Ryder Cup Information: Historical past, Guidelines, and Extra

Ryder Cup Information: Historical past, Guidelines, and Extra

September 24, 2025

By Invoice Irwin

No different golf occasion hits just like the Ryder Cup. One of many world’s best sporting spectacles, it transcends sport. This biennial showdown between Europe and america tees off Friday, September 26, and wraps up Sunday, the twenty eighth—and this yr, the warmth is cranked all the best way up. The venue? Bethpage State Park’s Black Course, a gritty public Lengthy Island format identified for its brutal design, unpredictable winds, and famously rowdy New York crowds able to make their voices heard.

The Ryder Cup is golf’s most intense stage, the place pleasure, strain, and chaos collide. Whether or not you’re a diehard fan or simply right here for the spectacle, we’ve bought you coated. This information breaks down how the Cup works, how every workforce got here collectively, and why the captains’ choices could make or break the weekend. We’ll additionally dive into Ryder Cup historical past, highlight the storylines driving the 2025 matches at Bethpage, and present why each shot seems like life or loss of life. By the point the primary tee shot flies, you’ll be prepared for golf’s loudest, wildest weekend but.

What Is the Ryder Cup and Why It Issues

The Ryder Cup is a workforce match-play competitors between Europe and america performed for the gold Ryder Cup trophy named after the occasion’s English founder, Samuel Ryder. It’s skilled golf performed for pleasure—not prize cash (a bit extra on that later). In a sport dominated by particular person tournaments—the place each participant is out for themself—this flips the script. It’s completely team-focused and tribal. It’s intense. It’s historical past and legacy on the road.

There’s drama. There’s strain. There’s no shrugging off a loss—gamers really feel it in equal measure, as a result of each level counts. The group roars, tempers flare, and every match result’s magnified since you’re not simply taking part in for your self. You’re taking part in for the flag in your sleeve.

Sunday is the climax: twelve singles matches, winner-takes-all. Possibly this yr we’ll get a gut-wrenching, nail-biting final-day end. The previous few Ryder Cups haven’t gone right down to the wire—blowouts have dominated—however the format’s volatility means something can occur. One clutch putt can flip every thing.

This isn’t simply one other match. It’s golf’s rawest, most electrifying battleground, and this yr, depend on a frenzied New York crowd ramping it up much more.

Who Runs the Ryder Cup?

The Ryder Cup is co-owned by the PGA of America (proudly owning the U.S. half) and Ryder Cup Europe (holding the European half). Ryder Cup Europe is an arm of the DP World Tour (previously the European Tour) and its companions. Whereas the occasion is a collaboration, either side independently manages its personal workforce. Completely different methods, totally different vibes—however when the matches begin, it’s all one high-stakes brawl for the Cup.

How Usually Is the Ryder Cup Performed?

The Ryder Cup tees off each two years, alternating between U.S. and European venues—a practice relationship again to the inaugural 1927 contest. What started as a pleasant contest between the U.S. and Nice Britain & Eire shortly tilted a method: lopsided American dominance drained the matches of suspense and curiosity. 

The repair got here in 1979, when Continental Europe joined the occasion. That single change—fueled by legends like Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, and Colin Montgomerie—supercharged the Cup into the fierce, can’t-miss showdown we all know as we speak.

Although it’s scheduled for each two years, there have been disruptions. World Warfare II put it on pause for a decade. After 9/11, the 2001 occasion was pushed to 2002. And COVID bumped the 2020 Ryder Cup to 2021.

Nonetheless, the Ryder Cup stays one in every of golf’s most electrical and enduring traditions—and now it’s much less a match, extra a gladiatorial turf struggle.

Ryder Cup vs. Presidents Cup

In Ryder Cup off-years, the Presidents Cup steps in. It’s one other match-play showdown—Crew USA vs. an Worldwide squad (minus Europe). Strong golf, positive, however it doesn’t pack the identical punch.  

The codecs are principally comparable, however the Ryder Cup’s tribal pleasure and continental rivalry, plus its lengthy historical past, simply hit more durable. Crew USA has owned the Presidents Cup, and the Worldwide facet remains to be chasing an id. Aggressive? Often. Charming just like the Ryder Cup? Not even shut.

Bethpage Black: New York’s Relentless Ryder Cup Star

The Black Course at Bethpage State Park is not like another Ryder Cup venue—it’s a gritty New York unique. Constructed within the Nineteen Thirties by A.W. Tillinghast, the Black is brutally lengthy, with slender, tree-lined fairways, thick tough, cavernous bunkers, agency greens, and unpredictable winds. Its notorious first-tee signal warns that it’s “extraordinarily tough” and meant just for “extremely expert golfers.”

Locals hardly want the reminder. They see it as their course—public, inexpensive, and a world away from the country-club aura of most U.S. Ryder Cup stops. When the U.S. Open got here right here in 2002, it was dubbed “The Folks’s Open.” This fall, it’s New York’s Ryder Cup.

Crew USA captain Keegan Bradley is aware of it higher than virtually anybody. As a St. John’s College pupil, he logged numerous rounds on the Black and nonetheless calls it his favourite course on this planet. He understands how powerful it performs—and the way loud the gang can get. That edge may matter.

Breaking Down the Ryder Cup Format

The Ryder Cup competitors runs Friday by Sunday—a team-format golf match performed in match-play fashion—gap by gap, not complete rating. Each gap is both gained, misplaced, or tied. It doesn’t matter what you shoot total—solely whether or not you beat your opponent on that gap.

Friday & Saturday: Crew Matches

Every day options two classes (morning and afternoon), with 4 matches between two-man pairs—eight complete per day. The codecs alternate:

• Foursomes: Teammates alternate pictures with the identical ball. One takes tee pictures on the odd numbered holes, the opposite on the even holes. It’s pure belief—one dangerous swing can sink you.
• 4-balls: Every participant performs their very own ball; the bottom rating on the opening counts towards the workforce. Assume daring, go-for-it golf.

Solely eight gamers per workforce compete in every session, so captains should determine who performs, who rests, and when. The house workforce chooses the format order (foursomes or four-balls).

Sunday: Singles Showdown

All 12 gamers face off one-on-one. No subs, no hiding. Simply you, your opponent head-to-head, and the strain. That is the place legends are made and heartbreaks hit hardest.

How Ryder Cup Scoring Actually Works

There are 28 complete factors obtainable:

• 16 from workforce matches (8 Friday, 8 Saturday)
• 12 from Sunday singles

Every match is price one level. If a match is tied after 18 holes, the groups break up the purpose.

To win the Ryder Cup, a workforce should attain 14½ factors. If it ends 14–14, the workforce already holding the Cup retains it.

Ryder Cup Match Play Guidelines

Each match is scored gap by gap. Win extra holes than your opponent and also you win the match. If it’s tied after 18 holes, the match ends as a tie. No playoffs, no additional holes — simply 1/2 level for either side.

Gamers can concede putts—and even whole holes—they usually typically do. It’s half etiquette, half technique, and half psychological gamesmanship.

Match Time: Who Performs, When, and Why It Issues

How these matches unfold relies on the captains. Some gamers would possibly compete in all 5 classes (two every on Friday and Saturday, plus Sunday singles), whereas others could sit out a number of occasions. The one obligatory spherical is Sunday singles. A participant can earn as much as 5 factors, however most seem in three or 4 matches, relying on type, stamina, and technique.

No Substitutions Allowed

As soon as pairings are submitted for four-balls or foursomes, they’re locked. If a participant can’t go, the match is forfeited—no substitutions, no 2-vs-1. The opposing workforce will get the total level, no questions requested.

The Envelope Rule (singles solely)

There may be one exception—used just for Sunday singles. Earlier than play begins, every captain secretly writes down one participant’s identify and seals it in an envelope. If an opponent can’t compete because of damage or sickness, that participant and the envelope choose each sit out. The match is taken into account tied, with ½ level going to every facet. 

The “Envelope Rule,” in place since 1979, has solely been used 3 times (most lately in 1993). It’s a unusual safeguard each captain should consider.

The Captain’s Function

Captains maintain the reins. Earlier than every session, they submit their lineups in secret, deciding who performs and in what order. Since neither facet is aware of the opposite’s picks, each resolution turns into a high-stakes strategic guessing recreation.

Pairings aren’t nearly expertise. Captains weigh type, persona, course match, potential matchups, and workforce chemistry. One good pairing can swing the momentum of a whole day.

Throughout play, captains and assistant captains provide recommendation—additional units of eyes and minds that may be essential in clutch moments.

A captain can technically play, however solely by taking one of many 12 roster spots; there’s no Thirteenth-player loophole. Arnold Palmer was the final taking part in captain again in 1967. These days, the captain’s planning and media obligations are so all-consuming that holding twin roles is sort of unthinkable.

But for 2025, Keegan Bradley was squarely within the dialog to take the tee himself. He completed eleventh within the automatic-qualification standings, and loads of buzz swirled that he would possibly use one in every of his six captain’s picks on himself. As a substitute, he made a daring and selfless selection: sit again, lead, and focus fully on technique and constructing workforce unity at Bethpage Black..

2025 Ryder Cup Captains — Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald

Keegan Bradley captains Crew USA in 2025—a shock to some, however an impressed option to many. A serious winner and fiery competitor, Bradley calls the Black Course his all-time favourite. He performed within the 2012 and 2014 Cups (4-3 total document) however was controversially left off the 2023 workforce. That snub nonetheless stings—and fuels him to at the present time. At 39, he’s the youngest U.S. captain in many years—relatable, intense, and more likely to convey contemporary, aggressive vitality, particularly at Bethpage State Park.

European workforce captain Luke Donald returns after his masterclass on the 2023 matches in Italy. The previous world No. 1 is thought for regular management and meticulous planning that conjures up belief and confidence in his gamers. Donald’s calm, strategic fashion helped restore Europe’s unity after the workforce’s 2021 lopsided loss at Whistling Straits—and could also be precisely what’s wanted to navigate the chaos of a New York Ryder Cup.

The 2025 Ryder Cup Groups: Computerized Qualifiers and Captain’s Picks Set the Stage

With the showdown at Bethpage Black simply days away, the total 12-player squads for Crew USA and Crew Europe are locked in. The qualifying drama is behind us, and the captains have finalized their picks. Now the highlight shifts to the gamers who’ll carry the colours when the matches start.

How Qualifying Labored — The Street to Bethpage

For each groups, six gamers punched their ticket by racking up probably the most Ryder Cup factors over an extended qualifying stretch. Factors rewarded consistency throughout huge occasions, with main championships and marquee tournaments carrying additional weight.

Crew USA: Factors had been earned based mostly on efficiency within the 2024 majors (plus the Gamers Championship) and the total 2025 PGA Tour schedule, excluding alternate-field occasions, by the BMW Championship on August 17.

Crew Europe: Their qualifying window ran from August 29, 2024, to August 24, 2025, with factors awarded in each DP World Tour and eligible PGA Tour occasions.

After the automated qualifiers had been set, captains Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald crammed out their rosters with six captain’s picks every—balancing expertise, present type, course match, and workforce chemistry.

2025 Ryder Cup Rosters

Crew USA

Captain: Keegan Bradley

Computerized qualifiers

• Scottie Scheffler
• J.J. Spaun
• Xander Schauffele
• Russell Henley
• Harris English
• Bryson DeChambeau

Captain’s picks

• Justin Thomas
• Collin Morikawa
• Ben Griffin
• Cameron Younger
• Patrick Cantlay
• Sam Burns

Crew Europe 

Captain: Luke Donald

Computerized qualifiers

• Rory McIlroy  (Northern Eire)
• Robert MacIntyre  (Scotland)
• Tommy Fleetwood (England)
• Justin Rose. (England)
• Rasmus Højgaard (Denmark)
• Tyrrell Hatton (England)

Captain’s picks:

• Shane Lowry (Eire)
• Jon Rahm  (Spain)
• Sepp Straka (Austria)
• Viktor Hovland  (Norway)
• Ludvig Åberg  (Sweden)
• Matt Fitzpatrick (England)

Did Any LIV Golfers Make the Groups?

Brief reply: sure. LIV Golf gamers could make the Ryder Cup in the event that they accumulate sufficient factors or earn a captain’s choose.

Crew USA: The chances had been steep—most LIV members don’t play sufficient PGA Tour occasions to generate important factors. However Bryson DeChambeau cracked the code, due to his 2025 U.S. Open win and powerful performances in different majors, incomes an computerized spot. He’s the one LIV participant on the U.S. facet this yr. (By comparability, Brooks Koepka made the 2023 U.S. workforce as a captain’s choose, however Bradley opted to not choose any LIV gamers this time.)

Crew Europe: The factors system is extra accessible for LIV members as a result of DP World Tour occasions depend, offered they preserve membership. Tyrrell Hatton took full benefit, turning into the primary European LIV golfer to qualify outright. Jon Rahm additionally made the workforce as a captain’s choose, bringing his signature depth and Ryder Cup expertise again to Europe’s lineup.

Are Ryder Cup Gamers and Captains Paid?

Crew Europe competes purely for pleasure—at all times has. Gamers obtain journey, lodging, and workforce gear, however no private pay. Representing Europe stays the last word honor.

Crew USA’s strategy is extra sophisticated—and adjusted in 2025. For the primary time, every U.S. participant and the captain receives $500,000 complete: $300,000 goes to charity, because it has since 1999, whereas a brand new $200,000 stipend is paid on to them.

The PGA of America says the change addresses long-standing issues amongst some U.S. gamers. Nonetheless, it units up a pointy distinction: one facet performs purely for continental pleasure, the opposite additionally collects a paycheck. People could insist it’s not concerning the cash, however Euros—and followers—would possibly see it in another way.

Ryder Cup Historical past, Headed for Bethpage

As Bethpage State Park welcomes the 2025 Ryder Cup, it’s about so as to add a brand new chapter to the historical past of one of many world’s best sporting occasions. That story started in 1927 at Worcester Nation Membership in Massachusetts, the place the primary official matches had been held. It didn’t go effectively for the British professionals—Crew USA crushed them 9½ to 2½.

Amongst previous Ryder Cup venues, The Belfry’s Barbazon Course stands out, internet hosting a document 4 occasions. No U.S. course has hosted greater than as soon as, and till now, each American venue has been a non-public membership or luxurious resort. The Cup didn’t journey to continental Europe till 1997, when Spain’s Actual Membership Valderrama performed host. Europe gained that yr, a defining second for Seve Ballesteros, who captained the house facet to victory.

For a lot of its early historical past, the Ryder Cup was outlined by sportsmanship—none extra iconic than 1969 at Royal Birkdale, when Jack Nicklaus famously conceded a brief putt to Britain’s Tony Jacklin on the ultimate inexperienced with the complete competitors hanging within the steadiness. Had Jacklin missed, the U.S. would’ve gained. As a substitute, the matches resulted in a tie, giving start to one in every of golf’s most enduring moments: The Concession.

Since then, the tone has sharpened. The rivalry grew louder and edgier, nowhere extra obvious than in 1991 at Kiawah Island’s Ocean Course—The Warfare on the Shore. Fueled by gamesmanship claims, guidelines disputes, and lineup drama, the stress was sky-high. The U.S., sporting military-style outfits and channeling Desert Storm vibes, edged Europe by a single level.

What sort of vitality will Bethpage ship? That continues to be to be seen—but when historical past is any information, count on this New York showdown to unleash grit, noise, ardour, and unbelievable golf in equal measure.

Who Gained the Final Ryder Cup? — Europe’s Roman Roar

Europe dominated in 2023, profitable 16½ to 11½ at Marco Simone Golf Membership exterior Rome—the primary Ryder Cup ever held in Italy. Rory McIlroy, Viktor Hovland, Tyrrell Hatton, and Jon Rahm set the tone with clutch play and fierce depth. The American workforce by no means discovered its footing. Scottie Scheffler was even lowered to tears after a brutal 9&7 foursomes loss.

Issues bought spicy on Saturday. Patrick Cantlay, reportedly pissed off over the no-pay coverage, ditched his U.S. workforce cap—fueling “pay protest” chants from European followers. After Cantlay sank a putt on 18, his caddie Joe LaCava lingered in celebration, visibly irritating McIlroy. Feelings had been already excessive on that gap—they usually quickly boiled over. Minutes later, McIlroy bought right into a heated trade within the parking zone with caddie Jim “Bones” Mackay—an encounter that immediately went viral.

With the Black Course at Bethpage—and its famously rowdy New York followers—set to host in September, the one query is: how a lot hotter will the cauldron burn this time?

Gamers to keep watch over at this yr’s Ryder Cup

Each Ryder Cup carries its personal mixture of dependable veterans, wide-eyed newcomers, streaking stars, unpredictable characters, and some query marks. With Bethpage set to host, right here’s how the forged of contenders breaks down.

The Stalwarts

Expertise counts, particularly in Ryder Cup battles. Veterans like Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Viktor Hovland for Crew Europe, and Scottie Scheffler, Patrick Cantlay, and Justin Thomas for the U.S. convey the clutch gene, fireplace in addition to icy calm, and a historical past of Ryder Cup success. When the strain mounts, these anchors regular the ship and encourage their teammates.

The Rookies

Moving into the Ryder Cup for the primary time is not like another take a look at in golf. This yr, the U.S. brings 4 newcomers:

• Russell Henley – The oldest member of the workforce is hardly a bomber, however his exact strategy play and pure placing stand as much as anybody. His spectacular document on the 2024 Presidents Cup reveals he can ship in strain conditions.
• J.J. Spaun – A journeyman turned main champion, Spaun shook off his close to miss on the Gamers Championship by capturing the 2025 U.S. Open. Regular ball putting and streaky placing make him a harmful weapon.
• Cameron Younger – A Lengthy Island native with prodigious size and a constant all-round recreation, Younger broke into the winner’s column on the 2025 Wyndham Championship after a string of runner-up finishes. All the time stable and sometimes spectacular, he’ll have the New York crowd behind him.
• Ben Griffin – One of many breakout stars of 2025, Griffin scored his first two Tour wins and almost added a 3rd on the just-completed Procure Championship. Sturdy placing and the flexibility to string birdies in bunches are his calling playing cards.

Crew Europe boasts a confirmed veteran lineup with only one rookie.

• Rasmus Højgaard – The 24-year previous Dane used a robust exhibiting late in 2024 and a burst of high quality play late this yr to earn computerized qualification. He’s a giant hitter with a finesse recreation and he has Ryder Cup bloodlines — his an identical twin brother was a Euro workforce member in 2023. 

Scorching Proper Now

Momentum issues. Some gamers arrive in peak type, and that may flip matches immediately.

• Scottie Scheffler – It looks like he wins each week. The world’s clear-cut no. 1 participant,  Scheffler is horrifying regular, can execute any shot when wanted, and thrives in match play.
• Sam Burns — Greatest associates with Scheffler, Burns may need gained this yr’s U.S. Open had he gotten a good ruling. He’s an elite putter and a confirmed match-play winner. 
• Justin Rose – At 45, Rose remains to be producing huge outcomes, ending runner-up in a playoff to McIlroy on the Masters and profitable the FedEx St. Jude Championship. He’s turned again the clock, however his success often boils right down to his placing.
• Tommy Fleetwood – After quite a few agonizingly shut calls, the favored Englishman lastly captured his first PGA Tour win on the TOUR Championship. His Ryder Cup document, particularly in foursomes (4-0), is sterling. Fleetwood’s type from tee to inexperienced is dynamic. If his putter is working, be careful.

Tyrrell Hatton

The fiery 33-year-old Englishman deserves his personal highlight. Now a four-time Ryder Cupper, he’s certified routinely for all of the matches since 2018. In Rome he went undefeated (3.5-.5). Whether or not he’s muttering to himself, slapping his putter, or flashing a bemused grin, he’s positive to be one of the vital fascinating watches at Bethpage. 

The Query Marks

Each Ryder Cup options outstanding figures surrounded by uncertainty.

• Jon Rahm –  The Spaniard arrives because the 2025 LIV Golf Particular person Champion regardless of not profitable a match. His type has been stable however in need of his regular brilliance, leaving doubts about whether or not he can summon the hearth that has outlined his previous Ryder Cup performances.
• Xander Schauffele — Usually a U.S. rock, he has endured a misplaced 2025 season. Accidents derailed his momentum after profitable two majors in 2024, and with solely two prime 10s all yr, it’s truthful to marvel if he can rediscover his type within the Ryder Cup highlight.
• Bryson DeChambeau – The function golf’s “mad scientist” will play at Bethpage is an open query. A real eccentric, the LIV Golf star has earned a status in earlier Ryder Cups as a tough companion. How he suits into this workforce—and whether or not the added outsider strain will encourage or unsettle him—stays to be seen.
• Keegan Bradley – The U.S. captain faces a novel problem. By passing on the added burden of taking part in, he put full concentrate on main—however the Europeans are quietly questioning whether or not his youth and inexperience can stand up to the Ryder Cup cauldron. The strain on America’s youngest captain in many years is palpable.

Can You Nonetheless Get A Ticket? Right here’s the Actual Worth of Admission
Tickets for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black went on sale in November 2024—and offered out quick, even at sky-high costs. Right here’s what the PGA of America initially charged:

• Tuesday & Wednesday apply days: $255 every
• Thursday (Closing apply + Opening ceremony): $424
• Competitors days (Friday–Sunday): $750/day (contains limitless meals and non-alcoholic drinks)

For comparability, a 2025 Masters competition-round ticket (through lottery) price simply $140.

Need In? What it prices now

Sure, you possibly can nonetheless get in, however count on to pay a hefty premium. Tickets are formally gone, and the Ryder Cup web site sends followers to SeatGeek, the occasion’s unique resale companion. Resale costs for every competitors day routinely prime $1,200, with steep charges on prime. Official “packages” stay, however just for these prepared to pay luxurious costs.

Who’s within the crowd?

With these costs, company teams, high-rollers, and loads of bucket-listers might be thick on the fairways. Followers who shell out four-figure sums for a ticket will arrive primed to be a part of the scene—and can really feel entitled to make themselves heard. Anticipate a vigorous, fanatical, unapologetically raucous Bethpage Black crowd, the place the value of admission ensures uncooked ardour—and unpredictability, too.

What Will the Trump Impact Be?
President Donald Trump plans to hit Bethpage Black on Friday, September 26. Not like his current look on the US Open males’s tennis last—formally delayed 50 minutes and performed in entrance of a half-empty stadium that didn’t fill till the second set—Ryder Cup organizers insist the matches will begin on time. Safety might be paramount. Getting 60,000+ followers by TSA-style screening is a large problem—particularly since Bethpage will host greater than twice the gang that endured that mess at Flushing Meadows.

Organizers are nudging the President to reach after lunch to assist the gang settle, keep away from bottlenecks, and let the opening holes breathe. Certainly he needs to be current for the first-tee frenzy because the competitors begins! If that occurs, bedlam is inevitable. Both means, Bethpage Black is primed for seismic vitality—a positive guess when Donald Trump and the Ryder Cup collide.

Deliver on the 2025 Ryder Cup

Should you’re not already fired up for the Ryder Cup, simply look forward to the primary tee shot. That is must-watch golf—arguably probably the most electrical occasion within the sport, perhaps in all of sports activities. From the depth of match play on the Black Course—one of many recreation’s hardest exams—to the groups’ chemistry and fierce rivalry, and the wildly passionate New York crowd, every thing is dialed as much as eleven. Delight, historical past, and legacy are on the road. Each level seems like life or loss of life.

Prepare for 3 unforgettable, fever-pitched days of golf. Anticipate roars, strain, and pure adrenaline because the Black Course turns into a cauldron of chaos and brilliance. The 2025 Ryder Cup is right here—and it’s able to blow the roof off.