Donald and Bradley's warmth sets tone for Ryder Cup at Bethpage

Bethpage Black in New York opened its gates to the 2025 Ryder Cup with an unusually cordial atmosphere Monday as Europe captain Luke Donald and U.S. counterpart Keegan Bradley exchanged compliments and mutual respect ahead of the matches set for 26-28 September.

Donald described a bond that extends beyond the competition, saying, "Keegan is someone that I've rooted for. If he did well in a tournament, won a tournament, I would text him. We sometimes play practice rounds together, we've had dinners together." He also emphasized a "strong friendship" and a deep, "mutual respect" for one another as they prepared for the week at Bethpage Black.

Bradley responded with equal warmth, praising Donald personally. "There are not many people I like more in the golf world than Luke Donald. I feel lucky to have Luke on the opposite side because we send each other texts, we joke around. I love hanging out and having a drink with Luke Donald." The tone stood in contrast to the often tense build-up to Ryder Cup weeks, and the captains stressed their desire to win while preserving a sense of camaraderie.

[Image: Luke Donald and Keegan Bradley]()

Both leaders are anchored in nearby Florida, where they are members of Jack Nicklaus' Bear's Club and, in Bradley's case, co-owners of a local restaurant. The proximity is not just personal—it informs how they approach the week, with a shared routine and a mutual understanding of Bethpage's notoriously demanding layout.

The environment at Bethpage, which has earned a reputation as a cauldron for American fans, is already being softened by this early, overt goodwill. While New York fans are expected to bring a sharp edge to the Bear's Pit atmosphere around the course, the captains said the week should be defined by teamwork and respect rather than hostilities.

Bradley opened the day by gathering his players on the first tee and playing the national anthem before a practice round, a moment he described as emotionally powerful. "Every second that the guys are together and can have a powerful moment, it brings them closer together," he said. He revealed he had contemplated naming himself as a wildcard pick but ultimately chose not to do so, opting to focus on preparing the team rather than stepping into the lineup himself.

"I've thought about it every second. I catch myself every now and then looking down the fairway, seeing the guys and thinking how badly I'd like to do that. But I feel like I've been called for a bigger cause — to help our guys get ready to play at the highest level," Bradley said when asked about the decision not to take a player slot for himself. The issue underscores the weight of leadership on a Ryder Cup week, where the captain's choices and tone can influence the mood and momentum of the squad.

The week has already fostered some intriguing tactics. Donald confirmed that his players will train with sophisticated tools designed to simulate the Ryder Cup environment. Rory McIlroy, among those preparing with Donald's group, explained that the captain has provided virtual reality headsets programmed to mirror the sights and sounds of match play. "You can get them to say whatever you want them to say. You can go as close to the bone as you like," McIlroy said, illustrating how technology is used to prepare the away team for the New York ambience and the banter that can arise on a big stage.

Bradley embraced the emotional component of the week, noting that the show of unity on the first tee helped set a tone for what he hopes will be an emotionally powerful ride for the U.S. team. His approach is underscored by a broader strategic aim: to end a streak of away results that has kept the Ryder Cup competitive in recent years. The United States will be aiming to extend its home winning streak to three — a feat that would enhance their odds of reclaiming the Cup this year — while Europe looks to defend the trophy away from home and secure its first away win since 2012.

"We haven't come close to winning three out of the past four away Ryder Cups," Donald said. "It's not been close at all. My job is to bridge that gap." The stakes are clear, but the atmosphere around the opening exchanges has been notably calm, with both captains consistently emphasizing sportsmanship and an enjoyable week for fans and players alike.

The Ryder Cup at Bethpage will test teamwork and mental fortitude as the course’s uneven terrain and layout challenge players in different ways than typical stroke-play events. The home crowd in New York is expected to be sizeable, with as many as 8,000 supporters anticipated in the stands near the first tee and adjacent 18th green—a record for event configuration at Bethpage—but the mood in the paddock suggests a week-long emphasis on shared purpose rather than any single dramatic confrontation.

As the week unfolds, the captains’ friendship and their ability to balance competition with collegiality will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike. The Ryder Cup remains a unique test of teamwork and national pride, and while both Donald and Bradley insist on a victorious outcome for their sides, they also acknowledge that the journey toward Sunday’s singles will be defined by how well their teams handle pressure, adapt to Bethpage's quirks, and keep lines of communication open among players and coaching staff. The weekend will determine whether the United States can capitalize on a home-field advantage or whether Europe’s defense will continue to showcase resilience away from its own turf. The world will be watching as two friends lead their teams into what promises to be a memorable chapter in Ryder Cup history.