The Ryder Cup has long been golf’s most electrifying stage, and the 2025 edition at Bethpage Black delivered all the drama fans could hope for. With raucous New York crowds fueling the intensity, Europe edged the United States 15–13 in a contest filled with razor-thin margins, legendary shots, and clutch performances. From opening pairings to Sunday’s singles, this Ryder Cup reminded fans why the biennial event is the pinnacle of team golf.
Pairings and Early Momentum
The opening sessions set the tone. Europe leaned on the steady hands of veterans like Tommy Fleetwood and Shane Lowry, while the U.S. pinned its hopes on young firepower, including Cameron Young and Collin Morikawa. Fleetwood, paired with Ludvig Åberg, was rock-solid, helping Europe gain early momentum. Young gave the home crowd something to roar about, teaming up with Justin Thomas for a commanding fourball win, but Europe’s cohesion kept them ahead through the first two days.
Sunday Singles Drama
Sunday at Bethpage was a masterclass in pressure golf. Ludvig Åberg stunned the American side by defeating Patrick Cantlay 2 & 1, while Lowry delivered one of the defining moments of the week. On the 18th hole of his singles match against Russell Henley, Lowry buried a birdie putt before Henley missed a short chance to halve. That half-point effectively shut down the American comeback. Meanwhile, Tyrrell Hatton sealed Europe’s victory by earning a crucial half point against Morikawa, ensuring his team surpassed the 14.5 mark needed to retain the Cup.
Highs, Lows, and Historic Firsts
The week wasn’t without surprises. Viktor Hovland’s withdrawal due to a neck injury forced the “envelope rule” into play, awarding half a point to each team in his match with Harris English. On the American side, Scottie Scheffler endured a Ryder Cup to forget, becoming the first player in history to lose all four pairs matches he played. In stark contrast, Fleetwood’s unbeaten performance across the first two days earned him the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award, cementing his role as one of Europe’s leaders.
Bethpage Black: A Stage Worthy of the Moment
No Ryder Cup is complete without the setting, and Bethpage Black proved to be a fitting stage. The brutal layout punished every mistake, while its amphitheater-like crowds created an atmosphere more reminiscent of a major championship than a traditional team event. The roars following clutch shots—whether Lowry’s birdie, Hatton’s ice-cold putts, or Young’s fireworks in fourball—elevated the entire competition. It was proof once again that Ryder Cup magic comes not only from the players, but also from the iconic venues that host them.