader with three Ryder Cups under his belt, while much of the roster has only one or two appearances—or none at all. Still, the team is stacked with PGA Tour winners, and Bethpage Black’s length sets up well for the big hitters. Playing on home soil, the U.S. will look to overpower the course.
Team Europe Roster
Rory McIlroy (2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021, 2023)
Overall: 16-13-4
Foursomes: 7-5-1
Four-ball: 5-6-2
Singles: 4-2-1
Robert MacIntyre (2023)
Overall: 2-0-1
Foursomes: 0-0-0
Four-ball: 1-0-1
Singles: 1-0-0
Tommy Fleetwood (2018, 2021, 2023)
Overall: 7-3-2
Foursomes: 4-0-0
Four-ball: 2-2-1
Singles: 1-1-1
Justin Rose (2008, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2023)
Overall: 14-9-3
Foursomes: 7-2-1
Four-ball: 5-4-1
Singles: 2-3-1
Rasmus Højgaard (Rookie)
Tyrrell Hatton (2018, 2021, 2023)
Overall: 5-4-2
Foursomes: 2-1-0
Four-ball: 2-1-2
Singles: 1-2-0
Shane Lowry (2021, 2023)
Overall: 2-3-1
Foursomes: 1-1-0
Four-ball: 1-1-0
Singles: 0-1-1
Sepp Straka (2023)
Overall: 1-2-0
Foursomes: 1-1-0
Four-ball: 0-0-0
Singles: 0-1-0
Ludvig Åberg (2023)
Overall: 2-2-0
Foursomes: 2-0-0
Four-ball: 0-1-0
Singles: 0-1-0
Viktor Hovland (2021, 2023)
Overall: 3-4-3
Foursomes: 2-2-0
Four-ball: 0-2-2
Singles: 1-0-1
Matt Fitzpatrick (2016, 2021, 2023)
Overall: 1-7-0
Foursomes: 0-3-0
Four-ball: 1-1-0
Singles: 0-3-0
Jon Rahm (2018, 2021, 2023)
Overall: 6-3-3
Foursomes: 4-0-0
Four-ball: 1-2-2
Singles: 1-1-1
Team Europe Outlook:
Europe enters with the clear edge in experience. Rory McIlroy will be making his eighth Ryder Cup appearance, while Justin Rose adds another veteran presence. However, Bethpage Black may not fit their game as well as it does the Americans. Europe thrives on chemistry and team culture, which often closes the talent gap—and they’ll need it again here as the underdogs.
What to Watch For
The Ryder Cup almost always delivers drama, and Bethpage should be no different. Here are the key storylines:
Sunday Singles Showdown: The final day often decides the Cup. Imagine matchups like Scheffler vs. McIlroy or DeChambeau vs. Rahm—these would be can’t-miss theater.
Home-Field Advantage: Historically, the home team has thrived. The U.S. crowd at Bethpage could be a factor.
USA’s Roster Strategy: Critics say Team USA waits too long to develop young players compared to Europe’s culture-driven approach. If the U.S. falters, expect renewed debate about how the team is built.
Europe’s Experience vs. USA’s Firepower: Can chemistry and veteran savvy outduel raw length and home-course edge?
Either way, the Ryder Cup is golf’s most unique spectacle—part sport, part theater, all heart.
Final Thoughts
The Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black promises intensity, passion, and maybe even chaos. Whether it’s a U.S. blowout or a nail-biting finish, one thing is certain: the world will be watching.
Thanks for reading. This is Grayson Reames with Sweet Tees Golf.