The Ryder Cup 2025 – Meet the Teams
The Ryder Cup 2025 promises another electrifying battle as golf’s greatest rivalry heads to Bethpage Black, New York. With Team USA and Team Europe both stacked with talent, passion, and history, the stage is set for a showdown that could define a generation.
Here’s a closer look at the captains and players who will tee it up in Long Island.
Team USA
Captain: Keegan Bradley
At just 39, Keegan Bradley becomes the youngest American captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. A Ryder Cup fanatic since his teenage years, Bradley has played twice (2012, 2014) and earned four points, though both campaigns ended in defeat.
Known for his competitive fire and connection to Bethpage Black — where he famously sneaked in rounds during college — Bradley is eager to rewrite US fortunes on home soil.
US Qualifiers
Scottie Scheffler
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World No.1, 23 career titles, 2 Ryder Cup appearances (2021 win, 2023 loss).
Scheffler remains the gold standard in world golf, fresh off two more majors in 2025. A brilliant ball striker, his Ryder Cup record includes a win over Jon Rahm, but also the infamous 9&7 foursomes defeat in Rome.
J.J. Spaun (rookie)
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World No.7, 5 career titles.
The breakout star of 2025 after sinking a 60-foot putt to win the US Open. A true comeback story, Spaun has gone from losing his PGA Tour card to Ryder Cup rookie in just four years.
Xander Schauffele
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World No.3, Olympic champion, 2 Ryder Cup appearances.
Winner of both the PGA Championship and The Open in 2024, Schauffele finally secured major glory. Known for consistency, he thrives in partnerships but has had mixed Cup results.
Russell Henley (rookie)
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World No.4, 8 career titles.
A steady performer with 10 top-10s in 2025, Henley earned his place through sheer consistency. Yet to make his Ryder Cup bow, but already proven alongside Scheffler at the Presidents Cup.
Harris English
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World No.10, 1 Ryder Cup appearance.
A gritty competitor, English returned from hip surgery to finish runner-up in two majors this season. His close ties with Russell Henley could see the pair reunited at Bethpage.
Bryson DeChambeau
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World No.21, 14 career titles, 2 Ryder Cup appearances.
After missing 2023, Bryson is back. The power-hitting showman and 2024 US Open champion is built for the raucous Bethpage atmosphere.
Captain’s Picks
Justin Thomas
With 8 Ryder Cup points and a perfect singles record, JT is Bradley’s emotional heartbeat pick. Known for passion and crowd-pleasing antics, he’ll be crucial without regular partner Jordan Spieth.
Collin Morikawa
The 2021 Open champion returns after mixed form. Unbeaten in his debut Ryder Cup but struggled in Rome. Class and accuracy made him impossible to ignore.
Ben Griffin (rookie)
A fairytale story — Griffin quit golf in 2021 before fighting his way back to the top. With two PGA Tour titles this season, he’s one of Bradley’s biggest gambles.
Cameron Young (rookie)
The New York native will be the fans’ darling. With a maiden PGA Tour win in 2025 and local roots, expect big noise when Young tees off.
Patrick Cantlay
Notorious for his ice-cold demeanour, Cantlay thrives in high-pressure situations. Remembered for the hat controversy in Rome, he brings grit and steel.
Sam Burns
Selected despite a winless season, Burns impressed Bradley with his ball-striking and ability to partner others. Played alongside Morikawa last time.
Team Europe
Captain: Luke Donald
Luke Donald’s leadership inspired Europe’s victory in Rome in 2023, earning him a rare second captaincy. Calm, meticulous, and universally respected, he brings experience as both player (four appearances, all wins) and captain.
European Qualifiers
Rory McIlroy
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World No.2, 7 Ryder Cup appearances.
Fresh off finally winning the Masters, Rory arrives in career-best form. A proven leader, he will be central to Europe’s hopes of an away win.
Robert MacIntyre
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World No.9, 2nd at 2025 US Open.
Unbeaten in his Ryder Cup debut in Rome, the Scot has backed it up with another stellar season. Fierce and fearless.
Tommy Fleetwood
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World No.6, Tour Championship winner.
The hero of Rome with the winning point. Fleetwood has become a Ryder Cup talisman and may reunite with McIlroy in foursomes.
Justin Rose
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World No.14, 6 Ryder Cup appearances.
The veteran is still producing magic, securing his spot with a huge PGA Tour win at 45. Brings bags of experience and nerves of steel.
Rasmus Højgaard (rookie)
The 24-year-old Dane replaces twin brother Nicolai, qualifying in his own right. The sole European rookie, but already a five-time DP World Tour winner.
Tyrrell Hatton
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World No.25, 3 Ryder Cups.
Fiery, fearless, and in form — Hatton thrives on confrontation. Expect fireworks at Bethpage.
Captain’s Picks
Shane Lowry
Beloved for his passion and team spirit, Lowry is a natural pick. His fight alongside McIlroy in Rome showed exactly what he brings to the locker room.
Jon Rahm
World ranking doesn’t reflect his true class due to LIV restrictions. A two-time major champion and Ryder Cup powerhouse — Rahm is Europe’s emotional engine.
Sepp Straka
The Austrian has two PGA Tour wins this season and four top-10 finishes on his resume too.
Viktor Hovland
Europe’s shining star in 2023 returns after rediscovering form. Expect him to feature heavily in both team and singles play.
Ludvig Åberg
The Swede made history by playing his first Ryder Cup before a major. Now a proven PGA Tour winner and one of Europe’s most exciting young stars.
Matt Fitzpatrick
Despite a poor Ryder Cup record, Fitzpatrick has major-winning pedigree and recent form that made him impossible to overlook.
Final Word
With rookies, legends, and major champions on both sides, the Ryder Cup 2025 is shaping up to be one of the fiercest contests in history. Team USA will feed off the energy of a home crowd at Bethpage Black, but Team Europe arrive with momentum, belief, and a captain who knows how to win.
One thing is certain: golf fans around the world are in for an unforgettable spectacle
