The stage is set and the excitement is palpable as the 45th Ryder Cup descends upon Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. From September 24 through September 28, 2025, the world’s golfing elite from the United States and Europe will battle for one of the sport’s most coveted trophies, as history, pride, and a century-old rivalry converge on Long Island’s storied public course.
This year’s Ryder Cup promises to be a spectacle like no other. Not only does it mark the first time Bethpage Black, a public course renowned for its challenging layout and raucous crowds, hosts the event, but it also brings with it a wave of anticipation—and a few logistical curveballs. With over 250,000 visitors expected throughout the week and a projected $160 million economic boost for Long Island, the stakes off the course are nearly as high as those on it.
Ryder Cup week officially kicked off with practice rounds and a flurry of pre-tournament events. Players from both teams have been out on the course, acclimating to the unique pressures and nuances of Bethpage Black. The Ryder Cup All-Star Match and the final round of the Junior Ryder Cup added to the buzz, giving fans a taste of the international camaraderie and competition that defines this event.
Mother Nature, however, had her own plans. Due to inclement weather across the Tri-State area, officials made the call to move the highly anticipated Opening Ceremony from its traditional Thursday slot to Wednesday, September 24, at 4 p.m. Eastern Time. Hosted by Today co-host Carson Daly and former Miss America Kira Dixon, the ceremony welcomed players into the arena with great fanfare. In a nod to fans, those holding Thursday tickets were allowed to use them for Wednesday’s festivities. As a result, the final practice day was set for Thursday, September 25, giving competitors one last chance to fine-tune their games before the real action begins.
With the Opening Ceremony wrapped and the final pairings for Friday’s opening foursomes session set to be announced Thursday afternoon, all eyes now turn to the competition itself. The Ryder Cup’s unique format is a test of skill, nerve, and team chemistry. Friday and Saturday mornings will see teams of two square off in foursomes—golf’s ultimate alternate shot format—where strategy and partnership are key. Afternoons bring the four-ball matches, with each golfer playing their own ball and the best score counting for the team. The grand finale arrives Sunday, September 28, with 12 head-to-head singles matches that often decide the fate of the Cup.
A total of 28 points are up for grabs over the three days of play. With Europe having secured the trophy in Rome in 2023, the blue and gold need only 14 points to retain it, while the United States must reach 14.5 points to win outright. The Americans, led by a formidable lineup and the memory of their record 19 to 9 victory at Whistling Straits in 2021, are determined to reclaim the Cup on home soil. But Europe, under the steady hand of returning captain Luke Donald and buoyed by the likes of Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose—both veterans of the legendary “Miracle at Medinah” in 2012—are eager to break a decade-plus drought for road teams and make history once again.
The U.S. team boasts an impressive roster of automatic qualifiers: world number one Scottie Scheffler, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, J.J. Spaun, Harris English, and Bryson DeChambeau. Captain’s picks round out the squad with Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, and Sam Burns—all players hungry for Ryder Cup glory. On the European side, automatic qualifiers include Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Robert MacIntyre, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, and Rasmus Højgaard. Captain Donald’s picks—Viktor Hovland, Sepp Straka, Ludvig Åberg, Shane Lowry, Matt Fitzpatrick, and Jon Rahm—bring a blend of experience, youth, and firepower.
Practice rounds on Wednesday featured marquee groupings, with Team USA’s Bryson DeChambeau, Ben Griffin, Justin Thomas, and Cameron Young teeing off at 9:45 a.m., while Team Europe’s Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry, Jon Rahm, and Sepp Straka started at 9:30 a.m. The energy on the course was unmistakable, with both teams using every moment to prepare for the intense pressure and partisan crowds that Bethpage Black is sure to deliver.
As the competition schedule unfolds, fans can catch every swing thanks to a comprehensive TV broadcast plan. In the U.S., Golf Channel and USA Network will provide wall-to-wall coverage, with additional streaming options available on RyderCup.com, the Ryder Cup app, and Peacock. In the UK, Sky Sports Golf is the go-to destination for live action from dawn to dusk. Whether you’re watching from the grandstands or your living room, there’s no shortage of ways to follow the drama as it unfolds.
The Ryder Cup’s impact extends far beyond the fairways. Local officials have implemented street closures around Bethpage Black to manage the influx of spectators, with Round Swamp Road, Quaker Meeting House Road, and Clubhouse Road all affected throughout the week. The event is also a boon for the local economy, creating approximately 1,000 jobs and shining an international spotlight on Long Island’s vibrant sports and tourism scene.
Adding a layer of intrigue, President Donald Trump is set to attend Friday’s matches, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Claire Leavitt. Trump, no stranger to the world of golf, recently attended the men’s U.S. Open final and a New York Yankees game, further fueling the buzz surrounding this year’s Ryder Cup.
For the players, the pressure is immense. The Ryder Cup is unlike any other golf event, with team pride and continental bragging rights on the line. The Americans hold a 27-15-2 edge in the nearly 100-year history of the competition, but Europe has had the upper hand in recent decades, winning eight of the last eleven Cups since 2000—including two on U.S. soil. The format’s nuances, from the strategy of alternate shot pairings to the tension of singles matches, mean every point is precious and every moment can swing momentum.
As the first tee shot approaches on Friday morning, the only certainty is that golf fans around the world are in for a wild ride. Will the United States harness home-field advantage and reclaim the Cup, or will Europe’s blend of veterans and rising stars pull off another road triumph? With so much at stake and so many storylines in play, the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is shaping up to be a classic for the ages.
With the weather cleared, the teams set, and the world watching, all that’s left is for the players to let their clubs do the talking. The battle for the Ryder Cup begins now—and anything can happen on Long Island.
