The Ryder Cup has arrived, with play underway Sept. 26-28 at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. The biennial event pits the United States against Europe in one of golf’s most heated rivalries.
This year’s Cup features some of the sport’s biggest stars, including Rory McIlroy, Bryson DeChambeau, Scottie Scheffler, and Viktor Hovland. Several players battled late in the season to secure spots, with Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, and Cameron Young among those in contention for Team USA. On the European side, Shane Lowry and Ludvig Åberg entered the competition as rising talents.
Madison golfers have their own picks on who could make the biggest impact. Sophomore Owen Murphy chose DeChambeau as “one to watch.”
“I think Bryson DeChambeau is going to be a staple for Team USA,” Murphy said. “He draws a ton of energy to the team, and the way he plays is electric. Along with his major consistency, he could be a valuable player this year.”
Braxton Bray pointed to Thomas and Åberg as potential difference-makers.
“I believe Justin Thomas will be able to sneak in along with Ludvig Åberg,” Bray said. “Justin is an amazing player with Ryder Cup experience, and Åberg is a rising talent who plays aggressively when needed.”
Jayce Sharp, a former Madison golfer and current worker at Sunrise Golf Course, imagined a marquee matchup.
“Rory and Scottie would be an amazing matchup in my opinion,” Sharp said. “They are both big hitters with elite ball striking. Rory is very well known for his Ryder Cup experience, and Scottie has made it clear he is the main man on Team USA.”
The Ryder Cup has a long history of drama and intensity. Europe leads the modern era with 12 victories to the United States’ 10, and enters this year as defending champion. Several big names have already cemented their place in Cup lore, from Tiger Woods and Jordan Spieth to Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood.
Bethpage Black, consistently ranked among the toughest public courses in the world, sets the stage this weekend. The par-71 track stretches 7,387 yards and is known for its demanding layout.
The format remains match play, with two players from each side pairing up to face an opposing duo in foursomes and fourball matches, followed by singles on Sunday. Each match is worth a point, and the first team to reach 14½ points wins the Cup.
With the strength of both rosters and the challenge of Bethpage Black, the 2025 Ryder Cup promises drama from the first tee shot to the final putt. The question now is whether the United States can close the gap to 12-11 or if Europe will once again extend its lead.
