Warning 

“The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers.” 

This is the first thing you see before teeing off at the Black Course at Bethpage State Park, New York, this year’s Ryder Cup destination. 

Every two years, Europe and the United States face off in a match-play tournament featuring the strongest and most consistent golfers from each region competing for team glory. 

The first morning features a best-ball format, where two golfers play their own ball, but at the end of the hole, the better score is counted. The team with the lower score earns a point, and a tie splits the point in half. During the afternoon round on the first day, players compete in alternate shot, where teammates take turns hitting the same ball until the hole is completed. On the final day, singles matches pit players one-on-one.  

“Bethpage is a mecca for public golf, featuring five 18-hole regulation golf courses, including the world-renowned Black Course. In addition to Bethpage Black hosting the United States Open Championships in 2002 and 2009, it was also the site of The Barclays PGA Tour events in 2012 and 2016. In 2019, Bethpage hosted the PGA Championship and will host the Ryder Cup in 2024,” said Bethpage golf course officials on the course’s website. 

For the Ryder Cup, each team consists of 12 players. Six qualify automatically by ranking among the top six Americans or Europeans in the world golf rankings, while the other six are chosen by team captains. 

Team USA 

The six qualified players: 

• Scottie Scheffler (World Golf Ranking [WGR]: 1), with four major championships and 22 total wins since 2019. 

• J.J. Spaun (WGR: 7), with one major championship and four wins since 2015. 

• Bryson DeChambeau (WGR: 18), with two major championships and 11 wins since 2016. DeChambeau’s time on the LIV Tour has limited his PGA Tour appearances, affecting his ranking. 

• Russell Henley (WGR: 4), with eight wins since 2011. 

• Harris English (WGR: 10), with eight wins since 2011. 

• Xander Schauffele (WGR: 3), with two major championships and 11 wins since 2017. 

Captain’s picks: 

• Justin Thomas (WGR: 5), with two major championships and 17 wins since 2014. 

• Collin Morikawa (WGR: 8), with two major championships and eight wins since 2019. 

• Ben Griffin (WGR: 17), with two wins since 2018. 

• Cameron Young (WGR: 20), with three wins since 2021. 

• Sam Burns (WGR: 22), with six wins since 2018. 

• Patrick Cantlay (WGR: 21), with seven wins since 2013. 

Team USA’s captain is Keegan Bradley, whose role includes scouting conditions, making captain’s picks, and leading the team. 

Team Europe 

The six qualified players: 

• Rory McIlroy (WGR: 2), with five major championships, including a career grand slam, and 39 wins since 2009. 

• Robert MacIntyre (WGR: 9), with five wins since 2017 and a second-place finish at the 2025 U.S. Open. 

• Tommy Fleetwood (WGR: 6), with nine wins between the DP World Tour and PGA Tour since 2011, and two second place finishes at majors. 

• Justin Rose (WGR: 12), with one U.S. Open, two runner-up finishes at the Masters, and 24 wins since 2002. 

• Rasmus Højgaard (WGR: 52), with five wins since 2019. 

• Tyrrell Hatton (WGR: 25), with nine wins since 2016. 

Captain’s picks: 

• Ludvig Åberg (WGR: 14), with five wins since 2020. 

• Matt Fitzpatrick (WGR: 29), with one U.S. Open and 10 wins since 2015. 

• Viktor Hovland (WGR: 15), with 11 wins since 2020. 

• Shane Lowry (WGR: 23), with one Open Championship and six wins since 2009. 

• Jon Rahm (WGR: 80), with two major championships and 20 wins since 2017. 

• Sepp Straka (WGR: 13), with 20 wins since 2017. 

Team Europe’s captain is Luke Donald. 

Official World Golf Ranking – Ranking 

Ryder Cup History 

The Ryder Cup, first held in 1927, has nearly 100 years of history. Businessman Samuel Ryder donated the trophy, and the tournament began. The Ryder Cup was originally held in odd-numbered years, but due to the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the cup moved to even years. Eventually, it moved back to odd years in 2021 after the 2020 event was postponed due to COVID-19. 

Controversy Over Payment 

This year, for the first time, players are being paid for their participation in the Ryder Cup. This decision has sparked controversy, as the Ryder Cup has traditionally been viewed as a representation of national pride, not financial gain. Critics worry that monetary incentives could shift the focus from representing one’s country to earning money. 

However, supporters argue that professional golfers sacrifice valuable time to compete in the Ryder Cup, impacting their regular schedules and practice routines. The debate remains ongoing. 

Looking Ahead 

The U.S. team is favored this year due to its strong roster and home-field advantage. Playing in New York gives the Americans a passionate home crowd, which could make it challenging for the Europeans. 

The Ryder Cup will take place Sept. 26-28 at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.