Michael Jordan made a striking appearance at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, his presence causing excitement among fans who hoped his legendary competitive spirit could inspire the U.S. team. Despite his enthusiasm, the home team struggled against the European squad, echoing familiar issues faced during the 2023 Ryder Cup.
Jordan’s arrival coincided with challenges the Americans faced on Friday, as they trailed 5.5-2.5—a scenario eerily similar to the one at Marco Simone in 2023. In both Ryder Cups, the U.S. team faltered in the morning sessions and could not recover in the afternoon, with European players showcasing incredible synergy and precision.
To address past issues, the PGA of America had appointed Keegan Bradley as the new U.S. captain, hoping for a fresh approach. Bradley, focused on transformation, introduced a team manager and a new set of vice captains, aiming for a different outcome at Bethpage.
However, the same obstacles resurfaced. Both Ryder Cups saw the Americans outplayed by formidable European players, with the U.S. top performers underwhelming and their pairings appearing disjointed and ineffective. Notably, the decision to pair Harris English and Collin Morikawa, ranked 132nd by Datagolf in alternate shot, raised questions about strategic planning.
Despite hopes for change and the influence of figures like Jordan, long-standing challenges persisted. This repeated pattern underscores the need for the U.S. team to reevaluate its strategies to avoid repeating past mistakes and to overcome their European rivals in future tournaments.