The Ryder Cup isn’t just a golf tournament; it’s a showdown between Team Europe and Team USA that only happens every two years. What makes it special is that golf is usually an individual sport, but in the Ryder Cup, players must work as a team, which changes everything.
A bit of history
The Ryder Cup started in 1927 when a man named Samuel Ryder donated the gold trophy. Back then, it was only Great Britain versus the USA, but in 1979 it changed to Europe versus USA so that more countries like Spain, Germany, and Sweden could join. That’s when Europe started winning a lot more often because they had stars like Seve Ballesteros and Nick Faldo.
Right now, the U.S. has won 27 times, and Europe has won 15 times (with two ties). But if you look at the last 40 years, Europe has dominated.
How it works
• Each team has 12 players.
• They play 28 matches over three days: foursomes, four-ball, and singles.
• Every match is worth one point, and you need 14½ points to win the cup.
• If it’s tied at 14 points each, the team that already has the cup keeps it.
This year’s event at Bethpage Black
The 2025 Ryder Cup was at Bethpage Black in New York, one of the toughest golf courses ever.
The crowds were so loud it felt more like a football game. Some fans even went too far yelling at the European players. But Europe didn’t let it stop them.
Big moments included:
• Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood winning their match five and four (5 and 4).
• Shane Lowry tying his match when it mattered most to secure the win.
• Tyrrell Hatton clinching the half-point that gave Europe the victory.
The final score was Europe 15½ to USA 12½, which means Europe kept the Cup.
Why it is important?
The Ryder Cup isn’t just about golf. It’s about pride, teamwork, and even a bit of history.
Players say it feels bigger than winning money or even a major championship, because they’re playing for their continent. That’s why you see grown men cry when they win or lose.
For me, the coolest thing is how the Ryder Cup mixes old traditions with modern excitement.
It started almost 100-years-ago, and it’s still one of the most thrilling events in sports.
