Ryder Cup 2025 Delivers Historic Win and Unforgettable Controversy
From September 26–28, 2025, the 45th Ryder Cup was staged at Bethpage State Park’s Black Course in Farmingdale, New York, where Team Europe edged out the United States 15–13 in one of the most dramatic and contentious editions in recent memory.
Captains, Stakes & Venue
Keegan Bradley captained the U.S. side, while Luke Donald served as Europe’s skipper. Under Donald’s leadership, Europe became only the second captain after Tony Jacklin to win the Cup both at home and on U.S. soil.Bethpage Black, a notoriously tough public-course classic, played host to the match—Europe’s first win on U.S. soil since 2012.
Europe entered the week needing 14½ points to win outright; the U.S. needed 14 to retain.
Day 1 & Day 2: Europe Crushes the Team Sessions
Europe set the tone early. On Friday, they won both foursomes and four-balls, claiming a 5½–2½ lead at the close of the day. Key performances included Rahm & Hatton and Fleetwood’s clutch putting under pressure.
On Saturday, Europe again dominated. In foursomes they emerged with large gains, and in the afternoon four-balls they extended their advantage. By the end of Day 2, Europe held an astonishing 11½ – 4½ lead, the largest margin ever entering Sunday singles in Ryder Cup history. Their dominance in the opening four sessions marked the first time a visiting team had swept all team sessions.
Europe’s foursomes strength was particularly evident: wins by McIlroy/Fleetwood, Rahm/Hatton, and Hovland/MacIntyre helped build a deep cushion.
Sunday Singles: U.S. Surge, But Europe Holds Firm
Sunday’s singles began under a cloud when Viktor Hovland withdrew due to a neck issue, resulting in an automatic half-point for both sides. That moved Europe to 12–5 before a ball was struck. A ferocious U.S. rally followed. The American side won or halved nearly every match, mounting what nearly became the greatest comeback in Ryder Cup history. But Europe refused to buckle. Ludvig Åberg beat Patrick Cantlay 2 & 1 to keep momentum. Matt Fitzpatrick halved with Bryson DeChambeau.
The defining moment came when Shane Lowry birdied the 18th against Russell Henley to secure the half-point that ensured Europe would at least retain the Cup. Finally, Tyrrell Hatton halved with Collin Morikawa to clinch Europe’s outright win.
Controversy & Crowd Behavior
The 2025 Ryder Cup will also be remembered for intense scrutiny over crowd behavior. European players—particularly Rory McIlroy—were heckled throughout, sometimes with vulgar or abusive language. McIlroy described the level of abuse as “unacceptable,” and noted that his wife Erica Stoll had been struck by a beer can in the crowd. The event’s Master of Ceremonies, Heather McMahan, stepped down after leading a vulgar chant directed at McIlroy over the microphone.
Luke Donald publicly accused fans of “crossing the line.” Golf media also described the atmosphere as among the most hostile in modern Ryder Cup history. Former U.S. Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson apologized on behalf of American spectators, calling the behavior “rude and mean-spirited.”
Takeaways & Legacy
Europe’s 15–13 win confirmed their dominance in team sessions and their ability to absorb pressure under fire. For the U.S., a sluggish start and questionable pairing decisions undermined their Sunday heroics. Captain Bradley later acknowledged strategic missteps. The result marks Europe’s second consecutive Ryder Cup win and strengthens Luke Donald’s case as one of their most effective captains.
Yet the darker subplot of spectator misconduct raises broader questions about etiquette, security, and fan limits in international competition. While the result belongs to Europe, the 2025 Ryder Cup will be remembered as much for the tension off the tee as for the shots on it.