The Ryder Cup is golf's premier team event, held every two years. The 2025 edition brings Team USA vs Team Europe to the Bethpage Black Course in New York for three days of pressure-packed match play and a famously vocal crowd.
Ryder Cup 2025 Fan Guide
USA vs Europe • Sept 26–28, 2025 • Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, NY
Captains: Keegan Bradley (USA) • Luke Donald (Europe)
Event Snapshot
Why the Ryder Cup Is Golf's Ultimate Spectacle
More Than Just Golf
- Pure Team Drama: Individual superstars become teammates, creating unprecedented pressure and emotion
- Crowd Energy: Unlike any other golf event — fans are encouraged to be loud, passionate, and partisan
- Format Intensity: Match play means every shot matters; leads can evaporate instantly
- National Pride: Players compete for countries, not prize money, bringing out career-defining performances
Whether you're attending or following from home, the Ryder Cup delivers golf's most electric atmosphere. For those who've experienced it, nothing compares to Sunday Singles when the Cup is on the line.
What Makes Bethpage 2025 Special
Historic Firsts & High Stakes
- Public Course Debut: First Ryder Cup ever held at a public golf course — democratizing access to golf's premier team event
- New York Attitude: Bethpage crowds are famously vocal and partisan, creating an atmosphere unlike traditional country club venues
- Home Soil Redemption: USA seeking to reclaim the Cup after Europe's dominant 2023 victory in Rome
- Major Championship Pedigree: Bethpage Black previously hosted memorable U.S. Opens, proving it can handle golf's biggest moments
The combination of New York's passionate sports culture, a challenging public course, and high stakes for Team USA creates a once-in-a-generation event atmosphere.
Format & Scoring
- Three days • 28 points available
- 14½ points to win; defending side retains with 14
- Fri/Sat: Morning Foursomes (alternate shot) ×4; Afternoon Fourballs (best-ball) ×4
- Sun: 12 Singles — every player competes
Glossary: foursomes, fourballs, dormie
Foursomes: Two teammates alternate shots with one ball.
Fourballs: Each plays their own ball; best score counts.
Dormie: A match is "dormie" when a side leads by exactly the holes remaining.
Daily Schedule (ET / CT)
| Day | Session | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Thu, Sept 25 | Opening Ceremony • Initial pairings | Timing can shift for TV/weather |
| Fri, Sept 26 | AM Foursomes • PM Fourballs | Early tee times; momentum often swings late PM |
| Sat, Sept 27 | AM Foursomes • PM Fourballs | Captains may adjust pairings based on form |
| Sun, Sept 28 | 12 Singles | Anchors typically set at the back of the order |
Exact broadcast windows publish closer to the event and may adjust for weather.
Teams & Players
Team USA
| Player | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scottie Scheffler | Auto | World No.1; USA anchor in any format |
| J.J. Spaun | Auto | First Ryder Cup; consistent ball-striking |
| Xander Schauffele | Auto | Major winner; elite tee-to-green |
| Russell Henley | Auto | Precise irons; composed in alt-shot |
| Harris English | Auto | Reliable putter; steady foursomes option |
| Bryson DeChambeau | Auto | Power OTT fits Bethpage's demands |
| Sam Burns | Captain's Pick | Confident putter; fourball birdie maker |
| Patrick Cantlay | Captain's Pick | Calm closer; proven team chemistry |
| Ben Griffin | Captain's Pick | Form player; adaptable partner |
| Collin Morikawa | Captain's Pick | Elite approach; surgical irons |
| Justin Thomas | Captain's Pick | Vocal leader; big-moment résumé |
| Cameron Young | Captain's Pick | Explosive carry numbers; aggressive lines |
Team Europe
| Player | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rory McIlroy | Auto | 8th Ryder Cup; momentum engine |
| Robert MacIntyre | Auto | Lefty shot-maker; clutch in Rome |
| Tommy Fleetwood | Auto | Alt-shot ace; steady under pressure |
| Justin Rose | Auto | Veteran reads; pairing glue |
| Rasmus Højgaard | Auto | Only new face from 2023 squad |
| Tyrrell Hatton | Auto | Fire & scoring runs in fourballs |
| Shane Lowry | Captain's Pick | Big-moment gamer; elite hands |
| Sepp Straka | Captain's Pick | Fairways-and-greens machine |
| Ludvig Åberg | Captain's Pick | Young star; tee-to-green clinic |
| Viktor Hovland | Captain's Pick | Ball-striking juggernaut |
| Matt Fitzpatrick | Captain's Pick | Controlled driving; clutch putter |
| Jon Rahm | Captain's Pick | Major pedigree; alpha presence |
Key Storylines to Watch
Compelling Narratives for 2025
- Redemption Quest: How will USA respond to their 2023 defeat in Rome?
- Rookie Impact: J.J. Spaun makes his debut — can first-timers handle the pressure?
- McIlroy's Legacy: Rory seeks his first Ryder Cup victory on American soil
- Captain's Strategies: Bradley's home crowd advantage vs. Donald's proven leadership
- LIV Factor: How will Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm integrate after LIV controversy?
- Generational Clash: Veterans like Rose and Thomas vs. rising stars like Åberg
These storylines will drive the drama throughout the weekend, creating compelling television whether you're watching from the course or your living room.
Projected Matchups
Key Strategic Insights
- USA foursomes: Pair power (DeChambeau/Young) with precision (Morikawa/Henley) to maximize fairways/greens
- USA fourballs: Burns or Young as scorers alongside a steady putter
- Europe cores: McIlroy, Rahm, Hovland, Fleetwood anchor sessions; Åberg adds high ceiling
- Singles Sunday: Captains stack anchors late; pivotal swings typically land around matches 7–10
Bethpage Black — Course Guide
Par-70 brute at 7,459 yards with demanding tee shots, dense rough and elevated long-iron demand. Expect exposed par-3s and a back-nine where small mistakes become big swings in match play.
- Signature vibe: New York galleries — loud, passionate, influential
- Scoring map: Foursomes plays tighter; fourballs can go low with hot putters
- Late drama: The closing stretch invites risk/reward and momentum flips
Weather & Travel Insights
September Weather at Bethpage
Typical Conditions: Highs 65-75°F, lows 45-55°F. September can bring afternoon showers and variable winds off the Atlantic. Pack layers, waterproof gear, and comfortable walking shoes. Mornings can be cool and damp, afternoons warm and breezy.
NYC Area Travel Tips
- Airports: JFK (45 min), LGA (35 min), ISP/Islip (25 min) - book early for better rates
- Train Access: LIRR to Farmingdale station + event shuttles (most efficient option)
- Traffic Strategy: Avoid I-495/LIE rush hours; alternative routes via Southern State/Sunrise Highway
- Best Travel Days: Arrive Wednesday/Thursday, depart Monday to avoid weekend congestion
- Local Accommodation: Book 6+ months ahead; consider Babylon, Huntington, or Garden City for easier access
How to Follow From Home
Complete Viewing Guide
- Primary Coverage: NBC (weekend rounds), USA Network (early rounds), Peacock (streaming)
- Enhanced Coverage: Golf Channel "Live From" analysis, featured group coverage
- International: Sky Sports (UK/Ireland), TSN (Canada), Fox Sports (Australia)
- Mobile Apps: NBC Sports app, Ryder Cup official app for live scoring and stats
- Social Media: @RyderCupUSA, @RyderCupEurope, #RyderCup2025, #TeamUSA, #TeamEurope
Second-Screen Experience
- Live Scoring: Real-time match status and hole-by-hole updates
- Player Tracking: Follow specific players throughout their rounds
- Behind-the-Scenes: Captain's communications, warm-up footage, course conditions
- Historical Context: Stats, records, and head-to-head comparisons during matches
Fan Tips (If You're Going)
- Getting there: JFK/LGA/ISP; LIRR to Farmingdale/Hicksville + event shuttles; arrive early for security
- Pack smart: Layers for cool mornings, walking shoes, sunscreen, portable charger
- Policies: Bag sizes & prohibited items vary — always check the official page before arrival
- On-site: Cashless concessions, water refill stations, merch queues, grandstand & natural mounds viewing
- Etiquette: Move only when appropriate, heed marshals, keep phones silent near shots
- Accessibility: ADA shuttle/seating typically designated; volunteers can direct fastest routes
Local Area Recommendations
Nearby Golf Courses
- Bethpage Red/Blue/Green: Public courses on same property — book well in advance
- Nassau Country Club: Historic Donald Ross design (private/corporate access only)
- Meadow Brook Club: Premium private venue (member guest only)
- Rockville Links Club: Public upscale option, 15 minutes from Bethpage
- Glen Head Country Club: Semi-private, scenic Long Island layout
Dining & Entertainment
- Farmingdale: Thom Thom Steak & Seafood, George Martin's Grillfire
- Huntington: Prime Burger Bar, Blackstone Steakhouse, Trumpets Jazz Club
- Garden City: The Garden City Hotel, Polo Grill, Orchid Restaurant
- Quick Options: Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Local farm-to-table spots along Route 110
- Breweries: Argyle Brewery (Babylon), KOAN Brewing (West Babylon)
Area Attractions
- Sagamore Hill: Theodore Roosevelt's home and museum
- Old Westbury Gardens: Historic mansion and pristine grounds
- Jones Beach State Park: Classic Long Island beach experience
- Vanderbilt Museum: Gilded Age mansion and planetarium
- Long Island Wine Country: North Fork vineyards (45 minutes east)
Corporate Entertainment Value
Why Golf Events Work for Business
- Networking Environment: Relaxed atmosphere conducive to relationship building
- Shared Experience: Common talking points and memorable moments create lasting connections
- Quality Time: Extended face-to-face interaction away from office distractions
- Prestige Factor: Exclusive access demonstrates appreciation for key clients/partners
- Demographic Alignment: Golf events attract high-net-worth decision makers
Typical Corporate Packages Include
- Hospitality Venues: Climate-controlled suites with premium F&B
- Transportation: Group shuttles and VIP parking arrangements
- Branded Experiences: Custom signage and corporate hospitality coordination
- Flexible Attendance: Multi-day options to accommodate varying schedules
- Add-on Activities: Golf outings, team dinners, spouse programs
The Investment Perspective
Golf Travel as Relationship Investment
Premium golf experiences consistently deliver superior ROI compared to traditional corporate entertainment. The extended format allows for meaningful relationship development, while the exclusive nature of major championships creates lasting impressions.
- Memory Value: Clients remember exceptional experiences years later
- Referral Generation: Satisfied clients become brand ambassadors
- Deal Facilitation: Relaxed environment conducive to important conversations
- Differentiation: Unique experiences separate you from competitors
Planning Advantages
Early planning for premium golf events ensures better accommodations, preferred viewing locations, and more competitive pricing. Major championships sell out quickly, making advance coordination essential for securing optimal experiences.
History & Context
- Biennial USA–Europe series; 28-point format since 1979 (Europe era)
- Europe enters as 2023 holders; USA needs 14½ to win back the Cup
- Bethpage previously hosted men's majors; first Ryder Cup at this venue
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points to win?
14½. (14 retains for the defending side.)
Foursomes vs Fourballs?
Alt-shot vs best-ball; see glossary above.
When are pairings announced?
Typically the evening before each session (or same-day AM).
Central Time?
Most listings are ET; add +1 hr for CT.
What can I bring?
Check official policies for bag size, signage, and phone rules.
Best viewing spots for non-ticket holders?
Sports bars in Farmingdale, Garden City, and Huntington will have special viewing events. Many restaurants offer Ryder Cup watch parties.
What makes this different from regular PGA events?
Team format, match play scoring, national pride, and crowd participation create a unique atmosphere unlike any other golf tournament.
Looking Ahead: 2026 Events
Already thinking about your next golf experience? We're actively planning premium packages for 2026's marquee events:
- The Masters 2026: Augusta National, April 9-12 • Hospitality packages and logistics coordination
- Waste Management Phoenix Open: TPC Scottsdale, February 2-8 • Corporate groups and VIP experiences
- U.S. Open 2026: Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, June 18-21 • Iconic Long Island venue
Why Plan Early?
Premium golf experiences sell out quickly. Our early planning ensures better accommodations, preferred viewing locations, and smoother logistics. Whether you're planning a client event, team outing, or personal golf trip, we handle the details so you focus on the experience.