The Ryder Cup is more than just a golf tournament; it’s a battle of pride, passion, and fierce competition between the United States and Europe. Every two years, the world watches as the best golfers from each side of the Atlantic face off in a format that is as much about national pride as it is about skill. In 2025, the event heads to the legendary Bethpage Black course in Farmingdale, New York, and anticipation is already building.
Whether you’re planning to attend in person or just want to stay informed from home, this guide covers everything you need to know about the Ryder Cup: venue insights, ticketing options, expected players, course conditions, travel details, and more.
A Legendary Venue: Bethpage Black
Bethpage Black isn’t just one of America’s most challenging public golf courses; it’s a rite of passage for players who want to prove their mettle. Located in Farmingdale, New York, this historic course sits within Bethpage State Park and has earned a fearsome reputation thanks to its brutal layout, punishing rough, and deep, steep-faced bunkers that demand absolute precision.
The fairways at Bethpage Black are notoriously narrow, requiring pinpoint accuracy off the tee. Players who veer even slightly off-line will often find themselves in thick, gnarly rough that has ended many promising rounds. The greens are fast and well-guarded, often sloped or elevated, with surrounding bunkers designed to punish overly aggressive approaches. And then there’s the sand, Bethpage’s bunkering is both artful and treacherous, demanding expert touch and mental focus.
Designed by A.W. Tillinghast and opened in 1936, the course was built as part of a public works project during the Great Depression. It has since become a symbol of both accessibility and excellence in American golf. Unlike many major championship venues, Bethpage Black is open to the public, though a warning sign at the first tee famously cautions that it is “extremely difficult” and “recommended only for highly skilled golfers.”
Bethpage made its mark on the global golf stage when it hosted the 2002 U.S. Open, the first time a public course held that honor. It returned for the 2009 U.S. Open and later the 2019 PGA Championship, further cementing its reputation as a true championship test. Its selection for the 2025 Ryder Cup continues that legacy, signaling the course’s place among the game’s elite venues.
But Bethpage isn’t just about technical difficulty; it’s about atmosphere. New York fans are known for their energy, passion, and vocal support, bringing a stadium-like intensity that’s rare in golf. The blend of a challenging course and an electric crowd makes Bethpage Black an ideal location for an event built on emotion and national pride. For the Ryder Cup, where every shot carries the weight of team competition, there may be no better stage.
How the Ryder Cup Format Works: Team Play, Strategy, and Scoring
Unlike traditional PGA Tour tournaments that focus on individual stroke play, the Ryder Cup is a team-based competition between the best golfers from the United States and Europe. What makes it truly special is not just the elite level of talent, but the format, which emphasizes strategy, chemistry, and national pride over individual performance.
The Ryder Cup spans three days, with a total of 28 matches played. Each match is worth one point, and the first team to reach 14½ points wins the Cup. If the competition ends in a 14-14 tie, the current holder (in this case, Team Europe) retains the trophy.
The event features three distinct formats:
Day 1 and Day 2: Foursomes and Fourballs
On Friday and Saturday, teams play two sessions per day:
- Foursomes (alternate shot): Two teammates take turns hitting the same ball. This format requires incredible communication and trust, as each shot directly affects the next player. It’s fast-paced, mentally demanding, and tends to favor players who complement each other’s styles.
- Fourball (better ball): Each player plays their ball, and the best score on each hole counts for the team. This format allows for more aggressive play, as one player can take risks knowing their partner might have a safer score.
Each day, four matches of each format are played, totaling eight matches per day.
Day 3: Singles
Sunday features 12 one-on-one singles matches, where every U.S. player faces a European counterpart. These head-to-head battles often determine the outcome of the entire event, and the pressure is intense. A single missed putt or heroic comeback can swing the entire momentum of the competition.
What Makes It Different
There’s no prize money for the players, just national pride, legacy, and the chance to be part of golf history. The team format fosters camaraderie and emotional highs rarely seen in solo PGA events. Players cheer each other on, fans chant like they’re at a football match, and captains use strategy in pairings and matchups much like coaches in other sports.
This is what sets the Ryder Cup apart: it’s not just about birdies and bogeys. It’s about partnerships, momentum, and the emotional weight of representing a continent.
Ryder Cup 2025 Tickets: Options for Every Type of Fan
Attending the Ryder Cup is a bucket-list experience for golf fans around the world, and the 2025 event at Bethpage Black offers a variety of ticket options tailored to different preferences, budgets, and levels of hospitality. Whether you’re looking for exclusive private suites, access to the general grounds with food and beverage included, or something in between, there is a ticket type to suit your needs.
Private Hospitality Experiences: Chalets, Suites, and Reserved Tables
For fans seeking a premium experience, the 2025 Ryder Cup features a range of private hospitality options, though many of these have already sold out due to high demand.
- Private Chalets (Hole 15): These spacious chalets accommodate up to 100 guests or smaller groups of 75. Fully customizable and completely private, chalets offer an exclusive way to experience the tournament with friends or corporate clients. Given their size and privacy, these are perfect for groups wanting a luxury setting right on the course.
- Empire Suites (Hole 18): Slightly smaller, the Empire Suites cater to groups of 30 or 60. These private suites provide communal food and beverage offerings and an elevated view of one of the most dramatic holes on the course. The Empire Suites combine exclusivity with a social atmosphere.
- Reserved Tables (Hole 1): Ideal for smaller groups or those who want a guaranteed spot at the first hole, reserved tables seat 10 guests in a club setting. This option offers proximity to the action with hospitality perks in a more intimate environment.
Ryder Cup+ General Admission: The Best Value for Fans
For fans who want full access to the grounds without the premium price tag, Ryder Cup+ tickets are the most popular option. Priced starting at $235 (including fees), these tickets include:
- Access to all tournament grounds at Bethpage Black
- An inclusive food and non-alcoholic beverage program allowing fans to redeem one entree, snack, and non-alcoholic drink at any concessions market throughout the day, as often as they like
This option is perfect for fans who want to roam the course freely, soak in the atmosphere, and enjoy a variety of food and drink options without needing a reserved seat or suite.
International and International Pavilion Tickets
For those seeking an elevated hospitality experience with upgraded food and beverage, International Pavilion tickets offer exclusive access to a premium hospitality venue at the event. Starting around $356, these tickets blend general admission with enhanced amenities in a more comfortable, climate-controlled setting.
There are also International tickets starting from $238, offering access to the grounds with some additional perks, making these options popular for fans coming from overseas or those looking for a balance between value and comfort.
Specialty Packages and Parking Passes
- Samuel Ryder Club: The pinnacle of hospitality, this all-inclusive, climate-controlled elevated venue offers an extensive food buffet, open bar, indoor and outdoor seating, and sweeping views of Bethpage Black. Tickets for this premium experience start at over $8,500, catering to those who want the ultimate Ryder Cup luxury.
- Evening Events: Some ticket packages include access to Ryder Cup-themed evening events at iconic New York City locations like Herald Square and Grand Central, combining golf entertainment with social gatherings, simulators, and refreshments.
- Jones Beach Parking Passes: For $55 each, parking passes are available for convenient off-site parking with shuttle access to Bethpage Black, simplifying transportation for those driving to the event.
What to Know Before You Buy
Tickets for the Ryder Cup are highly sought after, and many premium options sell out quickly. Early planning and purchasing through verified resale platforms or official sources are recommended to secure the best seats and experiences.
Whether you want a budget-friendly general admission ticket or an exclusive suite overlooking a keyhole, the 2025 Ryder Cup ticket offerings are designed to deliver unforgettable moments for every fan.
The Projected Field and How Players Qualify for the 2025 Ryder Cup
The 2025 Ryder Cup, scheduled for September 26-28 at Bethpage Black on Long Island, will showcase two of the strongest golf teams assembled in recent memory. But what sets the Ryder Cup apart from regular PGA Tour events is not just the fierce team competition but also the complex and unique qualification process that determines who earns a spot on these prestigious 12-player squads.
How Ryder Cup Teams Are Built: The Qualification Process
Both the U.S. and European Ryder Cup teams consist of 12 players, but the route each takes to get there has some nuanced differences, and this year includes an intriguing storyline on the American side.
The U.S. Team Qualification
The United States Ryder Cup team is made up of:
- 6 Automatic Qualifiers: Based on Ryder Cup points earned through a detailed points system that rewards players for their performance in PGA Tour events and major championships over a qualification window.
- 6 Captain’s Picks: Chosen by U.S. Team Captain Keegan Bradley after the automatic qualifiers are set, allowing him to add players based on current form, experience, or team dynamics.
What makes 2025 particularly notable is that Keegan Bradley himself is in genuine contention to qualify as a player via points, something unseen since Arnold Palmer’s playing captaincy in 1963. As of now, Bradley sits ninth on the points list, with fewer than two months remaining before qualification closes, meaning he could either captain or play or both.
How U.S. Ryder Cup Points Work
- In 2024, players earn 1 Ryder Cup point per $1,000 earned at THE PLAYERS Championship and the four major championships (Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open, The Open).
- In 2025, points come from non-major PGA Tour events (1 point per $1,000 earned) and major championships (1.5 points per $1,000 earned), excluding “Additional Events.”
- The qualification period closes after the BMW Championship on August 17, 2025.
As of June 30, 2025, Scottie Scheffler has mathematically clinched his spot, alongside fellow top-ranked players like Xander Schauffele, J.J. Spaun, Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau, and Harris English. However, the final six spots, including potentially Bradley’s, remain up for grabs.
The European Team Qualification
The European Ryder Cup team also features:
- 6 Automatic Qualifiers: Determined by a unified Ryder Cup points list combining results from both the DP World Tour (formerly European Tour) and the PGA Tour.
- 6 Captain’s Picks: Selected by European Captain Luke Donald, who returns for his second consecutive Ryder Cup captaincy following Europe’s 2023 victory.
Unlike previous years when Europe used separate points lists (European Points List and World Points List), the 2025 team qualification runs on a single combined points list. This list incorporates:
- Points earned from all Race to Dubai ranking tournaments (including majors) between August 29, 2024, and August 24, 2025.
- Points from PGA Tour FedExCup points events between January 1 and August 17, 2025, excluding weeks when Rolex Series events occur simultaneously.
This streamlined system aims to ensure Europe’s best players, regardless of which tour they primarily play on, earn their spots based on consistent performance.
By late June, players like Rory McIlroy, Robert MacIntyre, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Shane Lowry, and Sepp Straka are holding the top six qualifying positions. McIlroy has already secured his place mathematically.
Key Players to Watch on Each Side
- United States: Veterans Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele are expected to lead the charge. J.J. Spaun, the 2023 U.S. Open champion, adds strong major-winning form to the team. The battle for the final spots will be intense, with Captain Bradley potentially competing for a playing spot himself.
- Europe: Led by stars like Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Shane Lowry, Europe will aim to reclaim the Ryder Cup on U.S. soil, something they haven’t accomplished since 2012. Captain Luke Donald’s selections for captain’s picks will be closely watched as the final lineup is finalized.
What Makes Ryder Cup Qualification Different?
Unlike typical PGA Tour tournaments, where players enter based on rankings, exemptions, or sponsor invites, Ryder Cup qualification rewards consistent high-level performance over a long period, with points earned through both prize money and tournament importance. The blend of automatic qualifiers and captains’ picks also adds a strategic dimension, allowing captains to shape teams that maximize chemistry, experience, and form.
This unique team-building process is one reason the Ryder Cup produces such compelling storylines and fierce competition; it’s not just about individual skill but also how players fit into a team dynamic on a global stage.
Course Conditions and Setup
Bethpage Black is well-known for its brutal difficulty, and the 2025 Ryder Cup will likely lean into that reputation. Organizers are expected to present a course with thick, rough, slick greens and strategic pin placements that reward precision and penalize mistakes.
Unlike stroke play, the Ryder Cup’s match-play format encourages aggressive strategies, which will only be amplified by Bethpage’s demanding setup. Expect momentum shifts, emotional reactions, and plenty of surprises as the course challenges even the best players.
Fan Experience Beyond the Ropes
Fans attending the Ryder Cup can expect a full-scale event that goes well beyond the competition itself. The fan village is set to offer a wide variety of activities and attractions, from interactive golf simulators to live entertainment and big-screen viewing areas.
Merchandise tents will provide official Ryder Cup gear, and food vendors will serve everything from casual bites to upscale fare with a local New York twist. Fans will also be able to enjoy meet-and-greet sessions, panel discussions, and digital experiences such as VR replays. The atmosphere is designed to engage attendees at all levels, making it a great outing whether you’re a lifelong golf fan or attending your first tournament.
Travel and Accommodations
Bethpage State Park, located in Farmingdale, New York, is accessible by car, rail, and shuttle services. Due to the scale of the event, planning is essential.
Nearby lodging options are available in Farmingdale, Huntington, Garden City, and Ronkonkoma. For those looking to stay in Manhattan or other parts of New York City, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) offers a convenient connection, though travel times may be longer.
Event organizers will also provide Ryder Cup shuttle buses from designated lots and transit hubs. Ride-sharing services will have marked drop-off and pick-up zones near the venue.
Schedule of Events
The official week-long schedule provides multiple opportunities for fans to engage with the event.
- Tuesday, September 23: Practice rounds begin
- Wednesday, September 24: Additional practice, media day, Junior Ryder Cup exhibition
- Thursday, September 25: Final team preparations and opening ceremony
- Friday, September 26: Foursome and fourball matches
- Saturday, September 27: Continuation of team matches
- Sunday, September 28: Singles matches followed by the closing ceremony
Purse and Exemptions
Unlike most professional tournaments, the Ryder Cup does not offer prize money. Players compete for national pride and legacy rather than financial gain. However, strong performances can lead to increased sponsorships and invitations to other prestigious events.
Participants also gain exemptions into select tournaments on both the PGA and European Tours, adding long-term benefits beyond the immediate competition.
Military and Veteran Benefits
In appreciation of their service, the Ryder Cup extends several benefits to active-duty military members and veterans. These include free or discounted tickets, access to reserved seating areas, and public recognition during event ceremonies. Attendees should visit the official Ryder Cup website for specific information and eligibility requirements.
Parking and Shuttle Options at Bethpage Black
With large crowds expected, efficient parking and transportation systems will be in place to manage the flow of attendees.
General Parking and Shuttles
Remote lots will be available with shuttle services running continuously to the course throughout the day. Parking passes must be purchased ahead of time.
Preferred and VIP Parking
Premium ticket holders will have access to closer lots with quicker shuttle access to the course.
Accessible Parking and Services
Designated ADA-compliant parking areas and shuttles will ensure full accessibility for guests with mobility needs.
Ride-Sharing and Public Transit
Uber, Lyft, and taxi services will use special drop-off zones. The LIRR remains one of the most reliable public transportation options, especially for those staying in the greater New York area.
Important Parking Tips
Arrive early to avoid traffic delays. Confirm your parking lot location before you go, and prepare for significant walking. Weather in New York can be variable, so dress accordingly and bring sun protection or rain gear.
Predictions and Potential Outcome of the 2025 Ryder Cup
As the 2025 Ryder Cup approaches, the excitement is building not only among fans and players but also among analysts and golf insiders trying to forecast which team will emerge victorious. With the tournament set to take place at the demanding Bethpage Black, known for leveling the playing field and amplifying pressure, predicting the outcome is both thrilling and challenging.
The U.S. Team: Depth and Youthful Energy
The U.S. team arrives with a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging stars. Players like Scottie Scheffler and Xander Schauffele bring steady, world-class performances, while fresh faces such as J.J. Spaun add new firepower. The presence of Captain Keegan Bradley, potentially as a playing captain, adds an intriguing element of leadership on the course.
Bethpage Black’s narrow fairways and penal bunkers tend to favor players with precision and course management skills. The American team’s familiarity with similar U.S.-style courses and the support of a passionate New York-area crowd could serve as a significant advantage. The U.S. team has a strong history at home and will be motivated to uphold that tradition.
The European Team: Experience and Resilience
Europe enters the 2025 Ryder Cup with a roster full of battle-tested veterans like Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, and Shane Lowry, who have thrived in Ryder Cup pressure before. The team also benefits from a more integrated points system, meaning that many players are competing regularly on both the DP World Tour and PGA Tour, giving them adaptability.
Historically, European teams have excelled in team formats, showing exceptional chemistry and resilience even in hostile environments. With Luke Donald back as captain, Europe’s strategic approach and ability to perform under pressure will be key to overcoming the challenges posed by Bethpage Black’s unforgiving layout.
Course Impact on the Outcome
Bethpage Black is notoriously difficult, with tight landing zones, thick rough, and massive bunkers that demand both mental and physical toughness. The course’s challenging setup is likely to amplify the importance of teamwork, shot-making creativity, and putting prowess. Players who can adapt quickly to the course’s demands and maintain composure will have a decisive edge.
The unpredictability of match play formats, foursomes, fourballs, and singles means momentum swings can be sudden and dramatic. Captains’ tactical decisions, such as pairings and matchups, will be under intense scrutiny and could be pivotal.
Who Will Win?
- Prediction: A Narrow Victory for the U.S. Team
Given the home advantage, the passionate crowd, and the depth of talent on the American side, many experts lean toward a narrow U.S. win. The team’s ability to handle pressure, coupled with familiarity on home turf and motivation to reclaim the Ryder Cup, gives them a slight edge. - European Team’s Chance
Europe is far from a sure loser. Their experience, Ryder Cup savvy, and resilience, especially under Luke Donald’s leadership, make them formidable challengers. If they can exploit their strengths in team formats and remain patient through tough stretches, Europe has every chance to steal a win on American soil.
Key Factors That Will Decide the Outcome
- Captain’s Picks Impact: The six captain’s picks on each side will likely be crucial. The right blend of experience and current form could tilt the balance.
- Handling Bethpage Black’s Challenges: Players who master the course’s demanding conditions will gain key points.
- Momentum and Early Matches: Strong starts in the opening sessions can create momentum that carries through the weekend.
- Fan Energy: The Ryder Cup thrives on crowd energy, and a fervent New York crowd could provide the U.S. team with an emotional boost.
The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is shaping up to be one of the most intense and exciting editions of the tournament in recent memory. With a historic venue, passionate crowds, and the top golfers from the U.S. and Europe battling for international glory, the stage is set for something truly unforgettable.
Whether you’re planning to attend or follow from home, the Ryder Cup offers something for every golf fan: drama, strategy, pride, and a legacy that stretches back nearly a century. Get ready for a week of extraordinary competition and lasting memories.
