The Ryder Cup is finally here! The Golfing Gazette writers have made some bold predictions for Bethpage Black.
This year’s Ryder Cup between the United States and Europe has possibly been as highly anticipated as any golf event ever.
There were fireworks two years ago in Rome, and the competition has only grown in stature since, so it should be another fascinating spectacle in New York.
Here we have five predictions for the Ryder Cup, from the winning team to the top points scorers at Bethpage Black.
Five predictions for the Ryder Cup 2025
The Ryder Cup winner
Jordan Harris: This answer seems to change every month or so, but as things stand, Europe’s depth looks to be enough to get Luke Donald’s men across the line. A 15-13 victory will be enough to confirm Donald as Europe’s greatest-ever captain.
James Shearman: The two teams have so much quality that I’d be amazed if it’s not an all-time great Ryder Cup. It’s difficult to pick a winner, but I expect Europe’s experience and continuity to help them win away from home for the first time since 2012.
Lee Connor: I’ll go with Team USA to win by two points, 15-13.
The USA’s top point scorer at the Ryder Cup
Jordan Harris: It is time for Scottie Scheffler to step up in a team competition. Unless the USA boasts a huge lead after Saturday morning, he will probably play all five matches. And with Russell Henley, Sam Burns, and Bryson DeChambeau in the ranks, Keegan Bradley has plenty of options for who he can pair the world number one with.
James Shearman: Although Scottie Scheffler is the United States’ best player, Bryson DeChambeau could have a better Ryder Cup. The competition is built for players like him with a huge passion for the game, and he will participate in at least four sessions.
Lee Connor: Russell Henley to top-score for USA.
Europe’s top point scorer at the Ryder Cup
Jordan Harris: Tommy Fleetwood won four points in 2018 and sealed the crucial result six years ago. It is hard to imagine the American crowd getting to the Englishman, while he appears to be one of the leading contenders to play all five matches at Bethpage.
James Shearman: Europe’s leading point scorer will be Tommy Fleetwood. Not only has he excelled in previous Ryder Cups, but he will now be full of confidence after winning the Tour Championship.
Lee Connor: Jon Rahm to top-score for Europe.
The biggest surprise at the Ryder Cup
Jordan Harris: It is perhaps harsh to pick out a major champion as the biggest surprise, but J.J. Spaun is not one of the marquee names on the American side. He will be comfortable in either format, and his fightback on Sunday at the US Open highlighted what a phenomenal competitor he is. On the European side, there will not be too many Americans who want to take on Justin Rose throughout the week.
James Shearman: Robert MacIntyre is a much better player than he was two years ago and could be one of Luke Donald’s go-to men at Bethpage Black. He will embrace the challenge of playing in front of the New York crowd and look to silence them.
Lee Connor: I think the biggest surprise will be Russell Henley, as I’ve tipped him to top score.
The biggest flop at the Ryder Cup
Jordan Harris: Xander Schauffele has had such an underwhelming year by his standards. The world number three has also not played a competitive round for some time following the birth of his child. Bradley will surely send Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay out on Friday morning. But if they get off to a slow start, Schauffele may be someone who only plays three times – at most.
James Shearman: Xander Schauffele has had a difficult season on the PGA Tour after such an impressive 2024, winning two major championships. The Ryder Cup is not the environment to build confidence, so he could come unstuck at Bethpage Black.
Lee Connor: I think Bryson DeChambeau will flop and not make more than half a point.
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