After the European team entered the final day with a five-point lead from the first two days of the foursomes, it looked like a clear victory for the Europeans on Sunday. They only needed two more wins/points in the individual events to defend the Cup.
But it turned into a thriller. All of the top European stars, including McIlroy, Fleetwood, and the rest, lost their matches. However, Åberg, Fitzpatrick, and especially the Irishman Lowry secured victory for the Europeans, much to the delight of Captain Luke Donald.
From September 26-28, 2025, the golf elite of the USA and Europe met for the prestigious team competition, the Ryder Cup. The venue was the legendary Bethpage Black Club public course in Farmingdale, New York. The 12 best players from the USA and Europe competed on each side. The respective team captains (Luke Donald for Europe) decided on the composition of the partners in the respective foursomes and who would be used in the singles.
The Europeans had a sensational 12-5 lead after the first two days, when only foursomes were played.
Only Straka/Rahm had to forfeit their match. For Straka, who is half Austrian and half American and lives in the USA with his family, this was his second Ryder Cup appearance.
Captain Luke Donald had his team well prepared. He wrote his players a letter to help them prepare. The highlight: He sent them special glasses that also produced a noise level typical of the USA. Donald, a true gentleman whom I had the pleasure of meeting briefly during his appearance in Salzburg at the Austrian Open (missed the cut), had a special, experienced team of helpers with him.
On the final day, the European team only needed to win two matches for two points. The pairings were exciting: USA first: Young: Rose / Thomas: Fleetwood / DeChambeau: Fitzpatrick / Scheffler: McIlroy / Cantlay: Åberg / Schauffele: Rahm / Spaun: Straka / Henley: Lowry
The approximately 60,000 spectators on each tournament day are almost unimaginable by our standards. The standard 70 course with only two par 5s posed some challenges for the players, as almost all par 4s were well over 400 meters long and often had to be played blindfolded.
On the final day, the crowd was noticeably calmer, presumably due to the Europeans’ lead and the disapproval/reprimands of their behavior by the US media.
The approximately 60,000 spectators on each tournament day are almost unimaginable by our standards. The standard 70 course with only two par 5s posed some challenges for the players, as almost all par 4s were well over 400 meters long and often had to be played blindfolded.
On the final day, the crowd was noticeably calmer, presumably due to the Europeans’ lead and the disapproval/reprimands of their behavior by the US media.
We look forward to the next Ryder Cup in 2027 in Ireland at Adare Manor Club near Limerick.
Best regards,
Yours,
