The full 12-person roster for Bethpage Black’s 2025 Ryder Cup is not fully set, but the event’s play format became official on Monday. As host this year, the US had the opportunity to decide whether to roll with four balls and foursomes in the morning waves in the first two days of the biennial competition.
The Americans ultimately decided to start the first and second days of the Ryder Cup with foursome (alternative shots), leaving four balls (best balls) for the afternoon session. The US and Europe will then face off in 12 singles matches in direct matches as the competition is wrapped on Sunday in New York.
This decision by US Captain Keegan Bradley will mark the third straight performance of the Ryder Cup, which begins with Four Ball, starting with Four Sam. This marks the 13th time since 1981. This structure has been adopted, with Americans choosing eight times and Europeans five times.
The US has adopted this strategy with five straight rider cups, holding a 12-4 record in previous sessions. The record was supported by red, white and blue performances in the Whistle Strait in 2021. The Europeans went well with Marco Simone in the 2023 Ryder Cup, making it 7-1 in eight foursome matches.
The Rider Cup needs a fast start. Bradley believes this is the broadest path for his team to find success. History suggests he is right as Team USA is 9-3-1 in the Ryder Cup when Team USA opens the first two days of the event.
The Ryder Cup captain pick is scheduled later this week prior to the event set for September 26-28, but both sides have already set up Beth Page automatic qualifiers. The US (-130) is a slim favorite in Europe (+145) despite having Ryder Cups held for each Fanduel Sportsbook.
2025 Rider Cup Team: Automatic Qualification
Listed by the official World Golf Rankings
No. 1 Scottie Scheffler (3rd) | No. 2 Rory McIlroy (8th) |
No. 7 JJ Spaun (1st) | No. 9 Robert Macintyre (2nd) |
No. 3 Xander Schauffele (3rd) | No. 6 Tommy Fleetwood (4th) |
No. 4 Russell Henry (1st) | No. 12 Justin Rose (7th) |
No. 10 Harris English (2nd) | No.25 Tyrrell Hatton (4th) |
No. 18 Bryson Dechambeau (3rd) | No. 64 Rasmus Højgaard (1st) |
