The 45th Ryder Cup has descended upon Bethpage Black Golf Course in Farmingdale, New York, and what an electrifying start it’s been! The biennial showdown between Team USA and defending champions Team Europe kicked off September 26, 2025, with all the signature drama, star power, and a few unexpected twists both on and off the fairways. As the world’s best golfers teed off, the event quickly proved to be about more than just birdies and bogeys—it’s a spectacle where competition, celebrity, and personal stories collide.
Friday morning began with a notable buzz in the air, and not just from the persistent hum of helicopters overhead. The security at Bethpage Black was nothing short of intense, with organizers and local officials urging fans to arrive early. Many did, braving bumper-to-bumper traffic and shelling out over $1,000 for tickets, eager to witness history in the making. Their patience paid off, as the atmosphere was charged with anticipation and patriotism, especially when U.S. President Donald Trump made his grand entrance, flying over the course in Air Force One before stepping onto the grounds with his teenage granddaughter, Kai Madison Trump—a recreational golfer herself.
Trump’s arrival was met with a chorus of cheers, chants of “USA! USA! USA!” and a handshake-filled stroll into the stands. The U.S. anthem blared as a military plane soared overhead, capping off a moment that felt as much political as it did sporting. “I think we’ll be ok,” Trump told reporters on the tarmac. “All great golfers.” His optimism was timely; Team USA had just avoided a shutout in the morning foursomes thanks to Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, who secured a 2UP victory over Europe’s Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland. Still, the Americans found themselves trailing 1-3 against a strong European side—hardly the start they’d envisioned as they look to reclaim the Cup after losing in 2023.
Keegan Bradley, U.S. team captain, tried to rally spirits, saying, “We just had the president fly over in his Air Force One so I have a feeling things are going to turn around here.” The captain’s words resonated with fans, who filled the stands with a mix of hope and nervous energy, aware that the Ryder Cup’s opening salvos often set the tone for the weekend’s fireworks.
But the Ryder Cup isn’t just about the players. This year, the spotlight also shines on the remarkable women supporting golf’s elite. The term “WAGs”—wives and girlfriends—has never felt more apt, with a cast of accomplished, independent, and charismatic partners turning heads on and off the course. They’re not just spectators; they’re part of the story, each with their own journey and role in the lives of the game’s biggest stars.
Take Meredith Scudder, wife of world number one Scottie Scheffler. She’s been by Scheffler’s side since high school and is now a connection liaison for a faith-based nonprofit, as well as mom to their 16-month-old son, Bennett. Scheffler’s steady play and family-first attitude have made him a fan favorite, and Meredith’s presence this week only adds to his support squad. Then there’s Erica Stoll, wife of Rory McIlroy, who met her husband at the 2012 Ryder Cup when she worked as a PGA transport official. Their relationship weathered a near-divorce in May 2024, but they’ve reunited, and Stoll is often seen cheering with their daughter, Poppy. McIlroy, candid on Netflix’s “Full Swing,” admitted, “I struggled with trying to be the best golfer, the best husband, the best dad.”
Jon Rahm’s wife, Kelley Cahill, brings her own athletic pedigree, having competed in national tennis tournaments. Married since 2019, Rahm and Cahill are now parents to three children—Kepa, Eneko, and Alaia—making their Ryder Cup journey a true family affair. Matt Fitzpatrick, representing Team Europe, enjoys unwavering support from his wife, Katherine Gaal Fitzpatrick, a former Miss New Jersey runner-up. She’s known for decorating his golf balls with sweet notes and doodles, a quirky but endearing pre-tournament ritual that keeps him smiling under pressure.
Tommy Fleetwood’s relationship with Clare Craig has drawn attention for their 24-year age gap, but the couple, introduced by Tommy’s brother, have defied the odds and are parents to son Frankie. Justin Thomas, another Team USA stalwart, credits his wife, Jillian Thomas Wisniewski, for making him “a better person,” as he shared in a 2022 interview. The couple welcomed their first child, Molly Grace, last year, and Jillian’s patience and support have become legendary among the golf WAGs.
Collin Morikawa, who married Katherine Zhu in 2022, has often said, “I didn’t start winning in college until she showed up in my life, so thanks Kat.” Their partnership, forged during college, is a testament to the role of steady support in the life of a champion. Xander Schauffele and Maya Lowe, married since 2021, share not only a love for golf but also two dogs and a commitment to public health and philanthropy. Maya’s work at Planned Parenthood and the Schauffele Family Foundation is a reminder that many of these women are making their own mark outside the ropes.
Patrick Cantlay’s wife, Nikki Guidish Cantlay, transitioned from fitness model and social media influencer to pharmacist and bodybuilder before marrying Cantlay in a glamorous Roman wedding after the 2023 Ryder Cup. She’s become a fixture at tournaments, often seen cheering alongside other golf WAGs, her own success and energy adding to the event’s dynamic atmosphere.
With so many compelling personal stories, it’s no wonder that the Ryder Cup has become as much about the people as the play. Fans are treated to a unique blend of elite golf, celebrity, and family drama—each round unfolding with new possibilities. And while the Americans are currently fighting to claw back from an early deficit, the energy at Bethpage Black suggests that anything can happen over the weekend. The presence of high-profile figures like President Trump, the dedication of families, and the resilience of the competitors all combine to make this Ryder Cup one for the ages.
As the action continues, all eyes remain on Bethpage Black. Will Team USA rally and reclaim the trophy on home soil, or will Team Europe’s early momentum carry them to another victory? For now, the competition is ongoing, the stories are still being written, and the world of golf is loving every minute of it.
