The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black wasn’t just a sporting event, it was an adventure. Over three days, the iconic, unforgiving golf course produced a story of persistence, tactics, and shifting whims that will be part of Ryder Cup history.
From feeling the icy wind on Friday morning to hearing the cheers of victory on Sunday afternoon, both Team Europe and Team USA competed against each other and against the brutal inclination of competition against the already lofty demands of one of golf’s most challenging venues.
Day 1: Fighting the Worst of Each Other and Nature
Friday morning started with cold reminders of what the reputation Bethpage Black afforded: swirly winds, and greens that were firm and fast – each shot a test of nerve and precision.
The morning Foursomes saw an early swing toward Team USA, who, bolstered by the home crowd support and what seemed an innate understanding of the course, took an early lead that was only no more than a point or so.
Accordingly, we saw solid pairings like Scheffler/Cantlay and Morikawa/Homa grind out vital, and at times, pars where Team Europe were struggling for birdies.
Morning Foursomes Score: USA 2.5 – 1.5 Europe
When the afternoon Fourball matches began, the European spirit was revived. Players like Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm, who are seasoned competitors and often alongside some exciting first timers, found their rhythm and began making crazily improbable putts and hitting big, long drives.
The matches started to become tighter, several going to 18 holes, leading to an astounding atmosphere. Europe was able to gain some ground and create a tense morning match up for Saturday.
Afternoon Fourball Score: USA 2 – 2 Europe
Overall Day 1 Score: USA 4.5 – 3.5 Europe
Day 1 Standings:
USA: 4.5 points
Europe: 3.5 points
The day ended, and the USA led, but Europe’s tenacity coming into the afternoon matched the energy for an incredible day. There were difficulties, clearly.
The heavy rough swallowed bad shots, and the undulating greens required tremendous touch – and were unforgiving even for the slightest misread on the approach.
Day 2: Europe’s Momentum and the Shifting Ground
Saturday was less windy than the previous day, but the teeth of Bethpage Black remained sharp. Morning Foursomes showed golf strategy at its best, with both teams playing conservatively and effectively.
Team Europe looked rejuvenated after their Friday afternoon performance with fresh energy.
Their partnerships seemed stronger, and the putters were hotter. Rahm and Hovland were, in particular, unstoppable, destroying their American pair with ease.
Morning Foursomes Score: USA 1.5 – 2.5 Europe
The afternoon Fourball matches completely flipped the momentum. The European charge was almost relentless.
The younger European players, who looked a little overwhelmed the previous day, were now oozing the confidence of youth. Birdies were flowing, and the “olay” chants from the European fans got progressively louder.
The American fans were also cheering, but their cheering felt subdued, as Europe was pulling away with half-points and turning potential losses into draws.
Afternoon Fourball Score: USA 1.5 – 2.5 Europe
Overall Day 2 Score: Europe 8.5 – 7.5 USA
Day 2 Standings:
Europe: 8.5 points
USA: 7.5 points
Not only had Europe overcome the deficit, but they also had reclaimed a one-point lead, showing resilience and adjustment in their strategy. The tough conditions at Bethpage Black were still putting pressure on every player, particularly the long par-3s and long par-4s.
While Europe may have struggled in those conditions 24 hours prior, it did not show, as they found lines and angles that had evaded them the previous day.
Day 3 – The Singles Showdown to the Finish
Sunday. Singles Day. The anticipation in the air was electric. With a razor-thin one-point lead for Europe, the Ryder Cup was to be decided in twelve matches. The pressure on any player playing was immense and amplified by the New York crowd.
The early matches were a rollercoaster of emotions. The USA, buoyed by the home crowd, made a strong charge early. Justin Thomas and Patrick Cantlay secured points, pulling the USA momentarily back into the lead.
Yet, Europe did not back down and responded with their elite players, Jon Rahm went to battle with Scottie Scheffler and pulled out an emergency point, followed by Viktor Hovland’s excellent play.
The final nine holes of Bethpage Black became the scene for ultimate drama. Holes 15, 16 and 17, with their precision required fairways and tricky small greens, devoured hopes and created legends. The European mid-order, featuring young players short of expectations all week, began making ground with every passing round.
A critical half point from a just-made birdie on the 18th from a European rookie began to ease the hopes of fans watching the scorecard.
As the late matches came to a close, the scoreboard began to tell the story. Team Europe reached a total of 14.5 points for victory when a devastated Tyrrell Hatton, after a hard-fought match all along, made a five-foot putt on the 17th green, making the point that confirmed Team Europe’s win.
Final Score: Europe: 15 – 13 USA
Final Score:
Europe 15 Points- Winners of the 2025 Ryder Cup
USA 13 Points
Challenges and Final Success
The 2025 Ryder Cup was characterized by challenges. Even under normal weather conditions, Bethpage Black is a tough test for golfers. The and the difficulties of fat shots, deep bunkers and elevation changes means that hitting greens in regulation was a daily challenge
The mental aspect of recovering from a terrible shot, or merely making a critical putt under debilitating pressure, separated the champions from aspirants.
Team Europe’s true success was not winning the Ryder Cup, but defeating Bethpage Black on American soil, against a courageous American team, and demonstrating a committed team spirit.
Their ability to adapt to the course after the first day of extremely difficult conditions, their determination in each other’s abilities, and their overall mental game allowed them to pick up the trophy.
The 2025 Ryder Cup in Bethpage Black will be forever remembered as the epitome of teamwork, resilience, and great golf.