The 45th iteration of the Ryder Cup might stand as its most significant chapter to date. Widely anticipated by golf enthusiasts, observers, and the competitors themselves — often years beforehand — the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup, to be held in Farmingdale, New York, is projected to be a golfing spectacle surpassing nearly all prior events.
This biennial showdown at Bethpage Black will witness the United States vying to regain the Ryder Cup on their own ground. Having secured victories in the last two U.S.-based competitions — highlighted by a decisive 19-9 triumph at Whistling Straits in 2021 — the American team is determined to maintain this positive streak after Europe’s success at the 2023 tournament in Rome.
Conversely, the European team aims to achieve a milestone by becoming the first visiting team to claim victory since their 2012 team’s performance at Medinah. Captain Luke Donald, who was a player on that winning team alongside Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose, saw his team mount an impressive comeback from a 10-6 deficit on the final day, stunning the U.S. team in an event now famously known as the “Miracle at Medinah.”
The pressing question now revolves around whether Europe’s continued team synergy will prevail against a U.S. lineup that includes four newcomers and certain key players who may not be at their peak in 2025. A comprehensive assessment of all players on the Ryder Cup roster indicates that European players occupy three of the top four spots, while the American team exhibits greater depth and consistency across its entire composition.
Throughout the event’s near-century history, the U.S. maintains a series lead of 27-15-2. While the Americans hold an overall advantage, Europe has enjoyed more recent success. In the 11 Ryder Cups since 2000, Europe has claimed victory eight times, with a 2-3 record on American soil.
Explore detailed Ryder Cup forecasts and selections, alongside a comprehensive TV broadcast plan spanning Friday through Sunday, and a ranking of Ryder Cup team members.
2025 Ryder Cup structure, guidelines
The opening two days of the Ryder Cup (Friday, Saturday) are devoted to team-oriented golf. Golfers from both the United States and Europe participate in two sessions per day: foursomes (alternate shot) during the morning and four-ball (best ball) in the afternoon. The third day, Sunday, features head-to-head singles matches.
Foursomes (Friday, Saturday mornings): Two-player teams from each side compete against each other, alternating shots on the same ball until it is holed. For instance, if Player A tees off on Hole 1, they will also tee off on all subsequent odd-numbered holes. Player B will then play the approach shot on Hole 1, with their roles reversing on even-numbered holes where Player B tees off and Player A follows.
Pairing formations involve considerable strategic deliberation, considering equipment preferences, personalities, and skill sets. As a result, this format has played a decisive role in the outcomes of the past two Ryder Cups, with the U.S. achieving a 6-2 record in 2021 and Europe going 7-1 in 2023.
Four-ball (Friday, Saturday afternoons): Two-player teams from each side compete, with each of the four golfers playing their own ball. The lowest score among the two players from each team is counted for that hole, effectively disregarding the other two scores.
Singles (Sunday): All members of the American and European teams participate in 12 individual matches. Unlike the Presidents Cup, where captains reveal their lineup selections sequentially, Ryder Cup captains finalize their lineups without knowing their opponent’s selections.
2025 Ryder Cup point distribution
Tournament points: A total of 28 points are available across the three days and five sessions. With Europe’s victory in the 2023 Ryder Cup, they need only secure 14 points to retain the trophy, while the United States requires at least 14.5 points for an outright win.
Match points: Each match awards 1 point to the victor. Matches ending in a tie result in each side receiving 0.5 points. Each hole is scored individually, with the lowest score winning the hole. If both teams or players achieve the same score on a hole, it is considered tied.
Scoring in match play has its subtleties. For instance, if Team A wins the initial two holes, their advantage is noted as “2 UP”. If Team B wins the third hole, the margin decreases, and Team A’s lead becomes “1 UP”. Matches can conclude before all 18 holes if the lead exceeds the number of remaining holes. For example, if Team A is 4 UP with three holes remaining, the match ends with a score of 4&3 (4 represents the margin, and 3 indicates the remaining holes).
Concessions: These have sparked some debate in recent Ryder Cup editions. Unlike stroke play, teams or players are not required to finish each hole if the opposing side deems their next shot highly probable (e.g., a tap-in putt) or if attempting the stroke will not lead to winning or tying the hole.
2025 Ryder Cup timeline, dates
All times are Eastern
Wednesday, Sept. 24
Opening Ceremony: 4 p.m.
Thursday, Sept. 25
Friday pairings announcement: 4 p.m.
Day 1 — Friday, Sept. 26
Session 1 (foursomes): 7:10 a.m.
Session 2 (four-ball): 12:25 p.m.
Day 2 — Saturday, Sept. 27
Session 3 (foursomes): 7:10 a.m.
Session 4 (four-ball): 12:25 p.m.
Day 3 — Sunday, Sept. 28
Session 5 (singles): 12:02 p.m.
2025 Ryder Cup squads
Qualified Automatically
|
Scottie Scheffler (1) |
Rory McIlroy (2) |
|
Xander Schauffele (3) |
Tommy Fleetwood (6) |
|
Russell Henley (4) |
Robert MacIntyre (9) |
|
J.J. Spaun (7) |
Justin Rose (14) |
|
Harris English (10) |
Tyrrell Hatton (25) |
|
Bryson DeChambeau (21) |
Rasmus Højgaard (57) |
Selections by Captains
|
Justin Thomas (5) |
Viktor Hovland (11) |
|
Collin Morikawa (8) |
Sepp Straka (15) |
|
Ben Griffin (13) |
Ludvig Åberg (16) |
|
Cameron Young (20) |
Shane Lowry (24) |
|
Patrick Cantlay (22) |
Matt Fitzpatrick (29) |
|
Sam Burns (23) |
Jon Rahm (73) |
