Golf fans around the world are counting down to one of the sport’s most iconic and emotionally charged events: the Ryder Cup. Held every two years, this transatlantic team competition sees the best golfers from Europe and the United States go head-to-head, not for prize money, but for pride, history, and legacy.
The 2025 Ryder Cup will take place from Friday, September 26 to Sunday, September 28 at the historic Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York. Known for its toughness and famously brutal rough, Bethpage has hosted multiple major championships—and it’s expected to provide the perfect stage for another high-stakes showdown between Team USA and Team Europe.
How Does the Ryder Cup Work?
Unlike the typical week-to-week golf tournaments on the PGA or DP World Tour, the Ryder Cup is not an individual stroke-play competition. Instead, it’s a match-play team event, with 12 players representing each side.
Each match is worth one point, and the overall goal is simple: earn more points than the other team. Across the three days of competition, there are 28 matches, meaning the first team to reach 14½ points wins the Ryder Cup. If the score is tied at 14-14, the team that won the previous edition retains the trophy, in this case, Team Europe.
The Match Formats: Foursomes, Fourballs & Singles
The Ryder Cup includes three distinct types of match play: foursomes, fourballs, and singles. Each format brings its own style, strategy, and pressure.
- Foursomes (alternate shot): Two teammates share one ball and alternate shots. One player tees off on the odd-numbered holes, the other on the evens. It’s the ultimate test of partnership and trust, as players must adapt to each other’s style. Four foursomes matches are played on both Friday and Saturday.
- Fourballs: Here, all four players play their own ball. The lowest score from each pair on each hole counts. It’s a more aggressive format, allowing players to take more risks knowing their partner might still secure the hole. Like foursomes, there are four fourball matches on both Friday and Saturday.
- Singles: On Sunday, every player competes in a one-on-one match against an opponent from the other team. With 12 matches on the final day, the Ryder Cup often comes down to these nail-biting showdowns.
In total, 16 matches are played on Friday and Saturday (eight per day: four foursomes and four fourballs), followed by 12 singles matches on Sunday, making up the 28-point total.
Scoring and Results
Each match is worth one point. If a match is tied after 18 holes, it’s considered “all square,” and both teams receive half a point. Because there is no extra time or playoff holes, ties are common and can be strategically valuable.
You’ll often see match results described with scores like 3&2 or 1up. Here’s how to read them:
- 3&2 means a player or team was 3 holes ahead with only 2 holes left, making it mathematically impossible for the opponent to catch up.
- 1up means the match went all the way to the 18th hole, and the winner edged it by one.
- A/S stands for “all square,” meaning the match was tied.
Looking Back: A Fierce Rivalry
Since 1979, when the competition expanded to include golfers from all over Europe (rather than just Great Britain and Ireland), the rivalry has become more balanced and intense.
Of the 22 modern Ryder Cups played since then, Team Europe has won 12, and Team USA has claimed 9. (There was one tie, in 1989.)
Interestingly, recent history shows a strong home-course advantage. The last five Ryder Cups have all been won by the host team. Europe dominated in Rome in 2023, winning 16½ to 11½. The last American win came in 2021 at Whistling Straits, with a commanding 19–9 result. However, neither side has managed an away win since 2012, when Europe pulled off a historic comeback at Medinah, which probably explain why team USA are the favourites in the current sports betting markets.
Legends and Records
The Ryder Cup has seen some legendary performances over the years. Phil Mickelson holds the record for most appearances (12 for Team USA between 1995 and 2018), while Sergio García is the all-time leading point scorer with 28½ points for Team Europe.
For many players, the Ryder Cup is a career-defining moment. While major championships may offer more individual prestige, the chance to represent your continent—or your country—and win as a team is uniquely special.
In 2023, Tyrrell Hatton was a standout for Team Europe, going unbeaten across his four matches. His mix of passion and precision made him a fan favourite, and he’ll be one to watch again in 2025 if selected.
What to Expect in 2025
With the 2025 edition being played on American soil, Team USA will be desperate to reclaim the cup. Bethpage Black, a famously demanding course on Long Island, could play to the strengths of big hitters and aggressive playmakers—a potential edge for the American squad.
But Team Europe has momentum and recent form on its side. Captained brilliantly by Luke Donald in 2023, they’ll arrive with confidence, experience, and a hunger to win on U.S. soil for the first time in over a decade.
We don’t yet know who will captain Team USA or which rookies might break into either lineup, but one thing is certain: the Ryder Cup always delivers drama, passion, and unforgettable moments.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a die-hard golf fan or a casual viewer, the Ryder Cup is one of the few sporting events that combines world-class talent with emotional stakes and a team-first mentality. With iconic venues, international pride on the line, and formats that encourage bold, attacking play, it’s a perfect blend of competition and camaraderie.
As we look toward Bethpage in 2025, one question looms large: Can the United States stop Europe’s momentum, or will the trophy stay across the Atlantic? Either way, fans can expect three days of thrilling golf at its most spirited.