The 2025 Ryder Cup is set to begin on Friday, with the initial match starting at 7:10 a.m. ET. Captains Keegan Bradley (USA) and Luke Donald (Europe) will announce the pairings for the first four matches on Thursday afternoon. As the U.S. team aims to reclaim the Cup on home soil, numerous compelling narratives will unfold. Key questions include how Bethpage Black will challenge the players, who will face the greatest pressure, and ultimately, which team will lift the trophy on Sunday. Our reporters share their insights on what to anticipate over the coming days.
What are you most looking forward to seeing this week?
Mark Schlabach: The home course advantage is significant in the Ryder Cup, evidenced by the host team winning the last five matches. Expectations are high for a boisterous crowd at Bethpage Black. European players have even resorted to virtual reality training to brace themselves for the intense New York fan reception. Rory McIlroy acknowledged that while preparations are thorough, nothing truly replicates the live experience. The key question is how the New York crowd will impact emotional players like Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, and whether the taunting will remain within acceptable bounds. The absence of past Ryder Cup stalwarts like Ian Poulter and Sergio Garcia might temper some of the potential friction.
Justin Thomas commented on fan behavior, stating that criticism for poor play is deserved, but personal attacks are unacceptable. He acknowledges the unique intensity of the Ryder Cup as a home game, hoping to give fans cause for celebration. Thomas also noted that New York crowds, unlike others, might turn on the home team if they underperform, given their high expectations for championships.
Paolo Uggetti: Paolo Uggetti highlights the escalating rivalry between Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau as a must-watch storyline. Their contentious dynamic, which began at Augusta and has continued with pointed remarks from both sides, suggests a heated confrontation. DeChambeau`s promise to “chirp in his ear” in the Ryder Cup was met with McIlroy`s dismissive “I think the only way he gets attention is by mentioning other people.” Uggetti hopes captains pair them in foursomes or four-ball, predicting a blockbuster Sunday singles match if scheduling allows.
What do you expect from Bethpage Black this week?
Paolo Uggetti: Paolo Uggetti observes that Bethpage Black`s rough is not overly punishing, suggesting the U.S. team isn`t aiming for an extremely penal setup off the fairway. While elevated greens will demand precision from short grass for spin, the relatively flat greens could turn into a putting challenge. He anticipates more exciting recovery shots and compelling match play. Uggetti also highlights the intense atmosphere expected around Holes 1 and 15-18, where intertwining fairways and grandstands will create an amphitheater-like setting, promising abundant roars from the crowd.
A player for each team under most pressure?
Mark Schlabach: Mark Schlabach points to Xander Schauffele as a U.S. player under immense pressure. Despite being a world-class golfer and a two-time major winner in 2024, Schauffele`s momentum was hampered by a rib injury, leading to a less successful 2024 season and missing the Tour Championship. He hasn`t played competitively since August, having welcomed his first child. Schauffele expressed pleasant surprise at his form post-break. While his partnership with Patrick Cantlay has been strong, his Ryder Cup record in Rome was mixed. He hopes a victory at Bethpage Black will help him move past a challenging 2025 season.
Paolo Uggetti: Paolo Uggetti identifies Rory McIlroy as the European player facing the most pressure, largely self-imposed. Following Europe`s 2023 victory, McIlroy declared that winning an away Ryder Cup at Bethpage would be a paramount achievement, a goal he has consistently emphasized. Despite a stellar year including a Players Championship win, a Masters triumph (completing his Grand Slam), and an Irish Open title, leading Europe to an away victory—a feat not achieved since 2012—would be the ultimate culmination. Failure to do so, however, would place significant blame on his shoulders.
Who should play all five matches?
Mark Schlabach: Mark Schlabach asserts that World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler must play all five sessions. Scheffler, who recently secured his sixth win of the season and 15th global victory in two years, aims to redeem his 0-2-2 record from Rome, including a historically short 9-and-7 foursomes loss that brought him to tears. Scheffler acknowledged the difficulty of Rome, stating the team has learned and is better prepared for the upcoming challenge.
Under-the-radar players you think will have a big impact this week?
Mark Schlabach: Mark Schlabach identifies two potential dark horses. For Team USA, Russell Henley, a 31-year-old rookie and current World No. 3, is expected to pair with Scottie Scheffler, building on their successful Presidents Cup partnership. Henley`s calm demeanor and strong iron play could be crucial. On the European side, Scotland`s Robert MacIntyre has significantly improved his game since his Ryder Cup rookie appearance in Rome, where he earned 2.5 points. With two PGA Tour wins in 2024 and a strong showing at the U.S. Open, he is a strong candidate for Friday`s opening foursomes.
Paolo Uggetti: Paolo Uggetti points to U.S. Open champion J.J. Spaun as an under-the-radar rookie for Team USA. Spaun`s exceptional approach play and clutch putting could make him an invaluable, versatile partner. For Team Europe, Rasmus Hojgaard, who just qualified on points, is another overlooked talent. Despite his low profile, Hojgaard defeated McIlroy at last year`s Irish Open and ranks highly in strokes gained on the DP World Tour. While his short game is a weakness, Bethpage`s layout might mitigate this concern.
