In an edition that will be remembered for its high stakes and tension, Team Europe held off a fierce U.S. comeback to win the 45th Ryder Cup, 15 to 13, at Bethpage Black in New York. With that victory, Europe not only retained the Cup (as the defending champion) but did so on American soil — a feat not achieved since 2012.
Leading into the final day, Europe had stormed ahead, putting immense pressure on the United States. Yet the U.S. mounted a spirited rally in Sunday’s singles, nearly rewriting the script. In the end, though, Europe’s cushion held just long enough.
This result is part of a broader trend: Europe has now claimed 11 of the last 15 Ryder Cups. Historically, the United States still holds more wins overall (27 to Europe’s 15) in the Ryder Cup era.
Format & Stakes: Understanding What Was On the Line
To appreciate the drama, it helps to grasp how the Ryder Cup unfolds. The event is a match-play contest between two teams of 12 (Europe vs. the U.S.). Over three days, matches are played in different formats: foursomes (alternate shot), fourballs (better ball), and finally singles.
In 2025:
Days 1 and 2 each featured a morning session of foursomes and an afternoon of fourballs.
Day 3 comprised 12 head-to-head singles matches.
All told, 28 points are up for grabs, each match worth one point (a tie splits the point).
As defending champions, Europe needed 14 points to retain the Cup; to take it outright, they needed 14.5. The U.S. needed to surpass that.
Every match, every hole, carried tension — especially given the stakes involved (pride, national representation, historic wins).
Day-by-Day Drama
Friday & Saturday: Europe Builds a Lead
Europe came out swinging. In the Friday morning foursomes, Rahm/Hatton, McIlroy/Fleetwood, and Åberg/Fitzpatrick all posted wins, giving Europe a 3–1 edge. The afternoon fourballs were more mixed, but Europe still extended their position, heading into Day 2 with strong momentum.
On Saturday, Europe further widened the gap. In the morning, strong pairings pushed the lead wider; in the afternoon’s fourballs, Europe’s depth was on display. By the close of Day 2, Europe led 11.5 to 4.5, marking their largest margin entering a final day in the modern era of the European-U.S. contests.
It was a commanding position — but as past Ryder Cups show, huge leads can evaporate under pressure.
Sunday Singles: The Battle Intensifies
Sunday is always electric, and 2025 was no exception. Early in the singles, the U.S. went on a charge, winning 5.5 of the first 6.5 points available. That run threatened to rewrite the narrative: the U.S. looked capable of completing one of the great comebacks in Ryder Cup history.
A critical wrinkle: Viktor Hovland had to withdraw before his match due to a neck injury. By Ryder Cup rules, that match was halved, giving each side a half-point. That adjustment eased the pressure on Europe slightly.
The hinge moment came in match 24: Russell Henley and Shane Lowry faced off, with the U.S. needing every momentum swing. On the 18th hole, the U.S. missed a putt, and Lowry capitalised with a clutch birdie to halve the match — and in doing so, secured the point that locked in Europe’s retention of the Cup.
Shortly thereafter, Tyrrell Hatton halved his match with Collin Morikawa. That half-point brought Europe from 14 to 14.5 — the mark needed for outright victory.
By the time the final match (MacIntyre vs. Burns) concluded as a tie, Europe celebrated with joy and relief.
Standout Performances & Key Storylines
Tommy Fleetwood & Rory McIlroy were among Europe’s stalwarts, producing a combined 7–0–1 record through the first two days. Their consistency helped anchor Europe’s push.
On the American side, Scottie Scheffler, despite being world No. 1, endured a historically poor Ryder Cup. He became the first U.S. player ever to lose a match in each of the first four sessions, and the first world No. 1 to lose more than two matches in a single Ryder Cup.
Viktor Hovland’s injury withdrawal was unfortunate and created a ripple effect. But Europe’s resilience meant they absorbed that blow without collapse.
Luke Donald, as Europe’s captain, etched his name in Ryder Cup lore. He became only the second European captain ever to win the Cup both on European soil and in the United States (joining Tony Jacklin). His team’s poise under pressure reflected his leadership.
The atmosphere also became part of the story. Reports of hostile behaviour from fans, particularly directed at Rory McIlroy, drew attention to the intensity (and sometimes excesses) of Ryder Cup crowds.
Historical Perspective & What It Signifies
Looking back, the Ryder Cup started in 1927 as a contest between the U.S. and Great Britain; over time, it expanded (to Great Britain & Ireland, then to all of Europe beginning in 1979). Since that shift, the rivalry has become one of golf’s greatest spectacles.
Though the U.S. still leads in total Cups won, Europe’s dominance in recent editions has been striking — especially in away venues.
2025’s result cements a few key narratives:
Europe’s mental grit: even under pressure, they held off a comeback.
The importance of depth: Europe’s strength rested on more than just their top stars.
A signal of change in U.S. strategy: how the Americans respond in future Cups — particularly in team chemistry, pairing dynamics, and pressure resilience — will be intriguing to watch.
Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead
The 2025 Ryder Cup delivered drama, momentum swings, and memorable performances. It reaffirmed Europe’s capacity to thrive in hostile environments, showcased its team balance, and once more underscored how critical every half-point is in a match-play team event.
As we look ahead to 2027, whoever hosts it — and whatever tweaks to format or qualification may arise — this edition will be remembered as a Ryder Cup where heart, nerve, and execution mattered as much as raw talent.
Book Your Ryder Cup Experience with Us
The story doesn’t end at Bethpage. In fact, anticipation is already building for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland, a venue renowned for its immaculate parkland course, five-star luxury, and legendary Irish hospitality. For golf fans, it promises to be an unforgettable spectacle where Europe will look to defend their crown on home soil against a hungry U.S. team.
By booking with us, you’ll secure not just your place at one of the world’s greatest sporting events but also access to tailored golf travel experiences, hand-picked accommodations, and insider perks that ensure your Ryder Cup journey is seamless and extraordinary. Don’t just watch history — be part of it at Adare Manor 2027.
