The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black was billed as the ultimate home-field advantage for the Americans, but instead, it was a painful reminder that talent doesn’t always translate to victory. From the opening tee shot, the U.S. struggled in foursomes—YET AGAIN—falling into an early hole they couldn’t climb out of. Despite the raucous New York crowd, the Americans looked more tight than inspired, missing putts frequently as the Europeans looked confident and inspired. Bethpage played relatively easily due to the rain, producing soft greens and laser iron shots, turning it into a putting match in which Europe easily won.
Much of the blame will fall on questionable captains’ decisions as always. Course setup, intended to highlight American power, was not an advantage at all and almost seemed to favor the Euros with their iron dominance. The U.S. captain’s picks also came under fire, as several underperformed badly, while notable snubs could only watch from home. Even the presence of Tiger Woods in a leadership role couldn’t spark the consistency needed to flip momentum. What was meant to be an American fortress quickly turned into a battlefield where Europe dictated the terms.
Meanwhile, Europe thrived in the chaos. Their chemistry, fearlessness, and ability to drain clutch putts silenced the New York crowd more than once. Jon Rahm and Rory McIlroy led the charge, while European rookies played with the kind of confidence that Americans seemed to lack. Instead of feeding off the crowd, the U.S. often looked rattled by the pressure. In the end, Bethpage Black was supposed to be the Americans’ secret weapon, but it became a stage where Europe once again proved why they remain the kings of team golf.
