Golf's Greatest Rivalry: Ryder Cup 2025
The 2025 Ryder Cup is off to a thrilling start, with Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas leading Team USA's charge against Europe's Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton in the opening foursomes match at Bethpage Black.
“We understand how difficult it is to win away but we have done it, we've done it four times...”
The 2025 Ryder Cup kicked off with Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas facing off against Europe's Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton in the first foursomes match at Bethpage Black. This highly anticipated match marked the beginning of Team USA's quest to reclaim the Ryder Cup, with the Americans looking to end Europe's dominance in the competition.
The match got underway at Bethpage Black, with heightened security measures in place due to the expected arrival of US President Donald Trump. Unfortunately for the Americans, Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton emerged victorious, winning the match 4 and 3 against DeChambeau and Thomas. This gave Europe an early 1-0 lead in the competition.
US captain Keegan Bradley chose Bryson DeChambeau and Justin Thomas to kick off the 2025 Ryder Cup, pairing the dynamic duo in the first foursomes match against Europe's Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. Bradley praised DeChambeau and Thomas, saying, “Besides the fact that they're both phenomenal players, they bring a spark to our team.” DeChambeau, a twice US Open champion, is known for his ability to energize the crowd, which likely influenced Bradley's decision. Thomas, a two-time PGA Championship winner, brings valuable experience to the team. Unfortunately, they lost 4 and 3 to the European duo.
“Bryson has been an incredible teammate in the locker room, and we really want him to lead our team out with Justin on the first match.”
The second match will feature American world number one Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley against Swede Ludvig Aberg and Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick before Collin Morikawa and Harris English face Europe's Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood.
The morning lineup will be capped by a clash between Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay against Scotland's Robert MacIntyre and Norwegian Viktor Hovland.
The current Ryder Cup setup has historically favored the Americans. When foursomes lead off play on both Friday and Saturday, the US boasts a 9-3-1 record. This trend, combined with the home team's dominance in recent Ryder Cups, could give Team USA an edge.
Also, each of the last five Ryder Cups, dating back to 2014 at Gleneagles, have been won by the home side, matching the longest such streak of its kind.
Why Home Teams Dominate in Foursomes:
Course Setup: The home team has an advantage in course setup, which is harder to overcome when playing one ball in foursomes.
Volatility: Foursomes is a volatile format where mistakes are punished, and extra nerves and crowd noise can affect visiting teams.
Statistical Tactics: Home teams can use statistical tactics to their advantage, such as choosing the right pairings and tee-off times.
“We understand how difficult it is to win away but we have done it, we've done it four times ... and we will certainly draw on those experiences,” said Europe captain Luke Donald.
“We are not coming in here with any complacency, we understand the task at hand.”
Europe's captain, Luke Donald, is gunning to make history by becoming the first captain to win consecutive Ryder Cups since Tony Jacklin in the 1980s. Meanwhile, US captain Keegan Bradley will be hoping his strategic decision not to play himself pays off. Donald's team has dominated the competition, winning 10 of the last 14 Ryder Cups since 1995. However, they're currently considered underdogs against a determined US squad looking to reclaim the trophy on home soil at Bethpage Black.
The opening session of the 2025 Ryder Cup is set 🏆#RyderCup pic.twitter.com/L3C8MwcFor
— Ryder Cup (@rydercup) September 25, 2025
Recent Ryder Cup Trends:
Home Team Dominance: The home team has won each of the last five Ryder Cups, with the closest margin being 5 points.
Foursomes Format: When foursomes lead off play on both Friday and Saturday, the US boasts a 9-3-1 record.
Captains' Strategies:
Keegan Bradley: Focuses on motivation and crowd energy to drive his team, leveraging the electric atmosphere at Bethpage Black.
Luke Donald: Emphasizes strategy and teamwork, drawing on his experience as a player and captain to make informed decisions.
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