The Ryder Cup – Golf’s Greatest Team Contest

The Ryder Cup is one of the most prestigious and fiercely contested events in global sport, let alone golf. Held every two years, this iconic competition pits the best players from Europe against the finest from the United States, creating drama, passion, and unforgettable moments that transcend the game. Unlike regular tournaments, the Ryder Cup is all about national and continental pride. With no prize money on offer, players compete purely for glory, their teammates, and the honour of lifting one of golf’s most famous trophies.

When did the Ryder Cup Begin?

The Ryder Cup began in 1927, when the United States first faced a team from Great Britain at Worcester Country Club, Massachusetts. Named after English businessman Samuel Ryder, who donated the trophy, the event has grown into one of the most watched and celebrated sporting contests in the world.

Since 1979, the competition has been contested between the USA and a combined European team — a move that transformed the Ryder Cup into the epic spectacle we know today.

Famous Ryder Cup Venues

The Ryder Cup alternates every two years between venues in Europe and the United States. Some of golf’s most iconic courses have played host, including:

• The Belfry (England) – the spiritual home of European Ryder Cups, staging the event four times.
• Gleneagles (Scotland) – where Europe triumphed in 2014.
• Le Golf National (France) – the dramatic setting for Europe’s victory in 2018.
• Whistling Straits (USA) – where the Americans reclaimed the trophy in 2021.
• Marco Simone Golf & Country Club (Italy) – host of the 2023 Ryder Cup, marking the first time Italy staged the event.

Upcoming editions include Bethpage Black (USA, 2025) and Adare Manor (Ireland, 2027), ensuring the Ryder Cup continues to visit legendary stages.

Format – Match Play at Its Best

The Ryder Cup stands apart because it is played entirely in match play. Across three days, players compete in:

• Foursomes (alternate shots in pairs)
• Fourballs (better ball in pairs)
• Singles (head-to-head matches on the final day)

Every shot carries weight, and momentum can swing rapidly. The atmosphere is more like a football stadium than a golf tournament, with chants, cheers, and emotions running high from start to finish.

Historic Moments in Ryder Cup History

The Ryder Cup has provided countless unforgettable chapters in golfing history, including:

• The Miracle at Medinah (2012) – Europe staged a stunning final-day comeback to snatch victory from the USA.
• Seve Ballesteros & José María Olazábal – the iconic Spanish duo who embodied passion and inspired generations.
• Jack Nicklaus & Tony Jacklin (1969) – the famous “Concession” at Royal Birkdale, a gesture of true sportsmanship.
• Europe’s first win on American soil (1987) – a defining moment in changing the balance of power.

Bethpage Black – Ryder Cup 2025 Venue

In 2025, the Ryder Cup will head to Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, one of the most challenging and celebrated public golf courses in the world. Designed by A.W. Tillinghast in 1936, the Black Course is renowned for its difficulty, famously warning players at the first tee: “The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers.”

Bethpage Black has hosted several major championships, including the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens, as well as the 2019 PGA Championship. Its long, narrow fairways, deep bunkering, and thick rough provide a stern test that will push Ryder Cup players to their limits.

With its proximity to New York City, fans can expect a boisterous, passionate atmosphere — one that could rival any Ryder Cup in history. The 2025 contest promises to be a true spectacle, combining a world-class course with one of golf’s most electric crowds.

2025 Ryder Cup Teams

Team USA (Captain: Keegan Bradley)

Automatic Qualifiers:

• Scottie Scheffler

• J. J. Spaun

• Xander Schauffele

• Russell Henley

• Harris English

• Bryson DeChambeau

Captain’s Picks:

• Justin Thomas

• Collin Morikawa

• Ben Griffin

• Maverick McNealy

• Brian Harman

• Patrick Cantlay

Team Europe (Captain: Luke Donald)

Automatic Qualifiers:

• Rory McIlroy

• Robert MacIntyre

• Tommy Fleetwood

• Justin Rose

• Tyrrell Hatton

• Rasmus Højgaard

Captain’s Picks:

• Shane Lowry

• Sepp Straka

• Ludvig Åberg

• Viktor Hovland

• Matt Fitzpatrick

• Jon Rahm

When does the 2025 Ryder Cup start?

The 2025 Ryder Cup will take place from Friday 26th to Sunday 28th September at Bethpage Black in New York. With the five-hour time difference between the UK and the U.S. East Coast, UK golf fans can expect matches to begin in the afternoons (around 1–2pm UK time) and run well into the evening, often finishing close to 11pm. This schedule makes it perfect viewing for those looking to settle in for three nights of prime-time Ryder Cup drama.