The countdown to the 45th Ryder Cup is well underway, with golf fans eagerly anticipating a fierce contest between Team Europe and Team USA at Bethpage Black in New York. Set for September 2025, both teams are already taking shape, and if early season form and world rankings are anything to go by, the competition will be one of the most explosive in recent memory.
Team Europe: Blending Experience with Youth
Captain: Luke Donald
After Europe’s emphatic win in Rome in 2023, captain Luke Donald will be aiming to lead a confident, battle-tested squad into hostile American territory. Familiar faces are expected to return, but several young stars have emerged as key figures.
Predicted Line-Up:
- Rory McIlroy
- Jon Rahm
- Viktor Hovland
- Ludvig Åberg
- Tommy Fleetwood
- Tyrrell Hatton
- Matt Fitzpatrick
- Shane Lowry
- Justin Rose
- Robert MacIntyre
- Sepp Straka
- Rasmus Højgaard
In contention: Nicolai Højgaard, Adrian Meronk, Alex Noren
Åberg, one of the breakout stars of 2023, looks certain to feature again, and his consistency makes him a lock for Bethpage. McIlroy, Rahm, and Hovland will again lead the charge, with Fleetwood and Hatton providing Ryder Cup toughness. Veteran Justin Rose may keep his spot if his form holds, while younger contenders like Rasmus Højgaard and Straka could provide fresh energy.
Team USA: A Rebuild in Progress
Captain: Keegan Bradley
The Americans suffered a humbling defeat in Rome and have since undergone a captaincy shakeup, with Keegan Bradley replacing Zach Johnson. Bradley, a fiery competitor with Ryder Cup pedigree, will be tasked with energizing a side that has underperformed on European soil and now faces pressure on home turf.
Predicted Line-Up:
- Scottie Scheffler
- Xander Schauffele
- Patrick Cantlay
- Collin Morikawa
- Max Homa
- Brooks Koepka
- Jordan Spieth
- Justin Thomas
- Sam Burns
- Wyndham Clark
- Brian Harman
- Cameron Young
In contention: Will Zalatoris, Rickie Fowler, Keegan Bradley (as playing captain), Tony Finau
The big story is whether Justin Thomas can rediscover his form in time. Despite struggles, his Ryder Cup record and team chemistry could earn him a captain’s pick. Brooks Koepka remains a major force, even from LIV Golf, and would be hard to leave out. Schauffele, Cantlay, and Scheffler will anchor the team, while players like Homa and Clark are expected to bring confidence and length suited to Bethpage’s demanding setup.
Course Factor: Bethpage Black
One of the most brutal tests in American golf, Bethpage Black will favor power hitters, precise approach players, and mentally tough competitors. Expect the setup to be hostile, loud, and emotionally charged — exactly what the U.S. hopes will tip the scales in their favor.
Final Thoughts
Europe may retain the momentum after their dominant 2023 win, but the U.S. will be desperate to bounce back and protect home turf. Much will depend on captain picks, health, and late-season form, but both sides appear stacked with world-class talent and explosive potential.
Bethpage Black is ready. The Ryder Cup is coming. And neither team will back down.
