Heading into the final round of singles matches, the USA sit seven points behind Europe, with this year’s Ryder Cup already shaping up as one of the most one-sided performances from an away side in recent memory. The Europeans have been clinical, composed, and relentless, capitalising on every weakness of their opponents, while the Americans have struggled to find form, leadership, and momentum.
Embed from Getty ImagesSadly, as of writing this, the 2025 Ryder Cup has been overshadowed by poor decision-making, an at-times hostile crowd, and a group of American players who simply haven’t delivered. Credit where it’s due: Europe have been outstanding and fully deserve their commanding lead. But from the players, to the PGA of America, to the fans in New York, I can’t help but feel let down by the incompetence on the U.S. side.
Where to start? Keegan Bradley. He should be playing in this Ryder Cup, not captaining it. Yes, it’s easy to point fingers in hindsight, but the reality is Bradley would have brought better form, more fire, and probably an extra point or two to this American team. Instead, he’s stuck on the sidelines, and the U.S. are stuck in a rut. Many felt his appointment was more about sympathy than strategy — a response to his controversial omission from Zach Johnson’s team in 2023.
If that really was the case, it falls squarely on the PGA of America, who should have known better. At 39, Bradley still has years left as a competitor at the very top level. Giving him the captaincy now looks like a huge misstep.
Despite the question marks over Keegan Bradley’s captaincy, there is absolutely no excuse for the behaviour of some American fans this week. The reports — and the footage — suggest most of the abuse has been aimed at Rory McIlroy. To his credit, he’s handled it as well as anyone could, but let’s be honest: if you’re trying to do your job with a constant stream of “f*** you” being shouted from just yards away, eventually your patience is going to snap. McIlroy has given a bit back, but who wouldn’t? There’s a line between passionate support and outright disrespect, and too many have crossed it at Bethpage Black.
Embed from Getty ImagesIt also doesn’t help when clips surface like the one below: a master of ceremonies actively encouraging and joining in with chants of “f*** you, Rory.” That isn’t passion, that’s hostility being legitimised. You don’t even see that kind of behaviour condoned at some of Europe’s fiercest sporting rivalries, let alone at a golf event that’s supposed to showcase respect alongside competition.
Granted, I’ve never been to America, so I can’t claim first-hand experience of an American sporting crowd. But what I do know from my own experiences is that shouting “f*** you” at an opposing player isn’t intimidating — it’s childish, cringeworthy, and completely lacking in imagination, creativity, or wit. Honestly, I expected more from New York. I was excited to see how the European team would handle the intensity of the atmosphere, but in the end, the hostility has only served to motivate them and completely backfired on the USA.
The American fans should feel ashamed, and the players embarrassed, that this is the backdrop to their Ryder Cup campaign.
Embed from Getty ImagesFrom a U.S. team perspective, I can’t say I was particularly excited by the lineup. Several players came in with questionable form — Collin Morikawa and Xander Schauffele being prime examples — and it’s shown so far. Add to that the backdrop of golf’s endless politics, and you can’t help but feel this American side is weaker than it should be.
Like it or not, a number of LIV players would almost certainly strengthen this team on paper, and their absence has left the U.S. short of both firepower and confidence. Patrick Reed, Dustin Johnson, even Phil Mickelson in a vice-captain role would have brought the kind of passion, edge, and Ryder Cup know-how that this American side is sorely missing.
Embed from Getty ImagesAs for LIV Golf representation, the lone American in Bryson DeChambeau has fallen flat. Expectations were high — his power, personality, and ability to inspire suggested he could be a driving force both on the course and in the locker room. Instead, he’s looked off the pace and far from the standard he’s capable of producing, leaving yet another void in a U.S. team already short on leaders.
Add to that the abysmal form of world number one Scottie Scheffler. The U.S. pinned their hopes on him to set the tone, to lead from the front and deliver points, yet he has failed to win a single match despite featuring in all four sessions. Four defeats from four is almost unthinkable for a player who has looked so dominant all season, and it leaves you wondering how everything has unravelled so quickly on the biggest stage.
Embed from Getty ImagesNow, I may regret posting this — the miracle of all miracles could still occur, and the Americans might mount a fightback — but at the time of writing, Europe leading in five matches makes that outcome seem highly unlikely.
This Ryder Cup has been a showcase of Europe’s composure, precision, and teamwork, highlighting the importance of experience, preparation, and mental toughness on one of golf’s biggest stages. For the USA, it has been a frustrating week of missed opportunities, underperformance, and a reminder that even the most talented teams can struggle when leadership, form, and momentum don’t align.
Swing and Hope 
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