When Ryder Cup 2025 Bethpage State Park, Farmingdale, New York rolls onto the iconic Black Course, Team Europe and Team USA are locked in a high‑stakes showdown. Luke Donald, captain of Team Europe, unveiled his Friday pairings on Thursday, while Zach Johnson, leading Team USA, did the same. Adding a political‑glare, former President Donald Trump is slated to attend the opening ceremony, prompting tighter security than usual.
Historical Context: Bethpage Black’s Reputation
Bethpage’s Black Course isn’t just any venue. Since its debut as a U.S. Open host in 2002, the layout has earned a reputation for brutal rough, fast greens, and a fairway that punishes any slug‑off. The Ryder Cup’s return to American soil after a decade puts the course’s difficulty front and center. In 2012, the last time the Cup visited Long Island, the home team leveraged the course’s toughness to clinch the trophy.
Friday Morning Foursomes: Pairings and Strategies
The morning foursomes on September 26 begin at 7:10 a.m. ET, an early start that favors players who can handle cold, dew‑slicked tees. Donald’s Europe lineup pairs veteran Rory McIlroy with rising star Matt Fitzpatrick. The logic? Both are elite ball‑strikers who thrive when the pressure forces them into precise shot‑making.
Across the tee, Johnson fields Collin Morikawa alongside Justin Thomas. Their blend of distance and accuracy could give the United States an early edge, especially if they can navigate Bethpage’s infamous 18th‑hole dogleg.
Schedule, Format, and What It Means for the Cup
The competition follows the classic Ryder Cup structure: three days of match‑play, with a total of 28 points up for grabs. Each foursome and four‑ball match awards one point; tied matches split the point. Europe, as the defending champion, needs only 14 points to retain the trophy, while the United States must reach 14.5 for a win.
Friday’s afternoon four‑ball matches run until 1:13 p.m. ET, mirroring Saturday’s schedule. By Sunday, September 28, the climactic 12 singles matches start at 12:02 p.m. ET, wrapping up by 2:03 p.m. ET, with the trophy presentation immediately after.
Security, Guests, and the Festival Atmosphere
The presence of high‑profile guests, notably Donald Trump, has prompted an unprecedented security operation. Hundreds of officers patrol the surrounding fan village, and metal detectors line every entrance to the clubhouse. While some fans grumble about the heightened checks, most agree it adds to the event’s electric feel.
Fans who bought Thursday‑day tickets will still get access on Wednesday for the opening ceremony, which was moved up from September 25 to avoid a forecasted storm. The fan village opens on September 23, offering interactive games, sponsor exhibits, and a chance to watch practice rounds on the course’s driving range.
Implications and Expert Predictions
Golf analyst Lee Janzen says the early foursomes will set the tone. “If Europe can steal a point or two in the morning, they’ll force the U.S. to play catch‑up all weekend,” he noted on a pre‑event broadcast.
Statistically, the team that wins the first two points on a Ryder Cup often carries momentum into the four‑ball sessions. In the last five Cups, the side that leads after Friday’s foursomes has gone on to win 60% of the time.
What’s Next: Saturday and Sunday Outlook
Saturday mirrors Friday with another set of morning foursomes followed by four‑ball matches. The real drama, however, will likely peak on Sunday’s singles, where every player has a chance to swing the final result. If the score sits at 13‑13 after Saturday, the entire Cup hinges on the final four matches.
Regardless of who lifts the trophy, the 2025 edition promises to be one of the most memorable, thanks to Bethpage’s unforgiving layout, the early‑morning tee times, and the added spectacle of high‑profile guests. Keep an eye on the leaderboard after each session – the story will evolve fast.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Friday morning foursomes format affect team strategy?
Foursomes require alternate‑shot play, so captains pair a steady ball‑striker with a more aggressive partner. The early start tests players’ resilience against cold conditions, making consistency a premium. A early point can set momentum, while a loss forces a team to chase the lead in later sessions.
What makes Bethpage Black a unique venue for the Ryder Cup?
The course’s relentless rough, fast greens, and narrow fairways demand precision. Its history of hosting U.S. Opens means the layout is already proven to separate the best from the rest, amplifying the pressure on every shot during match‑play.
Which players are considered favorites to win their Friday matches?
On Europe’s side, Rory McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick are favoured for their clutch performance in tight matches. For the United States, Collin Morikawa’s iron play and Justin Thomas’s experience in high‑pressure situations give them a statistical edge.
How will the presence of high‑profile guests like Donald Trump affect the event?
Security around the venue has been tightened, leading to longer entry lines and more thorough bag checks. The media attention also boosts viewership, adding another layer of excitement for fans watching from home.
What are the possible outcomes after Saturday’s sessions?
If one side secures a 14‑point lead by Saturday night, the Cup is decided early. More commonly, the scores remain close, setting up a nail‑biting singles day where a single match can swing the trophy either way.
