Can Europe go back to back? Will Scottie Scheffler inspire the United States to victory? Just how rowdy will it be at Bethpage Black? And will Donald Trump overshadow it all?
So many questions and the good news is they are about to be answered.
Yes, Ryder Cup 2025 is finally upon us with the action getting underway on Friday in New York with three days’ of intriguing golf accompanied by the usual intoxicating mix of emotion, drama and controversy.
Europe were convincing winners in Rome two years ago but, historically, it is an event dominated by the home team. The hosts have won eight of the last nine stagings, the anomaly being the Miracle of Medinah in 2012.
Where is the Ryder Cup being played?
The venue this year is Bethpage Black on Long Island, New York. It is the first time since 1995 that the event has been staged in New York State.
Bethpage Black is regarded as one of the most notoriously difficult public golf courses in the US.
It staged the US Open in 2002 (won by Tiger Woods) and 2009 (Lucas Glover), and the PGA Championship in 2019 (Brooks Koepka).Â
It measures 7,352 yards and is a par-70 layout.
What time does the Ryder Cup get underway on Friday?
The morning foursomes are due to start at 7.10am local time, which is 12.10pm in the UK.
The afternoon fourballs are due to start at 12.25pm local time, which is 5.25pm in the UK.
The schedule is the same for Saturday.
On Sunday, the singles start at 12.02pm in New York, 5.02pm in the UK.
Remember it is the first team to reach 14.5 points that will be declared the winner. If it ends in a tie at 14-14 then holders Europe will retain the trophy.
What are the teams for the Ryder Cup?
United States
Captain: Keegan Bradley
Sam Burns
Patrick Cantlay
Bryson DeChambeau
Harris English
Ben Griffin
Russell Henley
Collin Morikawa
Xander Schauffele
JJ Spaun
Scottie Scheffler
Justin Thomas
Cameron Young
Europe
Captain: Luke Donald
Ludvig Aberg
Matt Fitzpatrick
Tommy Fleetwood
Tyrrell Hatton
Rasmus Hojgaard
Viktor Hovland
Shane Lowry
Robert McIntyre
Rory McIlroy
Jon Rahm
Justin Rose
Sepp Straka
Who are the alpha males?
There is an abundance of talent on both sides, yet inevitably, there are players that stand out as leaders on and off the course.
USA
DeChambeau and Scheffler
Very different characters but both hugely influential in different ways.
DeChambeau is gregarious, flamboyant and will be cheerleader number one when the action gets underway. His social media following means he has a connection with fans that is arguably different to every other player. Add in his all-out attack game, and booming drives, and DeChambeau will be a key figure.
Scheffler is different in virtually every single aspect bar the big game.
The 19-time PGA Tour winner is quiet, reserved but will be determined to make a positive impact following his winless trip to Rome that also saw him shed greenside tears after he and Koepka were thrashed 9&7 by Aberg and Hovland in the Saturday foursomes.
Europe
McIlroy and Rahm
Two big-hitters with personalities to match, not in a shouty way but with a steely determination that can lead to flashpoints.
Neither will be overawed by the occasion and both will be happy to give a bit back to the home crowd.
Rahm has claimed 7.5 points from a possible 12 over his three Ryder Cups but was unbeaten in Rome.
This will be McIlroy’s eighth Ryder Cup appearance and, while he has not always brought his best to the event, his 4-1-0 record two years ago hints at an ease with his role as team leader.
How do the bookmakers see it?
Bet365 have the US as favourites at 4/6 with Europe at 7/4. A tie is 12/1.
Scheffler is 9/2 favourite with William Hill to be the leading points scorer across both teams, ahead of McIlroy (9/1), DeChambeau (10/1) and Rahm (10/1).
The USA are 5/6 to be leading after day one with William Hill.
How to watch the 2025 Ryder Cup: TV and online streams
In the UK, you can watch all three days on Sky Sports, starting on Friday at 11.30am. It will be streamed on Sky Go.
In the US, you can watch it on NBC and stream it on Peacock.
And what of Trump?
The US president is due to be at Bethpage Black on Friday. No specific details have been given for security reasons but it is unlikely he will shun the limelight.
As was the case at the recent US Open tennis final in New York, his presence may hinder access for golf fans.
Prediction
On paper the teams look pretty evenly matched. But home advantage is undoubtedly a factor.
Add in the fact the US rookies – Spaun, Griffin, Henley and Young – appear stronger than novices from previous years and we feel the US might just edge it but it will, inevitably, be close.
