US, Europe set for pivotal Ryder Cup at Bethpage as crowd and fast starts shape outcome
US hosts Bethpage Black as Europe seeks first away win since 2012, with opening sessions and crowd dynamics likely to decide the outcome
The 2025 Ryder Cup begins Friday at Bethpage Black in New York, with the United States eager to reclaim the trophy Europe won in Rome last year. Bookmakers have the hosts as slight favorites, but a mix of momentum, experience and home-course dynamics has Europe tipped to win away for the first time since 2012. The event runs September 26-28 on Long Island, featuring a battle that could hinge on how quickly the teams establish rhythm on the first day.
Friday’s opening session is widely viewed as pivotal. Across the last five Ryder Cups, the eventual overall winner has dominated the first day, with the opening foursomes often setting the tone for the weekend. Europe collected only a half-point from 12 on the first-day foursomes during its 2014, 2018 and 2023 victories, while the United States opened Whistling Straits in 2021 with a 3-1 edge in the foursomes on the way to a 19-9 final margin. In 2016 at Hazeltine, the U.S. won the Friday foursomes 4-0, leaving Europe with a hole to climb. The most recent away matches in 2016 and 2021 saw Europe trailing by 11½-4½ in the foursomes, underscoring how important a strong start can be for the visitors this week.
Overcoming the home advantage is a central theme for Europe. New York’s famously boisterous atmosphere could swing momentum quickly, and American players have acknowledged the challenge. Collin Morikawa described the practice days as relatively tame, but he told BBC Sport he expects “absolute chaos” once play begins on Friday. Europe plans to pacify the crowd by staying locked in on the basics and by treating the rounds as golf first, performance second.
European captain Luke Donald heads to Bethpage with Rome’s triumph still fresh in memory and a settled squad, adding one new face this time, Rasmus Hojgaard, who will replace Nicolai Højgaard from Rome. Donald has delivered his message with calm assurance, including a light jab about Americans being paid for the first time at a Ryder Cup during his opening ceremony remarks, a nod to the commercial dimension surrounding the event without letting it distract from golf.
Keegan Bradley, who took on the captaincy role after Tiger Woods declined last year, acknowledged the nerves that come with leading a Ryder Cup team. His comments this week reflected the tension of the moment, but Bradley also said he wanted the group to focus on the task at hand rather than the spotlight surrounding the weekend.
On the European side, Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose remain the core veterans. McIlroy earlier this year completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Masters, while Rose added a PGA Tour title in August. They are joined by a talented group that includes Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton, Matt Fitzpatrick and Shane Lowry, who are back for another tilt on U.S. soil. Fleetwood noted that Europe did not feel they did themselves justice in Rome and viewed that as motivation for a stronger performance this time around.
From the American perspective, Scottie Scheffler stands as the marquee figure. The world No. 1 has enjoyed another standout year with multiple championships, including majors, and will be central to the U.S. plan. Yet veteran observers like Nick Faldo cautioned that Scheffler might be the only U.S. player Europe genuinely fears, suggesting that if Europe can deny him a decisive edge, the rest of the lineup could present a tougher challenge than expected. Cantlay and Thomas also carry strong Ryder Cup pedigrees, and both bring ample experience to the team room.
The tournament also carries a political and cultural moment. President Donald Trump will be on site for the event’s Friday start, with organizers stressing security to keep the event orderly amid large crowds. Several players, including Bryson DeChambeau, spoke about the momentous atmosphere and the potential for the crowd to influence the weekend’s momentum. DeChambeau said Trump’s presence could energize supporters, while organizers emphasized that the environment would be electric but controlled.
As with any Ryder Cup, the winner will likely be decided by more than flashes of individual brilliance. Momentum through the first few sessions, the ability to manage the crowd, and how well each team adapts to Bethpage’s greens and winds will shape the outcome. The 45th edition promises a measured blend of depth, drama and pressure as two proud teams chase a trophy that has repeatedly swung on the opening day and the dynamic between home-field advantage and away-game resilience.