Ryder Cup 2025 – As It Happened

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Welcome to our rolling coverage of the Ryder Cup 2025 at Bethpage Black, New York. This page will be updated throughout the week with scores, session summaries, and key moments from the matches.

If you’d like to dive deeper into the tournament’s rich past, check out our full feature on the history of the Ryder Cup.

We’d also love to hear from you. Please post your comments about our predictions and share any insights or information related to the Ryder Cup. Selected comments will be featured in this article as part of our live coverage.

Stay tuned as we add more coverage after each session.

Friday Morning – Foursomes Matchups

The wait is over. Captains Keegan Bradley and Luke Donald have unveiled the Friday morning foursomes matchups for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, and they promise early fireworks. The opening session sets the tone for the entire contest. Foursomes, also known as alternate shot, demand precision and chemistry from each pairing. With nerves high and the crowd already electric, every hole has the potential to swing momentum early in this Ryder Cup.

Before the first ball is struck, each team faces critical decisions. They must choose which brand of ball to play for the entire match and decide which player will tee off on odd-numbered holes and which on even-numbered ones. These choices might sound simple but can make or break a pairing’s rhythm. One of the most infamous examples came when Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were paired together in 2004 and struggled because they could not agree on the ball.

Match 1, 7:10 a.m. ET: Bryson DeChambeau/Justin Thomas (USA) vs. Jon Rahm/Tyrrell Hatton (Europe)
The Americans pair DeChambeau’s raw power with Thomas’ creativity. Europe counters with Rahm and Hatton, two fiery competitors who thrive in pressure cookers. Expect heavy shot-making and plenty of emotion.

Match 2, 7:26 a.m. ET: Scottie Scheffler/Russell Henley (USA) vs. Ludvig Åberg/Matt Fitzpatrick (Europe)
World No. 1 Scheffler sticks with Henley after their impressive Presidents Cup showing. The Americans are banking on that chemistry to deliver again. Across from them, Åberg’s power and Fitzpatrick’s accuracy form a balanced European duo well-suited for Bethpage.

Match 3, 7:42 a.m. ET: Collin Morikawa/Harris English (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy/Tommy Fleetwood (Europe)
This is a heavyweight bout. Morikawa and English form a balanced American side, but they face Europe’s “Fleetwood-Mac” duo. McIlroy and Fleetwood delivered heroics in Rome in 2023 and will look to set the tone again.

Match 4, 7:58 a.m. ET: Xander Schauffele/Patrick Cantlay (USA) vs. Robert MacIntyre/Viktor Hovland (Europe)
The trusted U.S. partnership of Schauffele and Cantlay goes against Hovland, who has been in electric form, and MacIntyre, playing his second Ryder Cup after a solid showing in Rome. An intriguing subplot here is how Cantlay will be received by the Bethpage crowd. After his role in sparking the debate around player pay during the 2023 Ryder Cup, he may face jeers from fans. How he handles that atmosphere could be just as important as the golf itself.

Predictions

• Match 1: Slight edge to Rahm/Hatton — their ability to feed off each other’s intensity could neutralize DeChambeau’s power.
• Match 2: Scheffler/Henley favored, given their Presidents Cup success and Bethpage’s demand for consistency.
• Match 3: McIlroy/Fleetwood are Europe’s heartbeat pairing and look like the strongest match on paper.
• Match 4: Schauffele/Cantlay have the track record, but an intriguing factor is how the crowd reacts to Cantlay after the “pay for players” saga. If jeers rattle him, Hovland and MacIntyre could seize momentum.

Overall Prediction for Friday Morning: A split session, likely 2–2, setting up a tense afternoon.

Session 1 Wrap-Up – Friday Morning Foursomes

The opening session at Bethpage Black could not have gone much better for Europe. Captain Luke Donald’s pairings delivered three dominant points, leaving the Americans on the back foot early.

Match 1 – Final Result

Bryson DeChambeau / Justin Thomas (USA) vs. Jon Rahm / Tyrrell Hatton (Europe)
Result: Europe wins 4&3

Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas grabbed the opening hole to go 1UP, but that was the only lead they would hold. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton settled quickly, leveling the match on the 7th and then pulling ahead on the 8th. From there, the Europeans were relentless.

• Hole 12: Europe went 2UP after Hatton converted a clutch par.
• Hole 13: Rahm’s birdie extended the lead to 3UP.
• Hole 15: Another steady hole closed the door, giving Europe a 4&3 victory.

It was a composed performance by Rahm and Hatton, who shook off the early deficit and methodically wore down the Americans. Their point set the tone for the rest of the morning session.

Match 2 – Final Result

Scottie Scheffler / Russell Henley (USA) vs. Ludvig Åberg / Matt Fitzpatrick (Europe)
Result: Europe wins 5&3

Ludvig Åberg and Matt Fitzpatrick continued Europe’s dream start with a dominant 5&3 victory over Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley. The Scandinavian-English pairing jumped ahead early and never looked back, combining power and accuracy to dismantle the Americans.

Key moments included:

• Hole 5: Fitzpatrick’s birdie gave Europe a 2UP cushion.
• Hole 9: Åberg drilled a long approach to set up birdie, stretching the lead to 4UP.
• Hole 12: Europe went 5UP after Scheffler and Henley stumbled, sealing the momentum.

By the 15th hole, the outcome was beyond doubt, with Åberg’s flawless driving and Fitzpatrick’s clutch putting proving unstoppable. Europe stormed to a 2–0 lead in the opening session, putting the U.S. under early pressure at Bethpage.

Match 3 – Final Result

Collin Morikawa / Harris English (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy / Tommy Fleetwood (Europe)
Result: Europe wins 5&4

Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood — the celebrated “Fleetwood Mac” duo — delivered another Ryder Cup masterclass, defeating Collin Morikawa and Harris English 5&4. The Europeans were relentless from the very first hole, piling on pressure and never letting the Americans breathe.

Key moments included:

• Hole 4: McIlroy’s birdie extended Europe’s lead to 2UP.
• Hole 6: A pinpoint approach from Fleetwood pushed the margin to 4UP.
• Hole 8: Europe went 5UP, all but sealing the outcome before the turn.

From there, McIlroy and Fleetwood coasted, keeping mistakes to a minimum while forcing the U.S. pair into errors. The match ended on the 14th green, capping a ruthless performance. Europe’s lead grew to 3–0, silencing the Bethpage crowd and leaving the Americans reeling.

Match 4 – Final Result

Xander Schauffele / Patrick Cantlay (USA) vs. Robert MacIntyre / Viktor Hovland (Europe)
Result: USA wins 2UP

The Americans finally broke through in the last match of the morning session, as Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay secured a gritty 2UP victory over Robert MacIntyre and Viktor Hovland. Europe looked poised for a clean sweep, but the U.S. duo’s steady play on the back nine kept their team alive.

Key moments included:

• Hole 10: A clutch birdie put Schauffele and Cantlay 2UP, their first real cushion of the match.
• Hole 11: The Americans extended to 3UP, showing their trademark consistency.
• Hole 17: Europe nearly clawed back, but the Americans held firm with a key par save.
• Hole 18: Cantlay sealed the point with a steady approach and par, closing out the match 2UP.

The victory gave Team USA a much-needed point and avoided a morning shutout. At the end of the foursomes session, the score stood at Europe 3 – 1 USA, with momentum firmly in Europe’s favor heading into the afternoon.

Friday Afternoon – Four-Ball Pairings

With Europe leading 3–1 after the morning foursomes, attention now shifts to the four-ball session. The captains have unveiled the pairings, and the matchups promise another dramatic set of contests at Bethpage Black.

Match 1 (12:25 p.m. ET): Scottie Scheffler & J.J. Spaun (USA) vs. Jon Rahm & Sepp Straka (Europe)

Scheffler, the World No. 1, partners Ryder Cup rookie J.J. Spaun, while Rahm teams with Straka in a new European pairing. Rahm has a strong four-ball record since Whistling Straits, while Straka looks to add to his foursomes experience with his first four-ball outing.

Match 2 (12:41 p.m. ET): Ben Griffin & Bryson DeChambeau (USA) vs. Tommy Fleetwood & Justin Rose (Europe)

Griffin makes his debut alongside DeChambeau, who is eager to rebound from the morning loss. Fleetwood and Rose, both experienced campaigners, will test this unproven American duo with a balance of consistency and creativity.

Match 3 (12:57 p.m. ET): Cameron Young & Justin Thomas (USA) vs. Ludvig Åberg & Rasmus Højgaard (Europe)

Cameron Young gets his Ryder Cup baptism with Justin Thomas, a proven four-ball competitor. Europe fields its only rookie in Rasmus Højgaard, teaming him with Åberg, whose energy and length could cause problems for the U.S. side.

Match 4 (1:13 p.m. ET): Sam Burns & Patrick Cantlay (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy & Shane Lowry (Europe)

This heavyweight clash features no rookies. Cantlay and Burns form a confident American pairing, while McIlroy looks to improve his four-ball record alongside Lowry. Expect fireworks and plenty of crowd involvement in this anchor match.

Format Reminder:

In four-ball, each member of the two-man team plays their own ball, meaning four balls are in play on every hole. The team’s lowest score on each hole counts, and the side with the lowest score wins that hole. If the low scores are tied, the hole is halved.

Predictions – Friday Afternoon Four-Balls

Match 1: Scheffler & Spaun vs. Rahm & Straka

Rahm’s track record in four-ball makes Europe dangerous here, while Spaun faces the pressure of his Ryder Cup debut. Scheffler’s steadiness should keep this close, but the European duo has the slight edge.

Match 2: Griffin & DeChambeau vs. Fleetwood & Rose

Experience versus a debutant. Griffin’s composure will be tested alongside DeChambeau’s aggressive style. Fleetwood and Rose bring years of Ryder Cup knowledge, which should tilt this in Europe’s favor.

Match 3: Young & Thomas vs. Åberg & Højgaard

Both sides have explosive potential. Young is a rookie, but Thomas thrives in this format. Åberg and Højgaard are fearless and could spring a surprise. This feels like the most evenly balanced match of the session.

Match 4: Burns & Cantlay vs. McIlroy & Lowry

The U.S. pairing of Burns and Cantlay looks solid, and both are comfortable in four-ball. McIlroy and Lowry will have crowd energy pushing against them, but their chemistry could spark magic. Slight edge to the Americans, though it may go to the final green — but McIlroy and Lowry have the potential to run away with the match if they catch fire early.

Ryder Cup Live Scores: Day 1 Four-Ball Matches

Match 5: Scottie Scheffler / J.J. Spaun (USA) vs. Jon Rahm / Sepp Straka (Europe)
Result: Europe wins 3 & 2
Rahm’s firepower and Straka’s steady play proved too much, as they closed out the Americans on the 16th green.

Match 6: Ben Griffin / Bryson DeChambeau (USA) vs. Tommy Fleetwood / Justin Rose (Europe)
Result: Europe wins 1 UP
A nail-biting contest went the distance, with Fleetwood and Rose edging the point on the 18th.

Match 7: Cameron Young / Justin Thomas (USA) vs. Ludvig Åberg / Rasmus Højgaard (Europe)
Result: USA wins 6 & 5
The American duo came out firing, racing to a massive early lead and sealing the match with five holes left.

Match 8: Sam Burns / Patrick Cantlay (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy / Shane Lowry (Europe)
Result: Match tied – All Square
Neither side could break through, with the anchor match ending halved after 18 tightly contested holes.

Session 2 Score: Europe 2.5 – 1.5 USA

At the end of Day 1, Europe leads the Ryder Cup 5.5 – 2.5 after a dominant morning and a solid afternoon session.

2025 Ryder Cup – Saturday Morning Foursomes

The second day of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black begins with another high-stakes foursomes session. With Europe holding a 5.5–2.5 lead, both captains have doubled down on trusted pairings and bold combinations.

Match 1, 7:10 a.m. ET: Bryson DeChambeau / Cameron Young (USA) vs. Ludvig Åberg / Matt Fitzpatrick (Europe)
Power meets precision as DeChambeau partners rookie Cameron Young, taking on Europe’s rising star Åberg and the steady Fitzpatrick.
Prediction: Europe’s balance and consistency give them the edge, though DeChambeau’s power could make it volatile. Slight lean to Europe.

Match 2, 7:26 a.m. ET: Collin Morikawa / Harris English (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy / Tommy Fleetwood (Europe)
A rematch of Friday morning’s third match, where McIlroy and Fleetwood dominated. Morikawa and English must flip the script to keep the U.S. in contention.
Prediction: Hard to bet against McIlroy and Fleetwood after their 5&4 win. Europe favored unless the Americans find magic early.

Match 3, 7:42 a.m. ET: Xander Schauffele / Patrick Cantlay (USA) vs. Jon Rahm / Tyrrell Hatton (Europe)
Two of the most dependable American partners face Europe’s fiery duo. This heavyweight clash could set the tone for the entire day.
Prediction: This feels like a coin toss. If Rahm’s putter gets hot, Europe could grab it; otherwise, Schauffele and Cantlay’s steadiness might hold. Too close to call.

Match 4, 7:58 a.m. ET: Scottie Scheffler / Russell Henley (USA) vs. Robert MacIntyre / Viktor Hovland (Europe)
Scheffler and Henley look for redemption after Friday’s defeat, while Hovland and MacIntyre aim to build on their chemistry.
Prediction: Scheffler’s class should shine through with Henley more settled. Edge to the U.S., but Hovland is capable of swinging this Europe’s way.

Ryder Cup 2025: Saturday Morning Foursomes Results

Match 9: Bryson DeChambeau / Cameron Young (USA) vs. Ludvig Åberg / Matt Fitzpatrick (Europe)
Result: USA wins 4 & 2
Åberg and Fitzpatrick showed their chemistry once again, staying steady under pressure and closing the match on the 17th hole.

Match 10: Collin Morikawa / Harris English (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy / Tommy Fleetwood (Europe)
Result: Europe wins 3 & 2
McIlroy and Fleetwood were rock-solid, controlling the match from the early holes and delivering another convincing point for Europe.

Match 11: Xander Schauffele / Patrick Cantlay (USA) vs. Jon Rahm / Tyrrell Hatton (Europe)
Result: Europe wins 1 UP
This heavyweight battle lived up to the billing, with neither team able to pull away. The point was shared after 18 holes.

Match 12: Scottie Scheffler / Russell Henley (USA) vs. Robert MacIntyre / Viktor Hovland (Europe)
Result: Europe wins 2 UP
Scheffler anchored the American side with clutch play down the stretch, securing a much-needed point to avoid another European sweep.

Session 3 Score: Europe 3 – 1 USA
Overall Score: Europe leads 8 – 4 heading into the afternoon four-ball matches.

2025 Ryder Cup – Saturday Afternoon Four-Ball Matches

The captains have confirmed the lineups for the afternoon session at Bethpage Black. With Europe leading 8–4, the U.S. will be desperate to close the gap before Sunday singles.

Match 13, 12:25 p.m. ET: Jordan Spieth / Justin Thomas (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy / Shane Lowry (Europe)
The American duo reunites in a must-win match, while McIlroy and Lowry aim to carry Europe’s momentum into the afternoon.
Prediction: Spieth and Thomas thrive in four-ball and need to deliver, but McIlroy and Lowry are dangerous. Slight edge to USA.

Match 14, 12:41 p.m. ET: Sam Burns / Collin Morikawa (USA) vs. Viktor Hovland / Ludvig Åberg (Europe)
Two young U.S. talents take on Europe’s Scandinavian power pairing, which has been formidable all week.
Prediction: Hovland and Åberg look unstoppable, but Burns and Morikawa could make this close. Edge to Europe.

Match 15, 12:57 p.m. ET: Bryson DeChambeau / Cameron Young (USA) vs. Jon Rahm / Sepp Straka (Europe)
Power golf on both sides. DeChambeau and Young will try to overwhelm Bethpage, while Rahm and Straka rely on consistency and touch.
Prediction: Rahm’s experience gives Europe the upper hand. Advantage Europe unless the Americans catch fire early.

Match 16, 1:13 p.m. ET: Scottie Scheffler / Russell Henley (USA) vs. Tommy Fleetwood / Justin Rose (Europe)
Scheffler and Henley return after a morning win, while Fleetwood and Rose bring a wealth of experience.
Prediction: Scheffler’s steadiness is key here. Slight lean to USA, though Fleetwood and Rose could force a late swing.

Ryder Cup 2025: Saturday Afternoon Four-Ball Results

Match 13: Justin Thomas / Cameron Young (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy / Shane Lowry (Europe)
Result: Europe wins 2 UP
McIlroy and Lowry showed grit, closing strong to secure the point on the 18th. Their partnership delivered when it mattered most, giving Europe a quick start to the session.

Match 14: Scottie Scheffler / Bryson DeChambeau (USA) vs. Tommy Fleetwood / Justin Rose (Europe)
Result: Europe wins 3 & 2
Fleetwood and Rose combined beautifully, outplaying the powerful U.S. duo. They controlled the match with steady ball-striking and clutch putting, extending Europe’s lead.

Match 15: J.J. Spaun / Xander Schauffele (USA) vs. Jon Rahm / Sepp Straka (Europe)
Result: USA wins 1 UP
Spaun, in his Ryder Cup debut, held firm alongside Schauffele. They edged Rahm and Straka in a tight contest that went to the 18th, securing a vital U.S. point.

Match 16: Sam Burns / Patrick Cantlay (USA) vs. Tyrrell Hatton / Matt Fitzpatrick (Europe)
Result: Europe wins 1 UP
Hatton and Fitzpatrick showed nerves of steel, winning the final hole to claim another European point. Their clutch finish capped off a strong afternoon.

Session 4 Score: Europe 3 – 1 USA
Overall Score after Day 2: Europe leads 11 – 5 heading into Sunday singles.

Ryder Cup 2025: Sunday Singles Results

Match 1: Cameron Young (USA) vs. Justin Rose (Europe)
Result: USA wins 1UP
Young delivered in a nail-biter, edging veteran Rose on the final hole to set the tone for the Americans.

Match 2: Justin Thomas (USA) vs. Tommy Fleetwood (Europe)
Result: USA wins 1UP
Thomas showed grit, holding off Fleetwood in another match that went the full 18.

Match 3: Bryson DeChambeau (USA) vs. Matt Fitzpatrick (Europe)
Result: Match tied – All Square
A seesaw battle ended without a winner as both players halved the point.

Match 4: Scottie Scheffler (USA) vs. Rory McIlroy (Europe)
Result: USA wins 1UP
The World No. 1 edged Europe’s talisman in a heavyweight clash that went the distance.

Match 5: Patrick Cantlay (USA) vs. Ludvig Åberg (Europe)
Result: Europe wins 2&1
Åberg, playing in his second Ryder Cup after debuting in 2023, capped a strong week by outplaying Cantlay down the stretch.

Match 6: Xander Schauffele (USA) vs. Jon Rahm (Europe)
Result: USA wins 4&3
Schauffele dominated from the start, cruising past Rahm in one of the most decisive singles results.

Match 7: J.J. Spaun (USA) vs. Sepp Straka (Europe)
Result: USA wins 2&1
Spaun was steady under pressure, claiming a key point against Straka.

Match 8: Russell Henley (USA) vs. Shane Lowry (Europe)
Result: Match tied – All Square
Lowry decided the fate of the Ryder Cup but holing his putt on the 18th green to .

Match 9: Ben Griffin (USA) vs. Rasmus Højgaard (Europe)
Result: USA wins 1UP
Griffin edged the Danish rookie in another close battle that came down to the final hole.

Match 10: Collin Morikawa (USA) vs. Tyrrell Hatton (Europe)
Result: Match tied – All Square
Both men traded birdies and big shots all afternoon, with the contest finishing level.

Match 11: Sam Burns (USA) vs. Robert MacIntyre (Europe)
Result: Match tied – All Square
A back-and-forth match ended without a winner as neither player could gain a late advantage.

Match 12: Harris English (USA) vs. Viktor Hovland (Europe)
Result: Match tied – All Square (Hovland withdrew)
The anchor match was halved after Hovland’s withdrawal, splitting the point between the two teams.

Life long dream today 🇪🇺🏆#TeamEurope pic.twitter.com/UaTPgnSvhZ

— Shane Lowry (@ShaneLowryGolf) September 29, 2025

The Winning Putt of the Ryder Cup – Shane Lowry Delivers Under Fire

The 2025 Ryder Cup ended in unforgettable fashion on the 18th green at Bethpage Black. With the overall scoreline hanging in the balance, Shane Lowry stood over a nervy par putt knowing half a point would seal the Cup for Europe.

The atmosphere was pure chaos. The American fans had been hostile all week, and the tension on Sunday reached boiling point. Lowry was heckled from the gallery as he lined up the putt, with shouts of “miss it” and jeers echoing through the amphitheater of the final green. Security struggled to contain the energy, and the officials had to pause briefly to calm the crowd.

Lowry stepped back, breathed deep, and reset. Then, in the moment of truth, he rolled the ball dead center. As it dropped, he pumped his fist and roared in defiance, silencing the noise with pure brilliance. His teammates sprinted onto the green, engulfing him in celebration.

Congratulations to Tommy Fleetwood, winner of the 2025 Nicklaus-Jacklin Award presented by @Aon.

Tommy exemplified the spirit of the Ryder Cup both on and off the course in his fourth match for @Rydercupeurope 🇪🇺@Aon_plc | #AonRyderCup pic.twitter.com/1c4ZosoaTR

— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 28, 2025

The Irishman’s putt was more than just the clinching half point that delivered Europe a 15 – 13 victory — it was a display of steel under immense pressure, against a hostile crowd desperate for a miss. The moment will live alongside Europe’s most iconic Ryder Cup triumphs, not just for the golf, but for the grit it took to rise above the chaos.

Ugly Scenes at Bethpage – Rory and Family Targeted

While Europe celebrated their dramatic victory, the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black was also marred by shameful behavior from sections of the crowd. Rory McIlroy, one of the game’s greats and a central figure in the contest, endured relentless heckling throughout the week.

The abuse escalated on Sunday. As McIlroy walked off the course after his narrow defeat to Scottie Scheffler, his wife Erica was struck on the arm by a thrown beer bottle from the crowd. Security rushed to intervene, and McIlroy was visibly shaken and furious. Teammates quickly surrounded him, while European captain Luke Donald demanded answers from tournament officials.

The incident cast a dark shadow over what had been an epic contest. McIlroy, already dealing with constant jeers during play, had to watch his family get dragged into the hostility. It served as a stark reminder that while Ryder Cup passion runs deep, it should never cross the line into abuse and violence.

Despite the ugly scenes, McIlroy maintained dignity afterward, praising his teammates and celebrating Shane Lowry’s winning putt. But the episode will surely spark debate about crowd control, sportsmanship, and the Ryder Cup’s increasingly volatile atmosphere on American soil.

Congrats to Luke Donald & Ryder Cup Europe on winning this year's Ryder Cup.

We look forward to Adare Manor in 2027. pic.twitter.com/5bAXIkU4nC

— Ryder Cup USA (@RyderCupUSA) September 28, 2025

Conclusion – Lessons from Bethpage

The 2025 Ryder Cup will be remembered for its drama, tension, and unforgettable moments, but also for the stark contrast in leadership and team spirit. The European team once again showed what unity, trust, and chemistry can achieve. Luke Donald deserves enormous credit for the way he prepared and managed his players, building partnerships that thrived under pressure. His calm authority and attention to detail stood head and shoulders above his opposite number.

Keegan Bradley, meanwhile, began the week on the wrong foot. His fiery declaration — “kick their f***** a**”* — widely publicized before a ball was even struck, may have set a combative tone but did little to inspire cohesion. Instead of bridging the gap between players and fans, it arguably fueled the hostility that spilled over into ugly crowd behavior. When leadership fans flames rather than calming them, it’s no surprise the atmosphere turns toxic.

On the course, the contest was fiercely close. Europe dominated the foursomes and four-balls, while the Americans fought back ferociously in the singles, nearly overturning what seemed an insurmountable deficit. Once again, Sunday proved that no lead is ever truly safe in the Ryder Cup.

But in the end, Europe’s unity and Donald’s masterful captaincy carried the day. Winning on U.S. soil is one of the hardest achievements in golf, and Donald’s legacy will forever be tied to how he managed this team and guided them to victory. The same cannot be said for Bradley. His selection decisions, his absence as a playing captain, and his inability to galvanize his squad all raise questions. Perhaps the PGA of America erred in fast-tracking him; maybe they should have waited until Bradley had more experience, perhaps even until after 50, when perspective and maturity could better serve the role.

The Ryder Cup remains golf’s greatest spectacle. Bethpage 2025 showed us its power to thrill, to unite, and sadly, at times, to divide. Europe leaves with the trophy, and with it, the knowledge that true team spirit always trumps raw talent.