By Matthew Sullivan

Copyright news

The iconic team showdown between USA and Europe heads to Bethpage Black Course in New York, where the Americans are aiming to bounce back on home soil after Europe comfortably won the Ryder Cup in 2023.

Watch every round The 2025 Ryder Cup exclusively LIVE on Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports | 26-28 September | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose and Jon Rahm are the key players for Team Europe, while Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau lead a USA team featuring four rookies — Russell Henley, J.J. Spain, Cameron Young and Ben Griffin.

The home team is usually the favourite and that is no different this time around, with USA $1.62 to reclaim the Ryder Cup (per Sportsbet), which is available to watch live via Kayo Sports from 9pm AEST on Friday.

“The bookies have got it wrong, I reckon the favourites are actually the Europeans,” Fox Sports golf expert Paul Gow told news.com.au.

“The last time the home team got beaten was back in 2012 at the ‘Miracle in Medinah’ when Martin Kaymer holed that putt and the Europeans won. It’s gone back and forth ever since.

“But this year is a bit different. All the European players have played on the US Tour other than Jon Rahm and Tyrell Hatton, who are on the LIV Tour but have played a lot on the US Tour.

“They’ve only got one rookie, whereas the Americans have got four proper rookies who hadn’t won (on tour) until this year. Now they’re going to the biggest stage in golf and going to have to handle that.

“It’s so different. A lot of golfers say that first tee at the Ryder Cup is the most nervous they’ve ever been in their life.”

Flag stunt sets scene for American crowd antics

USA captain Keegan Bradley was spotted revving up the crowd during a practice round, running up the 18th fairway waving an American flag.

The patriotic scenes prompted UK commentator Piers Morgan to tweet: “God, he’s so annoying. Can’t wait to see him crying on Sunday night.”

Former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan described Bradley as a “muppet”.

President Trump, who is a keen golfer, is expected to attend the opening day of action at Bethpage following appearances at other sporting events this year including the US Open final, UFC bouts and the FIFA Club World Cup final.

“It’s a very New York thing, they’re very robust,” Gow said of the fans at Bethpage.

“They’re in-your-face people, but very passionate. They’re loud and proud of where they’re from.”

Europe captain’s money sledge

There is no shortage of spice in the USA vs Europe match-up — who could forget Rory McIlroy’s carpark blow-up at Patrick Cantlay’s caddie that nearly descended into fisticuffs in 2023.

The sledging has already started with Europe captain Luke Donald taking a swipe at the pre-tournament ceremony over the American players playing for money.

Since 1999, each US Ryder Cup player had received USD$200,000 for charities of their choice but that was raised this year to $500,000, $300,000 for charity and $200,000 (A$305,000) as a personal stipend to use however each liked.

In contrast, Europe players told Donald they did not want to be paid to play in the Ryder Cup, some seeing that as Europe players loving the Cup more than their American counterparts.

“The Ryder Cup means so much to each and every one of us. It’s unlike anything else in our sport,” Donald said.

“It’s not about prize money or world ranking points. It’s about pride. It’s about representing your flag, your shirts, and the legacy you leave behind.”

Gow said “there’s already been some hand grenades thrown from McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau, little digs here and there”.

“The one that’s been festering the whole time is the players getting paid to play,” he said.

“The Americans are getting paid but the Europeans aren’t getting paid — their money goes straight to their chosen charity. It’s now a bit of a wedge between the two teams.

“I think Europe win by one. This will be the closest Ryder Cup of all time. The Europeans always have a chip on their shoulder. They always like being the underdog like Queensland in State of Origin, the exact same mentality.”

HOW TO WATCH THE RYDER CUP

Watch every round The 2025 Ryder Cup exclusively LIVE on Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports | 26-29 September | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

TEE TIMES AEST

Friday 26 September

Day One – Foursomes

Match 1 – 9:10pm

Match 2 – 9:26pm

Match 3 – 9:42pm

Match 4 – 9:58pm

Saturday 27 September

Day One – Four-ball

Match 1 – 2:25am

Match 2 – 2:41am

Match 3 – 2:57am

Match 4 – 3:13am

Day Two – Foursomes

Match 1 – 9:10pm

Match 2 – 9:26pm

Match 3 – 9:42pm

Match 4 – 9:58pm

Sunday 28 September

Day Two – Four-ball

Match 1 – 2:25am

Match 2 – 2:41am

Match 3 – 2:57am

Match 4 – 3:13am

Monday 29 September

Day Three – Singles

First match begins at 2:02am with the other 11 matches to follow.

ROUND 1 PAIRINGS

Match 1: Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton vs. Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas

Match 2: Ludvig Aberg and Matt Fitzpatrick vs. Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley

Match 3: Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood vs. Collin Morikawa and Harris English

Match 4: Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland vs. Xander Schauffle and Patrick Cantlay

FORMAT EXPLAINED

All Ryder Cup matches are matchplay contests, rather than stroke play as is played on tours around the globe from week-to-week.

All that matters is winning more holes than your opponent/s regardless of which of the three formats – foursomes, four-ball or singles – is being played.

The player or team that wins the most holes, wins the match and earns a point for their team.

If the match is tied after 18 holes, both teams are awarded a half point.

Europe need 14 points from the 28 matches to retain the Cup, while the USA need 14.5 points to win.

Keegan Bradley – captain, Sam Burns, Patrick Cantlay, Bryson DeChambeau, Harris English, Ben Griffin, Russell Henley, Collin Morikawa, Xander Schauffele, J.J. Spaun, Scottie Scheffler, Justin Thomas, Cameron Young

Luke Donald – captain, Ludvig Aberg, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrell Hatton, Rasmus Hojgaard, Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Sepp Straka