Ryder Cup 2025: Europe’s Unity Confronts America’s Chequebook
Ben Smith 
The Ryder Cup begins at Bethpage Black in New York on Friday, with Europe seeking a first victory on American soil since 2012.
The biennial contest runs from September 26th-28th, with foursomes and fourballs on the opening two days, followed by 12 singles matches on Sunday, and the US are the current odds-on favourites at the betting sites to regain the trophy.
American players are each receiving $500,000 for the week, with $300,000 directed to charity, while Europe’s players remain unpaid.
European captain Luke Donald warned the US could face their own crowd turning on them if the visitors take control. “That could happen,” he said. “We all know how high the ticket prices are, and it’s going to be an expensive trip out for a family of four. If the US players are getting paid a stipend, or whatever it is, and they aren’t performing, the New Yorkers could make them know about it.”
Team USA’s decision has drawn sharp criticism. Solheim Cup legend Dame Laura Davies said, “It’s ridiculous that the Americans want to get paid to play. My understanding is the majority of the money they are earning is going to charity and I would be shocked if they don’t give it all.
“If that’s the case or not, it seems they want to make a point and it doesn’t sit right with me. Demanding to be paid to play in the Ryder Cup - I have absolutely no idea what they’re thinking.
“The Europeans wouldn’t do it in a million years. Seve [Ballesteros] would turn in his grave if he heard they were doing it - that’s how poor I think what the Americans are doing is.
Rory McIlroy’s previous comments align with Davies’ sentiments. “I personally would pay for the privilege to play in the Ryder Cup,” he said in 2024. “I have come a long way in this, especially with the Olympics, but the two purest forms of competition in our game right now are the Ryder Cup and Olympics, partly because of the purity of no money being involved.”
The emphasis on pride over payment reflects the scale of what Europe are trying to achieve in New York. Their last away win was at Medinah 13 years ago, when they overturned a four-point deficit in the singles, coming from 10-6 behind to win 14.5-13.5. Since then, the USA have won both home matches, while Europe triumphed in Paris in 2018 and Rome in 2023.
US captain Keegan Bradley succeeds Zach Johnson and is charged with extending America’s run of home wins to three. Talk of him selecting himself ended with Bradley confirming he would not play, despite a superb year on the PGA Tour.
Bradley’s side features four rookies, compared with just one for Europe, where Nicolai Højgaard makes way for his twin brother Rasmus.
Donald is bidding to become the first European captain since Tony Jacklin in 1987 to add an away Ryder Cup win to a home success. Donald has kept faith with Bjorn, Edoardo Molinari, Olazabal and Francesco Molinari as vice-captains, while Alex Noren takes over from Nicolas Colsaerts after his late-season wins proved too late to earn a place in the team.
One of the golf betting highlights of the year, play in the 45th Ryder Cup begins on Friday morning with the opening foursomes session.
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