Will the 2025 US Ryder Cup Team Succeed at Bethpage Black?
After a resounding defeat in Rome, the American Ryder Cup team is returning to home soil with a singular mission: to reclaim the Cup. The stage for this high-stakes showdown is Bethpage Black, a course known for its punishing difficulty and a boisterous, passionate New York crowd. Led by captain Keegan Bradley, the 2025 US team is a blend of world-class talent and new faces, all with the weight of recent history on their shoulders. But what are their chances of success?
The Team: A Mix of Veterans and Rookies
The US team's composition is now finalized, with six automatic qualifiers and six captain's picks. The automatic qualifiers are:
- Scottie Scheffler: The world's top-ranked player and a major winner in 2025, Scheffler is the anchor of this team. He'll be looked upon to lead from the front and shake off his disappointing performance in Rome.
- J.J. Spaun: A breakout star of the season, Spaun secured his spot with a dramatic US Open victory. His composure under pressure will be a key asset on the intimidating Bethpage Black.
- Xander Schauffele: A veteran of two previous Ryder Cups, Schauffele brings a strong record and an ability to thrive in team formats. His power and all-around game make him a versatile partner.
- Russell Henley: Making his Ryder Cup debut, Henley is a wizard around the greens and a sharp iron player, which could be a huge advantage on a course where accuracy is paramount.
- Harris English: Returning for his second Ryder Cup, English has had a resurgent year with a PGA Tour victory and strong major championship finishes.
- Bryson DeChambeau: A fan favorite who sat out the 2023 Cup, DeChambeau's immense power off the tee will be a major weapon on the long and demanding Bethpage course.
Captain Keegan Bradley's six picks round out the squad, adding a mix of experience and promising youth:
- Justin Thomas: A Ryder Cup stalwart with a stellar record, Thomas's inclusion was a near-certainty despite narrowly missing out on automatic qualification. His veteran presence and proven match-play ability are invaluable.
- Collin Morikawa: A two-time major champion, Morikawa is known for his masterful iron play. He'll be a key player in both foursomes and four-ball matches.
- Patrick Cantlay: Another team-play veteran, Cantlay's formidable partnership with Schauffele in previous Cups makes him a critical addition to the roster.
- Ben Griffin: A rookie pick who has had a brilliant season, including two wins. His recent form and ability to perform on tough courses show he belongs on this stage.
- Cameron Young: Another top-ranked American whose strong recent play and power game made him an undeniable choice.
- Sam Burns: With a strong putting game, Burns adds another dimension to the American team and brings past team-play experience.
The Home-Course Advantage
The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is a different animal from the 2023 contest in Rome. The US team will be playing in front of a home crowd that will do everything it can to give them an edge. The course itself is a beast—long, difficult, and designed to test every facet of a player's game. This environment favors big hitters and players who can handle pressure, and the US team, with players like Scheffler, Schauffele, and DeChambeau, seems well-suited for the challenge. The home-course advantage at Whistling Straits in 2021 was a major factor in the American victory, and they'll be hoping for a similar boost in New York.
The Verdict
While Team Europe is always a formidable opponent, the 2025 US Ryder Cup team has all the pieces in place for a successful campaign. The team has a strong core of proven performers, a handful of in-form rookies, and a home-course advantage that cannot be overstated. With a captain dedicated to leading from the sidelines and a lineup built for the challenges of Bethpage Black, the chances of the US reclaiming the Cup are strong. The betting odds reflect this sentiment, with the Americans currently favored to win. However, in the unpredictable world of match play, nothing is guaranteed. The true test will come in September, when the first tee shots are struck on Long Island and the roar of the crowd signals the start of the next great chapter in Ryder Cup history.