The 2025 Ryder Cup: All You Need to Know About Opening Day at Bethpage Black

As the anticipation builds for the upcoming 2025 Ryder Cup, golf enthusiasts around the world are gearing up for one of the sport’s most prestigious events. This year, the much-anticipated competition will kick off on Friday, September 26, at the historically significant Bethpage Black course in New York. As the clock counts down to the opening day, excitement is palpable, and there’s a flood of information about what to expect on this thrilling day of competition.

The Format: What to Expect on Friday

The first day of the Ryder Cup promises to be filled with intense competition, featuring a total of eight matches that are divided into two sessions: morning and afternoon. The format for the morning will follow the foursomes style, also known as alternate shot, which places a unique emphasis on teamwork and strategy. The first match is set to tee off at 7:10 a.m. ET, setting the tone for a day full of competitive spirit and skillful play.

After the morning sessions conclude, the format will shift to four-ball in the afternoon, another engaging style that allows both players on a team to play their own ball, with the best score counting. This dynamic change adds layers to gameplay, making for an exciting viewing experience.

Match Selection Process

One major question on everyone’s mind is how the actual pairings for these matches are determined. Each team will consist of two players from the U.S. and two players from the European teams, but the choice of pairing remains a closely-guarded secret until the last moment. Team captains, such as U.S. captain Keegan Bradley and European captain Luke Donald, will separately determine their players’ pairings without knowledge of the opposing team’s selections.

This adds an unpredictable element to the matches, as each captain employs their unique strategies and insights into player capabilities. For example, if Bradley decides to pair World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler with Bryson DeChambeau, he won’t know whom Donald has selected to face them, creating an intriguing chess match of strategies.

Player Participation and Rotations

While 12 players from each team will be present at the course, it’s important to note that not all players will participate in every session. Each captain will select four players to sit out during each session. This strategic decision can significantly impact the outcome, as getting the right combinations on the course is crucial for success.

Bradley and Donald will announce their specific selections just before 4 p.m. ET on the day prior to opening, heightening the suspense as fans await details of the matchups.

Broadcast and Streaming Options

Golf fans eager to watch the opening day of the 2025 Ryder Cup won’t be left in the dark. Exclusive TV coverage will air on USA Network from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. For those who prefer to stream the matches, several options are available including the Peacock platform, which will feature dedicated coverage of key matchups. Additionally, fans can catch live updates and match replays on the Ryder Cup’s official website, YouTube page, and the NBC Sports app.

Don’t forget to consider signing up for streaming services to access live coverage and never miss a moment of the action.

Match Overview and Tee Times

As fans eagerly await the confirmation of pairings, the schedule for the four morning foursomes and four afternoon four-ball matches is already set. Here’s what we can expect schedule-wise for Friday’s matches:

Morning Foursomes

• Match 1: 7:10 a.m. ET – TBA
• Match 2: 7:26 a.m. ET – TBA
• Match 3: 7:42 a.m. ET – TBA
• Match 4: 7:58 a.m. ET – TBA

Afternoon Four-Ball

• Match 1: 12:25 p.m. ET – TBA
• Match 2: 12:41 p.m. ET – TBA
• Match 3: 12:57 p.m. ET – TBA
• Match 4: 1:13 p.m. ET – TBA

It’s clear from the schedule that the matches will be packed into a high-stakes format, ensuring that every minute counts.

Overview of Bethpage Black

The Bethpage Black course is well-known for its rugged terrain and challenging layout, making it a fitting venue for a competition as prestigious as the Ryder Cup. Recognized as one of the toughest golf courses in America, Bethpage Black serves as both a challenge and a backdrop that elevates the stakes for all players involved.

Golfers must navigate through demanding holes with a strategic approach, balancing risk and reward. Expect thrilling shots that will test even the most skilled players, adding to the exhilarating atmosphere of the Ryder Cup.

Anticipating Player Performances

As the event nears, focus shifts to the players themselves—who will rise to the occasion and make their mark on this storied tournament? The interplay between seasoned veterans and rising stars will be a point of focus, as newcomers eager to prove themselves face off against some of golf’s greats.

Fans are speculating about potential standout performances, with names like Rory McIlroy and Jon Rahm bringing a high level of talent and fanfare to the European side, while the U.S. team boasts a formidable lineup featuring Scheffler and DeChambeau. Each player’s performance will be scrutinized as they vie for not just personal glory, but the pride of their team and continent.

Final Thoughts: The Road Ahead

With the 2025 Ryder Cup just around the corner, fans are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable event. The thrill of competition coupled with strategic match pairings creates a unique atmosphere that captivates audiences both on-site and at home.

As the matches unfold over the weekend, the spirit of camaraderie among players will blend with the fierce rivalry that has defined past Ryder Cups, delivering an action-packed experience for all. Keep an eye on the matchups and don’t forget to tune in on Friday, as the fate of many golfers—and the pride of their nations—hangs in the balance on this grand stage.

Stay connected as we bring you more insights and updates throughout the tournament, ensuring you don’t miss a single moment of the 2025 Ryder Cup!