The Ryder Cup returns on Friday, and anticipation could hardly be higher. Twelve of the best golfers from the United States will take on twelve of Europe’s finest in a contest that always delivers drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.
What makes the Ryder Cup so special is its uniqueness. Golf is an individual sport by nature, but for one week it transforms into a team battle, where players are competing not only for themselves but for their teammates, their nations, and their continent. It’s more than just a golf tournament — it’s one of sport’s greatest stages.
Embed from Getty ImagesHistory
The Ryder Cup dates back to 1927, when it was first contested between the United States and Great Britain & Ireland. For the first 50 years, the Americans dominated the competition, winning 18 of the 22 editions, while GB&I managed just three victories alongside one draw.
Everything changed in 1979, when the GB&I team was expanded to include players from across Europe. Since then, the contest has become far more balanced and fiercely competitive. In the 22 Ryder Cups played under this format, the USA have won nine, Europe 12, with one ending in a draw — a testament to how the rivalry has evolved into one of the greatest spectacles in sport.
Over the decades, the Ryder Cup has produced countless iconic moments from legends of the game — Seve Ballesteros inspiring Europe with his passion and creativity, Ian Poulter’s famous fist pumps, and unforgettable duels involving Phil Mickelson and Tiger Woods. More recently, Europe triumphed in Rome in 2023 with a dominant 16.5–11.5 victory, while the USA’s last win came in 2021 at Whistling Straits, where they dismantled Europe 19–9 in one of the most one-sided contests in the event’s history.
Home advantage has played a huge role in recent Ryder Cups. In fact, the last time the away side triumphed was back in 2012, when Europe famously edged the USA 14.5–13.5 in the “Miracle at Medinah.” Since then, the home team has always held firm, and with New York set to provide a fiery, partisan atmosphere this week, that advantage could once again be decisive.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Host Venue
New York plays host to this year’s Ryder Cup, with the action set at Bethpage State Park’s Black Course on Long Island. Known as one of the toughest layouts in America, Bethpage Black is as famous for its brutal difficulty as it is for the iconic warning sign overlooking the first tee and 18th green.
The course will provide a stern test, but it’s the crowd that could prove just as influential. Defending champions Europe face the ultimate road challenge: taking on the United States in front of a raucous New York gallery. The atmosphere is expected to be intense, partisan, and intimidating — with even U.S. President Donald Trump among those anticipated in attendance.
Embed from Getty ImagesAware of the challenge, European captain Luke Donald has taken unusual steps to prepare his team. He equipped his players with virtual reality headsets that simulate crowd noise and even heckling, aiming to desensitise them to the hostility they’ll likely face. “That’s the stuff we are going to have to deal with,” Donald explained. “So it’s better to prepare now than be shocked on the first tee.”
The Teams
On paper, Europe enter this Ryder Cup as clear favourites. Their squad is stacked with proven winners who have all enjoyed strong seasons, with Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Justin Rose standing out. All three are Ryder Cup veterans, battle-tested on the biggest stage, and unlikely to be fazed by the intensity of Bethpage Black or the New York crowd.
LIV Golf stars Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton also add steel to Europe’s lineup. Having played together all season for Legion XIII, their established partnership could prove invaluable in the heat of Ryder Cup match play.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe Americans, by contrast, arrive with a more mixed lineup. Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Xander Schauffele will undoubtedly lead the charge, but this feels like the first U.S. team in a while that doesn’t quite radiate the same star power of past editions.
That said, it would be a mistake to underestimate them. Players like Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, and Patrick Cantlay have all delivered under Ryder Cup pressure before, while rookies such as J.J. Spaun and Harris English bring an element of unpredictability that Europe will need to be wary of.
| Team USA- Captain, Keegan Bradley | Team Europe- Captain, Luke Donald |
| Scottie Scheffler | Rory McIlroy |
| Bryson DeChambeau | Tommy Fleetwood |
| Xander Schauffele | Ludvig Aberg |
| Harris English | Robert MacIntyre |
| Collin Morrikawa | Justin Rose |
| Russell Henley | Viktor Hovland |
| Patrick Cantlay | Rasmus Hojgaard |
| Cam Young | Tyrell Hatton |
| Justin Thomas | Jon Rahm |
| JJ Spaun | Sepp Straka |
| Sam Burns | Matt Fitzpatrick |
| Ben Griffin | Shane Lowry |
It’s hard to put into words just how special the Ryder Cup is. Over the years, it has given us everything — dominant victories, tense nail-biters, and unforgettable classics that live long in the memory. This edition promises to be no different, with all the ingredients for another chapter in golfing history.
For golf fans, the Ryder Cup is already one of the most anticipated weeks on the calendar. But even for those who don’t usually follow the sport, it has the power to change perceptions. The passion, the drama, the team spirit — it’s golf at its rawest and most human. This week at Bethpage Black has all the makings of another Ryder Cup that transcends the sport, creating moments that will be remembered not just in golf, but in sporting history.
The wait is nearly over. On Friday, September 26th, the Ryder Cup returns at Bethpage Black, and for three days golf will be transformed into one of the most intense and passionate spectacles in sport. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone who’s never watched a shot of golf before, this is the week to tune in. Every putt, every fist pump, every roar from the crowd could be the difference — and it promises to be unmissable.
Swing and Hope 
Leave a comment