The 2025 Ryder Cup is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated editions in recent memory, largely because of how evenly matched the two sides appear on paper.
It is not just about talent this year, though. Team USA are slight favourites, largely because of what is expected to be a wild New York crowd at Bethpage Black.
Even so, there have been bold predictions leading up to the tournament. Sir Nick Faldo backed Europe to win their first away Ryder Cup since 2012.
While Faldo’s prediction is not a surprise, since he was a key figure in Europe’s rise during the 1980s, helping them win their first away Ryder Cup in 1987, what caught more people off guard was Butch Harmon’s assessment of how the two squads stack up.
Butch Harmon backs Europe as the stronger side
Harmon, who coached Tiger Woods for over a decade and later worked with Phil Mickelson, has backed Keegan Bradley’s side heading into the event. But he believes they’re only considered favourites because of the location.
Speaking on Sky Sports about his pick for the Ryder Cup winner, the 82-year-old said: “It’s hard to pick, to be honest with you. As an American, I’m always going to root for the American team, but I’m very unbiased when I’m doing TV at Sky for the 13 Ryder Cups that I’ve done.
“I actually think the Americans are favoured only because it’s played in New York. Myself, I think Europe has the better team, so I give them a slight advantage.”
The US team will be led by world number one Scottie Scheffler following one of the most impressive seasons in recent memory. Even so, there are still some doubts lingering over certain selections.
Justin Thomas made the cut despite struggling with form in recent months, and Collin Morikawa also raised eyebrows given his lack of consistency over the last couple of years.
While Luke Donald’s squad is not free of players going through rough patches either, you could argue they are more balanced overall when you look across both line-ups. Still, dealing with Bethpage Black’s rowdy crowd will be its own challenge entirely.
Butch Harmon wants the Ryder Cup to be about golf, not the fans
As the tournament nears, the focus on the New York crowd has only intensified. Europe’s players seem to be taking it seriously, with Donald even giving his squad VR headsets to help them get used to the atmosphere.
Tommy Fleetwood played down any concerns, saying fans are what makes the Ryder Cup unique. He welcomed their passion and intensity.
Harmon, wrapping up his TV spot, reminded everyone that it is still a golf event first and foremost.
“Let’s have a good one. Let’s make it all about golf, and not about what goes on in the galleries,” he said.
The Ryder Cup can easily become heated – just look back at Rory McIlroy’s clash with Patrick Cantlay’s caddie in 2023. When these moments stay between players and caddies, they tend to add energy rather than detract from it.
This year, there have not been any early signs of fans going too far. The noise will only grow as the weekend approaches, but so far things are staying within bounds.