The Ryder Cup returned to American grounds this fall, and it delivered three days of absolute cinema that will be remembered for both spectacular golf and raw tension. Europe, led by captain Luke Donald, retained the Cup with a 15–13 victory at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York — their first win on U.S. soil since 2012.
A Fast Start for Europe
From the opening tee shot, Europe looked intent on setting the tone. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton powered through their opening foursomes match, while Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood delivered steady points to give the visitors a 3–1 lead after the first session.
That momentum never really let up. Europe carried a commanding 11.5 to 4.5 lead into Sunday, thanks to clinical shot-making, savvy pairings, and an inspired Fleetwood, who finished the week a perfect 4–0. By Saturday night, the Americans appeared to be staring down a lopsided defeat on home turf.
Sunday Surge
But the Ryder Cup rarely goes quietly. With the singles matches underway on Sunday, the U.S. mounted a furious comeback. Justin Thomas birdied the 18th to snatch a point, Cameron Young followed with late heroics of his own, and world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler edged McIlroy in a high-stakes showdown that kept Bethpage roaring.
By mid-afternoon, Europe’s massive cushion was shrinking, and the chants of “U-S-A” reverberated louder with each American win. At one stage, a historic comeback seemed possible.
The tide turned when Ludvig Åberg defeated Patrick Cantlay 2&1, giving Europe a stabilizing point. Moments later, Shane Lowry faced a six-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole. He rolled it in with steely calm, halving his match with Russell Henley and delivering the half-point that mathematically secured Europe the Cup. Tyrrell Hatton’s split with Collin Morikawa added insurance, sealing the final tally: Europe 15, United States 13.
Heroes and Heartbreaks
Fleetwood’s unbeaten run made him Europe’s star, while McIlroy contributed 3.5 points in his seventh Ryder Cup appearance. Lowry’s clutch putt instantly became the iconic image of the week. For the Americans, Schauffele and Young emerged as bright spots, but Scheffler’s 0–4 start in team play was a costly blow despite his singles redemption.
Beyond the Golf
Golf wasn’t the only talking point, however. Reports of hostile fan behavior — including heckling, objects thrown, and incidents involving players’ families — cast a shadow over the event. European players criticized the PGA of America’s handling of the situation, and the episode has already sparked debate over how Ryder Cup crowds should be managed going forward.
A Win With Weight
Europe’s triumph on Long Island carries weight far beyond the scoreline. It solidifies Luke Donald’s legacy as a back-to-back winning captain, one of only two Europeans ever to claim both home and away victories. It also underscores Europe’s ability to deliver under pressure, with their depth and composure surviving a hostile crowd and a furious American rally.
For the U.S., the comeback showed heart but also underscored lingering questions: how can a roster stacked with world-class talent continue to fall short against Europe’s chemistry and cohesion?
As the dust settles, the 2025 Ryder Cup will be remembered not only for Europe’s resilience but also for the roar of Bethpage, the thin line between collapse and glory, and a rivalry that seems only to grow fiercer with time.