Following Europe’s triumph in the Ryder Cup two years prior, a consistent viewpoint has emerged in conversations about the international contest: Why isn’t the United States team exhibiting greater unity? These perspectives usually stem from actual events. The American squad faced internal discord two years ago, making the selection of captain Keegan Bradley seem like an unconventional decision. How can a 39-year-old, primarily focused on participating in the Ryder Cup, unite his peers toward a common objective – particularly against Luke Donald, whose European team operates smoothly, practically harmonizing as they approach Bethpage Black?
A factor favoring the U.S. is the Ryder Cup’s historical trend: neither team has achieved success on foreign soil since 2012. Will this trend persist after five competitions, or will the Americans find equilibrium, with both seasoned players and newcomers collaborating to defeat the Europeans? Recall that the last time the Ryder Cup was hosted in the United States, the U.S. decisively defeated Europe with a record-setting 19-9 victory.
The United States is currently favored at -150 to win the Ryder Cup, while Europe holds odds of +175, according to Caesars Sportsbook. While Europe can secure retention by acquiring just 14 points – as the current holders, a tie would maintain their possession – the U.S. requires 14.5 points for an outright win. Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy are, respectively, considered the frontrunners to score the most points for their respective teams. However, despite predictions favoring an American victory, they are also fielding four rookies compared to Europe’s single newcomer (who was involved in team discussions two years prior as the sibling of a player).
The talent disparity isn’t as pronounced as it was four years ago; in fact, Europe boasts a greater number of golfers performing at a higher level at this point in 2025 compared to the U.S. This is reflected in CBS Sports’ assessment, with Europe featuring three of the top four players in the 24-man field, as detailed in our comprehensive Ryder Cup rankings.
Ultimately, the Europeans aim to achieve consecutive Ryder Cup victories for the first time since 2010 and 2012, while the United States seeks to uphold their dominance on home ground.
Let’s examine how our CBS Sports experts anticipate the 2025 Ryder Cup unfolding, and feel free to explore the historical Ryder Cup performances of every golfer representing both the U.S. and Europe.
2025 Ryder Cup forecasts, expert selections
United States MVP
Scottie Scheffler: The part of me that likes unexpected outcomes would like to go with someone like Patrick Cantlay, but the U.S. can’t win without the world’s top ranked player, and he is going to stand tall during this event. Scheffler is the best player in the world, without a doubt, and he will be targeted, which he will be ready to take on with pride in both foursomes and four-ball sessions where he gets good playing partners. The putting aspect was a bit of a problem heading into the 2023 competition; but that has improved now leaving Scheffler in a position to control this Ryder Cup. Odds as top American: 2-1 | top point scorer: 3-1 — Patrick McDonald
Scottie Scheffler: While others can be considered, Scheffler is clearly the leader for the Americans. He’s the best player in the world right now, and how he plays will be crucial for the confidence of players on both teams. If Europe can gain points from the U.S. in Scheffler’s matches, it will give the European team confidence that could lead to an upset on the road. If Scheffler does well it can set the tone for the Americans and help them calm their nerves. If you know that he is on your team and is doing his part, suddenly the challenge of winning 14.5 points feels a bit easier. Odds as top American: 2-1 | top point scorer: 3-1 — Robby Kalland
Europe MVP
Viktor Hovland: Europe is counting on their big three: McIlroy, Rahm and Fleetwood to perform well. Hovland will make that a core four like in Rome. Bethpage Black seems like a good course for him because its rough has been trimmed down, which will take the pressure off of his driver and make the course easier for him with his irons where he is second only to Scheffler in 2025. His short game has been okay recently, and he has a good sense of the moment. Odds as top European: 12-1 | top point scorer: 28-1 — McDonald
Rory McIlroy: If Europe is going to win at Bethpage, Rory needs to be the one to lead the way. He had a record of 4-1-0 in Rome and I would be very surprised if he isn’t playing in all five sessions again this week. McIlroy said that they were going to win on the road after they won in Italy, and he’s not just the best player on Europe’s team, he’s also the heartbeat of the team. He needs to get 3.5 or 4 points again this week if Europe is going to win at Bethpage. Odds as top European: 4-1 | top point scorer: 9-1 — Kalland
Breakout candidate
Cameron Young (United States): Because he’s familiar with the course, is playing well and has experience in big situations, Young could be the player who helps the U.S. win. The former PGA Tour Rookie of the Year can hit the ball as far as anyone, and the fact that his putting has improved (second best on the U.S. team behind only Burns) makes him difficult to beat in these playing formats. If his iron play is good, Young will do very well this week. Odds as top American: 12-1 | top point scorer: 22-1 — McDonald
Ben Griffin (United States): Based on the early practice schedule, it seems like Griffin might be paired with DeChambeau this week. If that’s the case, I think he has a good chance to be a star on this U.S. team. All season we were waiting for Griffin to have a bad stretch, but he has continued to play well even as the pressure has increased. If he’s playing alongside DeChambeau, I think he will pull down 2.5 or 3 points this week and become a fan favorite at Bethpage. Odds as top American: 20-1 | top point scorer: 27-1 — Kalland
Surprise prediction
The fans will get an exciting Sunday singles: It’s been over a decade since the Ryder Cup was close on Sunday — the last five have each been won by more than 5 points — but that is going to change this year because the teams are evenly matched. The fans will see another version of Bryson vs. Rory and Rahm vs. Scheffler for longer than just 5 minutes. This is going to be close and those in the second half of the lineups will be very important in deciding who wins. — McDonald
J.J. Spaun or Russell Henley score the winning point for the United States (odds: 6-1 each): It’s almost certain that the Ryder cup will be decided late on Sunday, and based on what Bradley has said about Spaun and Henley, both will be put in the back end of Sunday singles. Players such as Scheffler and DeChambeau will probably be sent out early to try and get points, but some reliable players will be needed in the back end to finish the job. Bradley has praised both guys’ competitive nature leading up to the Ryder Cup, and they could be among the last four pairings to go out Sunday with the Ryder Cup on the line. — Kalland
Winning side
United States (15-13): Everything points to Europe — good form, experience, continuity, leadership, pedigree, and any other reason that you can think of — but I have a feeling that the U.S. will win by a small margin. (I know this isn’t based on much.) Europe is the safe pick in this situation, and while the U.S. has a lot of unknowns, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s a bad thing. Some players will play better than expected — and some will play worse — and the good performances from both the rookies and proven players like Thomas and Schauffele will be enough to win. Odds to win: -150 | exact score odds: 10-1 — McDonald
United States (15-13): Europe will give the Americans a tougher challenge than any road team since Medinah in 2012, but this U.S. team is good enough to win. If nothing else, they have Scheffler and the Bethpage crowd on their side. Bradley has done a great job of bringing this team together and that will help them on Sunday. It will be interesting to see how the U.S. does in foursomes — Europe might have the advantage in those sessions — but on Sunday in singles, the U.S. has enough good players to get the job done and win the Ryder Cup at home. Odds to win: -150 | exact score odds: 10-1 — Kalland
