The Ryder Cup: Golf’s Epic Team Showdown

While golf is typically an individual pursuit where players vie for personal glory, the Ryder Cup dramatically transforms this dynamic. This unique and esteemed competition shifts the focus from individual achievement to intense team rivalry and national pride.

Held biennially and named after its founder, English entrepreneur and golf enthusiast Samuel Ryder, this prestigious event pits a 12-member team of Europe`s finest golfers against 12 top players from the United States in a thrilling three-day match-play contest.

Renowned for its intense drama, deep camaraderie, and elite golfing talent, the Ryder Cup stands as a highlight on the international sports calendar, captivating fans worldwide. Here`s your comprehensive guide to the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup:

Key Details for the 2025 Ryder Cup

When is the Ryder Cup?

The 2025 Ryder Cup is scheduled to take place from Friday, September 26, to Sunday, September 28.

Where is the Ryder Cup Held?

The 2025 Ryder Cup will be hosted at the iconic Bethpage Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, New York, promising a challenging and dramatic backdrop for the competition.

How Can Fans Watch the Ryder Cup?

Enthusiasts can catch all the action of the 2025 Ryder Cup on television via NBC, the Golf Channel, and USA Network. For streaming options, the entire competition will be available on Peacock.

Teams and Player Selection

The Ryder Cup showcases a formidable team of 12 golfers representing Europe, competing directly against a squad of 12 top players from the United States.

United States Team

For the U.S. team, the initial six spots are automatically filled by the leading eligible players in the Ryder Cup standings following the BMW Championship on August 17, 2025. The remaining six team members are selected by the U.S. captain, Keegan Bradley.

Automatic Qualifiers:

• Scottie Scheffler
• Xander Schauffele
• J.J. Spaun
• Russell Henley
• Harris English
• Bryson DeChambeau

Captain`s Picks (by Keegan Bradley):

• Justin Thomas
• Collin Morikawa
• Ben Griffin
• Cameron Young
• Patrick Cantlay
• Sam Burn

European Team

Similarly, the European team`s first six spots are secured by the top players in Ryder Cup points after the Betfred British Masters on August 24, 2025. European captain Luke Donald then chooses the final six members to complete the team.

Automatic Qualifiers:

• Rory McIlroy
• Robert MacIntyre
• Tommy Fleetwood
• Justin Rose
• Rasmus Højgaard
• Tyrrell Hatton

Captain`s Picks (by Luke Donald):

• Shane Lowry
• Viktor Hovland
• Matt Fitzpatrick
• Jon Rahm
• Sepp Straka
• Ludvig Aberg

Frequency of the Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup is contested every two years, with the host venue alternating between a course in the United States and one in Europe.

Understanding the Ryder Cup Format

The Ryder Cup is a dynamic match-play competition spanning three days. The initial two days feature players competing in pairs across two distinct formats: foursomes and four-balls. The final day culminates in 12 head-to-head singles matches.

• Foursomes: In this format, two players from the same team alternate shots using a single ball. The team with the lowest score wins the hole. If scores are tied, the hole is halved.
• Four-balls: Here, each of the two players on a team plays their own ball. The team whose player records the lowest individual score on a hole wins that hole. If the lowest scores from both teams are equal, the hole is halved.
• Singles Matches: On the final day, 12 individual head-to-head matches are played. The player with the lowest score on each hole wins it. Tied scores result in a halved hole.

The entire competition consists of 28 total matches. Each match victory is worth one point, and a tied match awards half a point to each team. The first team to accumulate more than 14 total points secures the victory. In the rare event of an overall 14-14 tie, the reigning Ryder Cup champion retains the trophy. Notably, there are no extra holes played in Ryder Cup matches.

Does the Ryder Cup Offer Prize Money?

The Ryder Cup stands out as a competition driven by prestige and national pride, rather than monetary prizes for the players. While the European players do not receive compensation, each of the 12 golfers on the U.S. team is awarded $500,000 for their participation, with $300,000 of that amount designated for charity.

Ryder Cup Historical Overview

All-Time Series Leader

Historically, the United States leads the all-time Ryder Cup series with a record of 27 wins, 15 losses, and 2 ties.

Ryder Cup All-Time Winners List

Below is a comprehensive list of Ryder Cup champions throughout its storied history: