Tag: Ryder Cup 2025

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Rory McIlroy “would pay for the privilege to play on the Ryder Cup”

Rory McIlroy on being paid at the Ryder Cup (Photo: Getty).
Rory McIlroy on being paid at the Ryder Cup (Photo: Getty).

While the US players are to receive 400,000 US dollars for their participation in the Ryder Cup from next year, Rory McIlroy and his teammates Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton firmly reject any financial reward. For them, the Ryder Cup is not just a tournament, but a symbol of pride, passion and team spirit. The biennial tournament, which has so far been held without payment for the players, is now to receive a financial component on the American side for the first time from 2025.

Rory McIlroy: Ryder Cup “a privilege”

Rory McIlroy made it unmistakably clear that the competition and the honor are his priority, not the money. “I personally would pay for the privilege to play on the Ryder Cup,” said McIlroy in an interview with the BBC at the DP World Tour Championship in Dubai. For him, the Ryder Cup represents one of the purest forms of golf. “The two purest forms of competition in our game right now are the Ryder Cup and the Olympics, and it’s partly because of that, the purity of no money being involved.” McIlroy sees the Ryder Cup as more than just a golf competition: “But the Ryder Cup is so much more than that, especially to the Europeans and to this tour.”

McIlroy also argues: “The common consensus among us is that $5m would be better off spent elsewhere on the DP World Tour to support other events or even to support The Challenge Tour.” This illustrates that the DP World Tour is much more reliant on the money raised from the Ryder Cup.

Rory McIlroy showed understanding for the Americans’ decision, but warned of the potential impact of payment on the competition. “I can see the other side of the argument because the Ryder Cup does create a lot of revenue.“ said McIlroy. Nevertheless, he emphasized that money would significantly change the dynamics of the event. “ “I think we would all welcome money if it didn’t change the dynamic but the money really would change the dynamic,” explained the Northern Irishman.

Ryder Cup a privilege for European players

Other European players such as Shane Lowry and Tyrrell Hatton echoed this sentiment. Tyrrell Hatton emphasized: “I’ve never thought about being paid to play in the Ryder Cup. It’s such an honour to be a part of that 12 that play.”

Lowry made it clear that the DP World Tour has no plans to pay its players and he doesn’t believe it makes a difference if one side is remunerated. For the former Open champion, the Ryder Cup is motivation enough anyway. Lowry already feels rewarded by the experience and the opportunities it brings. The prospect of being on the team again spurs him on: “Like I’d give anything to know I’m on the team next year. I’m going to spend the next ten months stressing my head off trying to make the team.”

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Highlights Tours

Ryder Cup 2025: Has the Classic Become a Luxury Event?

Ticket prizes for the 2025 Ryder Cup have exploded. (Credit: Getty)
Ticket prizes for the 2025 Ryder Cup have exploded. (Credit: Getty)

The announcement of ticket prices for the 2025 Ryder Cup at the Bethpage Black Golf Course has caused a wave of outrage in the golf world. While the PGA of America promotes the tournament as an elite, once-in-a-lifetime experience, many long-time fans are left grappling with the reality that attending may now be out of reach.

The Soaring Costs of Ryder Cup 2025

Set against the backdrop of the Bethpage Black Course, the 2025 Ryder Cup promises thrilling competition—but at what cost? With prices starting at $749 per day for the competition days, the entrance fee is higher than ever before. Even practice day tickets cost up to $423.

In comparison to past editions, the price surge feels extreme. Fans who attended Whistling Straits in 2021 or the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome paid significantly less. Bethpage Black’s price tag has led many to wonder whether this event, long cherished as “golf’s ultimate fan experience,” is now reserved for those with the deepest pockets.

Ryder Cup vs. Other Major Tournaments: A Price Comparison

For perspective, the pricing at Bethpage Black stands in stark contrast to other top-tier golf events. At the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome, final round tickets were available for around $260—a fraction of what’s now being charged in New York. Even at Augusta, a single-day ticket to the Masters costs around $140. Similarly, the upcoming 2024 PGA Championship—also run by the PGA of America—tops out at approximately $200 for a day pass.

The PGA of America Defends Its Pricing

Responding to the backlash, the PGA of America has stood firm. Bryan Karns, tournament director for the 2025 Ryder Cup, highlighted the unprecedented demand for tickets, suggesting the pricing reflects the high interest. According to Karns, the Ryder Cup sits firmly within the ranks of “Tier 1” global sporting events, and the elevated pricing mirrors this status.

Yet, for many fans, this explanation falls flat. Social media is flooded with dismay, as long-time attendees express concern that the escalating costs could diminish the tournament’s famously electric atmosphere f only an exclusive group of spectators can attend.

Added Perks: Enough to Justify the Cost?

The PGA also points to the “added value” that comes with a Ryder Cup ticket. Included in the price is unlimited food and select non-alcoholic beverages—an offering aimed at softening the blow of the steep costs. Still, for many fans, the question remains whether these additional perks justify the price difference.

Perhaps the biggest concern shared by both fans and experts is the potential impact these prices could have on the atmosphere. The Ryder Cup is known for its energetic and passionate crowd. But there are worries that the high costs might push out the typical Ryder Cup fan and result in a quieter, less enthusiastic audience.

Long-Term Impact on the Ryder Cup

Despite the intense reactions, it’s unlikely that ticket prices will affect the success of the tournament. Ryder Cup tickets will be allocated via a lottery system in November 2024, and they are expected to sell out quickly.

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Highlights Tours

Qualification Process for 2025 European Ryder Cup Team

Qualification process for Team Europe at the Ryder Cup 2025. (Photo: Getty)
Qualification process for Team Europe at the Ryder Cup 2025. (Photo: Getty)

Ryder Cup Europe today confirmed the qualification process for the 2025 European Ryder Cup team which will defend the trophy against the United States at Bethpage in New York from September 26-28, 2025.

Ryder Cup Points List for Qualification

In a significant change from previous years – an alteration ratified by the DP World Tour’s Tournament Committee – there will be only one Ryder Cup Points List operational in the 2024/2025 qualification period, using points earned in accordance with a new tournament banding structure implemented by Ryder Cup Europe in consultation with Captain Luke Donald.

 The below table outlines the total points available at each tournament in each defined category.

Tournament CategoryPoints available
Major Championships5,000 points
2025 PGA TOUR Signature Events / The Players / FedExCup Playoffs3,000 points
DP World Tour Rolex Series Events2,000 points
2025 PGA TOUR Regular FedExCup Events2,000 points
DP World Tour ‘Back 9’ Events1,500 points
DP World Tour ‘Global Series’ Events1,000 points
2025 PGA TOUR ‘Opposite Field’ Events1,000 points

This represents an amalgamation of and a replacement for the two former lists utilised in previous qualification campaigns; ie: the World Points List (which was based on Official World Golf Ranking points accrued during the qualifying period) and the European Points List (which was based on Race to Dubai Ranking points accrued during the qualifying period).

Elements of the process which have not changed are:

  • To be eligible to be a member of the 2025 European Ryder Cup team, a player must (i) be European (defined in accordance with the IGF National policy) and (ii) be in membership of the DP World Tour.
  • The team will comprise the top six qualified players (from the new Ryder Cup Points List) and six Captain’s Picks.

The qualification process for the 2025 European Ryder Cup team will begin at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo at The Belfry from August 29 – September 1, 2024 – a tournament host and venue synonymous with Ryder Cup success, the English venue having played host to two European triumphs (1985 and 2002) and a tied match in 1989 to retain the trophy; Faldo having played in both 1985 and 1989.

The qualification process will end at the DP World Tour tournament which concludes on Sunday August 24, 2025, a tournament which will be confirmed when the DP World Tour outlines its full 2025 schedule next month.

Other important points to note in relation to the qualifying process are as follows: 

  • In 2024, from the start of the qualifying campaign (August 29) through to the end of the calendar year, the only place to earn Ryder Cup points will be from events on the DP World Tour – ie: the Back 9, the DP World Tour Play-Offs and the Opening Swing events of the 2025 season.
  • Ryder Cup points will only be eligible to be earned in PGA TOUR events from January 1, 2025, until Sunday August 17, 2025.
  • No points will be allocated to any events scheduled against Rolex Series events (as per the 2023 qualification campaign) other than in the 2025 ISCO Championship on the PGA TOUR, played opposite the Genesis Scottish Open.
  • Points will be allocated to The Zurich Classic on the PGA TOUR with 50% of each position being allocated to each player in the team, but only if both players are European.

European Captain Luke Donald said: “I am delighted to be able to confirm the details of the qualification process for our 2025 Ryder Cup team. A lot of work has gone on behind the scenes to get to this point and everything is now focused on doing all we can to retain the trophy in New York next September.”

Guy Kinnings, CEO of PGA European Tour, the Managing Partner of Ryder Cup Europe LLP, said: “This is a major milestone moment in our journey to the 2025 Ryder Cup. This is without question a much cleaner and simpler qualification system than the ones utilised in previous years and we thank Luke and his Vice Captains Edoardo Molinari and Thomas Bjørn for their vital input over the past few months.”

(Text: Ryder Cup Europe)

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Highlights Tours

Ryder Cup 2025: Keegan Bradley Appoints First Vice-Captain

Ryder Cup 2025: Webb Simpson is the first vice-captain appointed by Keegan Bradley. (Photos: Getty)
Ryder Cup 2025: Webb Simpson is the first vice-captain appointed by Keegan Bradley. (Photos: Getty)

In just over a year’s time, the Ryder Cup 2025 will take place at Bethpage Black in New York. Preparations are in full swing for the US team’s bid for revenge after Team Europe’s triumph in Italy last year. After Keegan Bradley was surprisingly introduced as captain at the beginning of the month, the 38-year-old has now appointed his first vice-captain, Webb Simpson.

Ryder Cup 2025 – Keegan Bradley: “He knows what it takes to win”

Webb Simpson is the first vice-captain alongside Keegan Bradley, marking a debut in the role at the Ryder Cup 2025. As a player, the 38-year-old has competed in three Ryder Cups (2012, 2014, 2018), recording a record of 4-4-1, including 2-1-0 in fourball. Simpson’s biggest career achievements include winning the 2012 US Open and the 2018 Players Championship. Captain Keegan Bradley raved about his new addition to the coaching team during the announcement: “He possesses a wealth of team golf experience and knows what it takes to win. Webb will be a valuable member of our leadership team and a trusted resource for me as we prepare for Bethpage Black next September.”

Webb Simpson was also delighted with this great honor: “I am honored to be chosen by Keegan to serve as a Vice Captain in 2025. Competing in three Ryder Cups will forever be among my career highlights. I have no doubt that Keegan will be a fantastic captain and a tremendous leader, and could not be more excited to get to work as we seek to reclaim the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.” The other vice-captains of Team USA are to be introduced in the coming weeks. For Team Europe, it was clear early on that Luke Donald would once again take on the role of captain for the title defense in the USA. The Europeans already have two vice-captains for the Ryder Cup 2025: Thomas Bjørn and Edoardo Molinari.

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Ryder Cup 2025: Keegan Bradley Named US Captain

Keegan Bradley has been named captain of the US team for the 2025 Ryder Cup. (Source: Getty)
Keegan Bradley has been named captain of the US team for the 2025 Ryder Cup. (Source: Getty)

Keegan Bradley will captain the US team at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York. After months of discussions and despite Tiger Woods, a 15-time major winner and eight-time Ryder Cup participant, being the clear favorite, Bradley was surprisingly chosen.

 
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Bradley Becomes the Youngest Captain Since Arnold Palmer

Bradley was already a contender for the captaincy of the US team in 2023, but was ultimately not selected. Less than a year later, he has now been named captain of the team for the 2025 Ryder Cup. At 38, he is the youngest Ryder Cup captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963. The two-time Ryder Cup participant played college golf at St. John’s University in Queens, just a short drive from Bethpage, and regularly competed in tournaments there. “I am incredibly honored to be given this opportunity to lead the U.S. team in the 2025 Ryder Cup,” Bradley said in a statement. “My passion and appreciation for golf’s greatest team event have never been stronger. The Ryder Cup is unlike any other competition in our sport, and this edition will undoubtedly be particulary special given the rich history and enthusiastic spectators at this iconic course. I look forward to starting preparations for 2025.”

 
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Tiger Woods turned down captaincy for the 2025 Ryder Cup

Tiger Woods, who had previously been considered the favorite for the role of captain, had to pull out due to his duties as Player Director on the PGA Tour Policy Board. The PGA of America delayed the appointment of a captain for months, hoping to clear the way for Woods to become captain, and even appointed former caddie and NBC Sports analyst John Wood as “team manager”. He was supposed to take on some of the captain’s workload. When still no major progress had been made in early July, Woods was forced to turn down the captaincy. However, he could still theoretically take part in the Ryder Cup as a player or vice-captain.

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Ryder Cup 2025: Thomas Bjorn Becomes Vice-Captain Again

After the successful collaboration in Rome, Luke Donald has reappointed Thomas Bjorn as vice-captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup. (Source: Getty)
After the successful collaboration in Rome, Luke Donald has reappointed Thomas Bjorn as vice-captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup. (Source: Getty)

Luke Donald has appointed Thomas Bjorn as vice-captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup, which will take place at Bethpage Black, New York, USA, from September 26-28, 2025. Bjorn was already part of the coaching team at the 2023 Ryder Cup when Team Europe secured a memorable 16 ½ – 11 ½ victory over the United States at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club. It will be the Dane’s tenth appearance in the continental competition, his sixth as vice-captain. Donald was already presented as the new captain in November.

Success-proven team for the 2025 Ryder Cup

Preparations for the 2025 Ryder Cup continue to gather pace and Luke Donald has added another well-known figure to his captain’s team: Thomas Bjorn has been appointed by Luke Donald as second vice-captain for the prestigious golf event. Together with Donald and Edoardo Molinari, who has also been reappointed as vice-captain, the European team was already successful in Rome in 2023. “It was a natural progression from last time,” commented Bjorn on the reappointment. “Luke called me and said he wanted me to be there in New York too, knowing that the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black will be a completely different challenge. We discussed back and forth, mainly about how to move on from our win in Rome and prepare for New York by evaluating and building on what happened in Rome.”

“I’m very excited to have Thomas back in the team,” Donald expressed enthusiastically. “As soon as I was named captain again, I immediately thought about who I wanted on the backroom staff. And Thomas was definitely one of them. He means a lot to me. He’s passed on his knowledge and I’ve had a great relationship with him over the last few years. It’s important to have those relationships, to enjoy the people you spend time with on this journey.” Bjorn, who was involved in three European victories as a player in 1997, 2002 and 2014, now returns to the team as vice-captain as the Europeans aim to have similar success on American soil.

“We had a fantastic atmosphere in Rome,” Bjorn reflected. “Luke did a great job. He was a fantastic leader, not just of 12 players, but of the whole Team Europe of the Ryder Cup who worked so hard behind the scenes. It was great for me to be part of that because I knew how all those things worked in Paris. To see him add a few extra things in Rome and make it even better was amazing and I was very proud of him. He was exceptional.”

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Edoardo Molinari named as new Vice Captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup

Edoardo Molinari has been appointed as the Vice Captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup. (Image: Getty)
Edoardo Molinari has been appointed as the Vice Captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup. (Image: Getty)

Luke Donald has appointed Edoardo Molinari as his first Vice Captain for the 2025 Ryder Cup which will be played at Bethpage Black, New York, USA from September 26-28, 2025.

Molinari will return to Donald’s backroom team after a highly-successful stint in the role for the 2023 Ryder Cup in his native Italy, where Team Europe secured a memorable 16 ½ – 11 ½ victory against the United States at Marco Simone Golf and Country Club.

The Italian, alongside his brother Francesco, was part of the victorious European Team as a player in the 2010 Ryder Cup at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales. He has also won three times on the DP World Tour and made 402 Tour appearances to date.

The 42-year-old, a popular figure within the game, proved crucial to Team Europe’s success in Rome, with Captain Donald placing a key emphasis on Molinari’s statistical analysis model in the months leading up to, and during, the biennial contest.

Molinari said: “I’m very happy. It’s something that I’m very proud of and probably means I did a pretty decent job last time, so I cannot wait to help the team and Luke again in Bethpage and I’m really looking forward to it.

“Luke called me the very day he was named captain, a little before the official announcement, and said he really enjoyed working with me in Rome and would like my help again. We had another chat about a week later, maybe 30 or 40 minutes on the phone, chatted about a few things and he asked me and I said of course, I would happily do it all over again.

“I think Rory put it best in the press conference after Rome, he said the most difficult thing in golf these days is to win an away Ryder Cup. It hasn’t been done in many years now, Luke was part of the team in Medinah, the last one that Europe won away, and hopefully we can produce something similar.

“I cannot wait. I’ve never been part of an away Ryder Cup. I heard it will be very tough, very difficult, you need to have a lot of patience and calmness, but I cannot wait to get started. I cannot wait to be at Bethpage with the whole team, it’s going to be a long two years waiting for that week, but it will be extremely exciting and hopefully we can win again.”

European Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald said: “Edoardo is someone I have got to know very well over the last couple of years and he’s going to be a great addition again for the 2025 Ryder Cup.

“He plays a very significant role. He’s playing full-time out here on the DP World Tour, he’s a good player, a Ryder Cupper and he knows what it’s all about. He’s around the players a lot and he works with a lot of players on their statistics as well.

“I’ll lean heavily on him with the qualification criteria and then when we get close to the matches, how the team is forming, how their skillsets match to the golf course at Bethpage and whether they’re more foursomes-related pairings, fourballs-related players, and putting those pairings together.

“We spent a lot of time together over the last couple of years, we grew very close. He was extremely important to the whole journey and the process and he’ll be even more important on this away one. If we can create some history and try and win away from home, it’s going to be a very, very sweet four years together.”

Molinari and his brother Francesco followed compatriot Costantino Rocca into Ryder Cup folklore when they represented Europe in the Ryder Cup in 2010 at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales.

The Molinaris became the first brothers to compete against the United States since Bernard and Geoffrey Hunt played in the 1963 Great Britain & Ireland team, when they played in the 2010 contest at The Celtic Manor Resort in Wales. They halved their fourballs match against Stewart Cink and Matt Kuchar, while Edoardo contributed another crucial half point in his singles match against Rickie Fowler as Europe triumphed 14½-13½.

In addition to his three victories on the DP World Tour, Molinari was also the Challenge Tour Number One in 2009 and is a respected member of the DP World Tour’s Tournament Committee.

Before turning professional, Molinari won the 2005 US Amateur Championship and alongside Francesco, claimed the World Cup of Golf for Italy in 2009 at Mission Hills in China.

Text: European Tour Group Communications