The 45th Ryder Cup is set to commence this Friday at the Black Course at Bethpage Black State Park in Farmingdale, New York, promising an electrifying display of golf as the U.S. team looks to maintain its strong record on home turf. The U.S. has been formidable on its home ground, with the host team emerging victorious in the past five encounters. The last time the visiting European squad clinched a win on American soil was in 2012, with their thrilling 14½-13½ victory at Medinah Country Club, Illinois.
In recent Ryder Cup history, Europe has dominated, taking eight of the past 11 titles, including their 16½-11½ victory near Rome in 2023. However, the U.S. team delivered a strong performance in 2021 by defeating Europe 19-9 at Whistling Straits, Wisconsin. This year’s challenge is steep for Europe, who is up against not only the formidable American team but also the passionate Long Island crowd. The U.S. team, bolstered by seven of the top 10 golfers in the world, including the world number one Scottie Scheffler, is favored to take the cup again.
Rory McIlroy, a key player for Europe, acknowledged the difficulty of their task, emphasizing the historical challenges visiting teams face but also highlighting the opportunity to achieve something rare by winning on foreign soil.
The Ryder Cup format involves four foursomes and four four-ball matches on Friday and Saturday, with 12 singles matches concluding the event on Sunday. Europe requires 14 points to retain the trophy, whereas the U.S. needs 14½ points to clinch it.
Key players to watch include Scottie Scheffler of the U.S., who looks to overcome his previous 0-2-2 performance and is currently in excellent form following his recent win at the Procore Championship. Rory McIlroy, Europe’s emotional leader, is coming off a strong season, including a victory at the Irish Open. Other noteworthy competitors include Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm, Justin Thomas, and Viktor Hovland, each bringing their unique strengths and stories to this prestigious event.
The anticipation and excitement surrounding this Ryder Cup are palpable, with both teams portraying compelling narratives and star players eager to etch their names in history. With thrilling matches anticipated and intense rivalry set to unfold, fans can look forward to a memorable weekend of top-tier golf.