Ryder Cup 2025: Home Cooking, NY Crowds, and Two VERY Different Captains

If you’ve been following the Ryder Cup in recent years, you’ll know one thing. The home team has been hogging all the glory like the friend who insists on ordering pizza and then eats half of it themselves. Since 2012, neither side has managed to win away. Europe defends its home soil, the U.S. bounces back when it’s their turn, and the trophy basically travels with a passport stamped ‘return to sender.’ 

This year, the traveling circus lands at Bethpage Black in New York — a public course famous for its difficulty, its warning sign “Only for highly skilled golfers”, and, perhaps most of all, its crowds. Imagine thousands of New Yorkers, already opinionated on a quiet day, packed shoulder-to-shoulder, fuelled by coffee, bagels, and probably something stronger. The Europeans aren’t just playing the U.S. team — they’re playing the world’s most boisterous gallery. 

On the U.S. side, captain Keegan Bradley gets his first crack at leading. Known for wearing his heart on his sleeve and pacing putts like a man measuring carpet, he’ll bring plenty of passion to the role. Bradley’s job? Harness the talent of Scheffler, Schauffele, and company, then turn them loose like cab drivers fighting for a fare in Midtown. 

Across the pond, Europe returns with Luke Donald at the helm, a mild-mannered Englishman who masterminded their victory in Rome. Donald’s calm, calculated style contrasts perfectly with Bradley’s emotional spark. Think chess grandmaster versus a guy trying to win at pinball by shaking the machine. Both approaches can work — the Ryder Cup has proven that. 

But this year isn’t just about pairings, formats, or even who holes the most putts. It’s about the fans. Former European captain Paul McGinley is already saying Bethpage will be “the noisiest Ryder Cup atmosphere in history,” which is a polite way of saying, “Good luck draining a three-footer while someone in the crowd yells their cousin can make it left-handed.” Europe has even been using VR headsets to prepare for the noise, which sounds high-tech but probably can’t simulate the exact moment a Queens local shouts, “You suck, Rory!” 

So, can Europe break the away-win curse? Or will the U.S. ride the home-course wave yet again? Either way, buckle up. Bethpage Black is ready to host golf’s rowdiest, loudest, most entertaining street fight — only with golf clubs. 

Cheers,

Nick