The Ryder Cup returns to the United States at Bethpage Black, and golf expert Craig Edwards (@EdwardsTips_) breaks down the course, key players, and his top betting pick for this high-stakes team showdown.
Bethpage Black State Park Course Course Notes
- Location: Long Island, New York
- Designers: A. W. Tillinghast (1936), Reese Jones (1997)
- Par/Yards: Par 70, 7,401 yards
The New York track is a tough test on undulating parkland terrain with tree-lined fairways. Rain is forecast for all four days, which will increase the difficulty and make the course play at full length.
Ryder Cup 2025 Format
After a complete drubbing in Rome in 2023, the United States have the opportunity to win back the converted team trophy, the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in front of what is expected to be raucous support from the Big Apple fans.
The first two days are pairs play, featuring four fourballs and four foursomes on Friday and Saturday, morning and afternoon.
- Foursomes: One ball, alternate shots from alternate tee shots
- Fourballs: Best score from the pair on each hole counts
Each match is worth one point, with draws counting as half a point. Captains select eight players for each session. On Sunday, all team members compete in individual 18-hole matchplay contests, with a total of 12 points awarded.
Ryder Cup 2025 Betting Odds
Here are the current Ryder Cup 2025 odds from top sportsbooks like Bovada. Keep an eye on them, as they are likely to change as tee time approaches
- United States: -150
- Europe: +175
- Tie: +1200
Ryder Cup Teams
Team Analysis
As usual in the world rankings, the United States have the edge on the Europeans. Both sides, however, have some out-of-form players who could make the difference.
- United States: Xander Schaufele won two major championships in 2024 to qualify, but this year has been underwhelming and injury-affected
- Europe: Sepp Straka has taken some time out of the game due to personal issues. The only team change is Rasmus taking the place of his brother Nicolai in the team.
Back Scotty for Top Yank!
The United States teams have been so disjointed in recent years that it makes opposing Scottie Scheffler as their top points scorer impossible.
Many of their squad have been inactive or only played the other week at the Procore Championship to keep their game sharp, and of course, Scottie Scheffler won that.
It is captain obvious, but there is not a player that I can coherently make an argument for in this market except Scottie Scheffler
The Pick: Scottie Scheffler – Top American Points Scorer (+300) at Bovada
Ryder Cup Captains
Keegan Bradley was a shock appointment as the Ryder Cup captain, having unluckily missed out in Rome as a player when he was overlooked by Zach Johnson. Ironically, Bradley had once again been in a form where he could have chosen to play himself, but he chose the sensible option of the captain’s role.
Europe’s Luke Donald was a revelation in Rome, guiding his team to a 16.5-11.5 win. Donald remains captain, aiming to defend the Ryder Cup on U.S. soil.
Keegan Bradley is a step up from Zach Johnson, and with home advantage, the United States is bound to be more competitive this time around.
Ryder Cup History and Insights
Form often goes out the window in the Ryder Cup, and team spirit and leadership tend to dominate.
Europe has historically had strong leaders such as Seve Ballesteros and Ian Poulter, who have given them an edge.
- Last 40 Years: Europe: 14 wins, USA: 6 wins, 1 tie
- Tied Match: Europe retains the trophy as holders
Despite the Americans’ improvement, without a clear talisman, betting on the United States at -150 seems risky.
Europe to retain the Ryder Cup is our best bet, so take it before the odds change!
The Pick: Europe to Win the Ryder Cup (+125) at Bovada
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
