Luke Donald tests the Ryder Cup 2025 course
Luke Donald and Edoardo Molinari recently visited Bethpage State Park Golf in New York

Luke Donald tests the Ryder Cup 2025 course
© Getty Images Sport – Octavio Passos / Stringer

In a move that officially kicks off preparations for one of the most anticipated events in the world of golf, Luke Donald and Edoardo Molinari recently visited Bethpage State Park Golf in New York.

Serving as captain and vice-captain of Team Europe respectively, they surveyed the course set to host the 45th edition of the Ryder Cup, scheduled from September 25 to 28, 2025.

Ryder Cup, news
This biennial event, which alternates between Europe and the United States, represents not just a historical tradition but also one of the most thrilling challenges in international golf. The Ryder Cup features two teams, one representing the United States and the other Europe, competing in a series of matches that blend single and team match play formats.

The choice of Bethpage as the venue for the 2025 event is strategic. Known for its difficulty and rich golfing history, Bethpage Black Course has been the stage for numerous majors, including the U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009. Located on Long Island, this state park presents an ideal challenge for the event, combining scenic beauty with rigorous technical tests for the players.

While Europe seems to be well on its way with preparations, having Donald and Molinari make an early visit, the situation in the United States remains uncertain. The golf community is awaiting confirmation on the American captain’s appointment, with rumors pointing to Tiger Woods as a potential candidate.

However, Woods has yet to formally accept the role, leaving room for speculation and anticipation. The Ryder Cup is more than just a tournament; it is a display of national pride, team spirit, and sporting tradition. As anticipation builds for the 2025 edition, the world’s eyes will be on Bethpage to see whether Europe will retain the trophy or if the United States can reclaim it, adding another fascinating chapter to the history of this illustrious event.

The competition, named after the trophy donated by the Englishman Samuel Ryder (1858–1936) to the American federation in 1924, is co-managed by the European Tour and the PGA of America. From 1927 to 1971, the tournament was played between the United States team and that of Great Britain, with the Americans dominating (15-3) and only one match ending in a draw.

In 1973, Ireland was added to Great Britain’s team, and in 1979 the rest of continental Europe was included. Following the acceptance of the European team as a contender against the United States, the tournament has become much more balanced: from 1979 to 2018, Europe has claimed eleven victories, the United States eight, with just one draw.