From the fairways and greens of the Bethpage Black course to the various betting markets offered on betcha, I’ve outlined all you need to know for the 2025 Ryder Cup, starting Friday, the 26th of September in New York – Saturday morning here in NZ.
The last time the Ryder Cup was played on American soil, the yanks dominated, winning 19-9 at Whistling Straits, but any thought of them retaining the cup was quickly vanquished as Europe stormed to a 16½ – 11½ victory in Rome.
Opinions are divided as to who will be lifting the cup this time, but the general consensus is that the crowds are going to be as rowdy as ever.
Let’s get you comfortable with the 2025 Ryder Cup, then we’ll tuck into some history, the squads and some markets!
2025 Ryder Cup facts:
The Ryder Cup takes place from September 26th – 28th (27th – 29th in NZ).
The Ryder Cup is hosted at Bethpage Black, Farmingdale, New York, United States.
Bethpage Black is a 7,426 yard Par 71.
2025 Ryder Cup dates, schedule and format:
Day 1 – Friday 26th September: 4x foursomes, 4x fourballs
Day 2 – Saturday 27th September: 4x foursomes, 4x fourballs
Day 3 – Sunday 29th September: 12x Singles
The Ryder Cup is played over three days, with each captain selecting their pairings to compete against the opposition.
Over the first two days, pairings compete in foursomes, followed by a fourball.
The difference being in foursomes, or better known as alternate shot, only two balls are being played, and teammates alternate who takes the shot.
Fourball or better known as best ball, is exactly as the name states. The four players in the match each play their own ball. The player with the lowest score on the hole will win that hole for their team.
Both formats are played in regular match play, and there will be eight matches on both days one and two.
Day three brings us 12 singles matches competing in match play.
Each match is worth one point, with a draw earning half a point. There are 28 matches across the three days, so the winner is determined when either side reaches 14½ points.
In the case of a 14-14 draw, the defending champion (Europe) will retain the cup.
Last 10 Ryder Cup Results:
2023 Europe won 16½-11½ – Marco Simone, Italy
2021 USA won 19-9 – Whistling Straits, USA
2018 Europe won 17½-10½ – Le Golf National, France
2016 USA won 17-11 – Hazeltine, USA
2014 Europe won 16½-11½ – Gleneagles, Scotland
2012 Europe won 14½-13½ – Medinah, USA
2010 Europe won 14½-13½ – Celtic Manor, Wales
2008 USA won 16½-11½ – Valhalla, USA
2006 Europe won 18½-9½ – K Club, Ireland
2004 Europe won 18½-9½ – Oakland Hills, USA
Europe lead seven wins to the USA’s three. But it’s important to note, the last four Ryder Cups have been split two apiece, with sides winning on home soil.
2025 Ryder Cup Squads – USA
Captain: Keegan Bradley
Players: Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, Bryson DeChambeau. Wildcards: Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, Sam Burns.
2025 Ryder Cup Squads – Europe
Captain: Luke Donald
Players: Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Rasmus Hojgaard, Tyrrell Hatton. Wildcards: Shane Lowry, Sepp Straka, Ludvig Aberg, Viktor Hovland, Matt Fitzpatrick, Jon Rahm
Best Bets:
Now we know how it all works, where it is and who’s competing, we can get stuck into our best bets for a wonderful weekend of golf.
We’re going to keep it simple by picking the winner as well as the two top point scorers for each team. But there are plenty of markets available to get the most out of the 45th Ryder Cup.
All signs are pointing towards a tightly contested weekend of golf at Bethpage Black. Looking at those last five results, the home team has won by five or more points each time.
It felt like an absolute trouncing at Marco Simone two years ago, but if you look back to Whistling Straits in 2021, the USA won by a mammoth 10 points.
You’d be thinking, why aren’t we backing another blowout?
That is because it feels like a close affair is well overdue.
I’m diving further into the history of the competition. During 1987 and 1999 (12 Ryder Cups), we saw a tie, four scorelines of 14½ to 13½ and two finished as 15-13.
Predicting a home win is not against the grain, but you’ll find plenty of pundits out there who do rate this European side. With 11 of the 12 returning from two years ago, it’s easy to understand why.
But the last time an away team won on opposition soil was back in 2012, when Europe won 14½-13½ at the Medinah Country Club.
This USA team is full of heavy hitters and are well-suited to the course.
It was talked about a lot, but the arrogance of the USA to show up in Rome without playing for five weeks backfired horribly after they got out to a horrendous start on day one. They’ve learnt the hard way, and Scottie has come out and said he’s prepared for this more like how he would prepare for a major. It was a tough lesson, but if they have learnt from two years ago, then they’ll be more prepared and look to come out hot.
I don’t think they’re value backing them at $1.67, but punting on a tight affair with the home team coming out on top makes sense at $4.50.
The world number one should get five looks this weekend and will have a chance to score the maximum five points.
Since we’re backing USA to win it makes sense that we’re tipping a fair few points to go the yanks way and Scottie has to be at the heart of it.
3½ points were enough for Max Homa to take out this market two years ago, but 2½ would’ve been enough to take it out.
If that’s the benchmark, I’d be expecting to see Scheffler win at least three points on home soil.
Captain, Keegan Bradley won’t want to hinder the world number one either and give Scottie the best pairings possible to ensure they lock down their respective matches.
Winning the Tour Championship could do wonders for Tommy Fleetwood and his confidence.
Fleetwood was paired with Rory McIlroy at Marco Simone and won both their foursomes quite handsomely. McIlroy and Viktor Hovland were the only two players to play all five matches with Fleetwood, Aberg, Hatton and Rahm all playing four.
With Luke Donald sticking as, I don’t think we’ll see too much change in tactics.
Fleetwood has a better points percentage than both Rahm and McIlroy. He’s also had experience at the course, where he was sitting 10th at the 2019 US Open at Bethpage before he dropped off over the weekend.
With his tail up, I’m backing the Englishman to lead this European side.
Scottie Scheffler to Win 5 Points @ $17
Hole in One – Yes @ $5.00
Day One Winner – USA @ $2.00