Ryder Cup 2025: Can Europe Make History at Bethpage Black?
Published by Bonnyton Golf Club in Golf News · Monday 22 Sep 2025 · 2:30
It’s nearly time for golf’s greatest team event – the Ryder Cup – and this year it promises to be one of the most exciting contests we’ve seen in years. From September 26–28, Team USA and Team Europe go head-to-head at the world-famous Bethpage Black course in New York, and there’s plenty at stake.
The Ryder Cup hasn’t been won on foreign soil since Europe’s famous “Miracle at Medinah” comeback in 2012. Thirteen years on, Luke Donald’s men are out to change that and claim a first away win in over a decade. Standing in their way? A fired-up American team backed by a passionate, and very loud, New York crowd.
Europe’s chances
Europe arrive with a settled side. Eleven of the 12 players were part of the winning team in Rome two years ago, including big names like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Tyrrell Hatton and Tommy Fleetwood. Only one rookie makes the trip, which should help when it comes to handling the pressure of an away Ryder Cup.
Captain Luke Donald knows exactly what it takes to win in the USA – he’s done it as a player – and has been meticulous in his preparations. The squad even flew to New York earlier this month for a practice session at Bethpage, the first time a European team has done a full “away scouting mission”.
Team USA at home
History is on America’s side. They’ve only lost four times at home in nearly a century of Ryder Cup golf. The last time they hosted, at Whistling Straits in 2021, they demolished Europe 19–9.
This time, captain Keegan Bradley has a strong side with local hero Cameron Young, FedExCup contenders like Patrick Cantlay, and in-form winners including Ben Griffin and JJ Spaun. Add in the energy of 45,000 home fans each day, and Europe know they’re up against it.
Stars to watch:
- Rory McIlroy – four wins already this year, including that long-awaited Masters triumph.
- Tommy Fleetwood – finally picked up his first PGA Tour win at the Tour Championship.
- Justin Rose & Matt Fitzpatrick – both finding form at the right time.
- Cameron Young – New York native who will have the crowd on his side.
Why it matters
For Donald and his team, this would be more than just another Ryder Cup win. Many are calling it potentially “the biggest achievement in European golf” if they can topple the Americans at Bethpage. With the squads so evenly matched, this could well be the tightest contest we’ve seen in a generation.
We’ll be following the action closely here at Bonnyton. Who are you backing – Rory and the boys, or the home favourites?
