Full Player Rankings for the 2025 Ryder Cup

The anticipation has reached its peak. The 45th Ryder Cup is set to begin on Friday at the challenging Black Course, located within Bethpage Black State Park in Farmingdale, New York.

The U.S. team will once again seek to leverage its home advantage, a pattern that has seen the host nation win the last five consecutive matches. The last time a visiting team claimed the Ryder Cup was Europe`s dramatic 14½-13½ triumph at Medinah Country Club in Illinois back in 2012.

Despite this home-soil trend, Europeans have dominated recent history, securing victory in eight of the last eleven competitions, including a commanding 16½-11½ win at Marco Simone Golf Club and Country Club near Rome in 2023. However, the U.S. team delivered a resounding 19-9 defeat to Europe at Whistling Straits in Haven, Wisconsin, in 2021.

Facing thousands of fervent fans on Long Island this week, the European challenge is expected to be anything but easy. The American squad enters as favorites, boasting a formidable lineup that includes seven of the top ten golfers in the Official World Golf Ranking, prominently featuring world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

Rory McIlroy acknowledged the historical challenge: “History suggests it’s incredibly difficult. There’s a clear pattern over the last decade where every Ryder Cup has gone to the home team. While it would be fantastic to bring the Ryder Cup back here, we’re fully aware of the immense difficulty. We have no illusions about that.”

He added, “I constantly reiterate that we have a monumental chance to achieve something few Ryder Cup teams have managed before.”

The format for the event includes four foursomes (alternate shot) and four four-ball (better ball) matches on Friday and Saturday, culminating in twelve singles matches on Sunday. For Europe to retain the coveted Ryder Cup, they require 14 points, while the U.S. needs 14½ points to reclaim it.

Below is a detailed analysis of the golfers set to compete this weekend:

1. Scottie Scheffler, USA

As the world`s top-ranked golfer, Scottie Scheffler aims to overcome the disappointment of his 0-2-2 showing at the previous Ryder Cup in Rome. His emotional reaction to a historic 9-and-7 foursomes loss alongside Brooks Koepka, the shortest 18-hole match ever, highlights the stakes. For the U.S. to succeed this week, Scheffler`s consistent top form will be crucial. He arrives in excellent shape, having secured his sixth tour victory this season at the Procore Championship just two weeks prior.

2. Rory McIlroy, Europe

At 36, Rory McIlroy is undoubtedly the emotional cornerstone of the European team. His impressive 4-1-0 record in Rome, contributing the most points of any player, underscored his vital role. That event also saw him involved in a notable post-match altercation with American caddie Joe LaCava. Despite achieving the career Grand Slam at the Masters, becoming only the sixth male golfer to do so, McIlroy experienced a somewhat inconsistent season afterward, though he regained winning form at the Irish Open on September 7th.

3. Tommy Fleetwood, Europe

The English sensation Tommy Fleetwood enjoyed his most successful PGA Tour season to date, culminating in his inaugural victory on American soil at the Tour Championship. While globally popular, he might find a different reception at Bethpage Black. He boasts a strong Ryder Cup record, including a 3-1-0 performance in Rome and an unblemished 4-0-0 in foursomes across his prior three appearances.

4. Jon Rahm, Europe

Despite a fluctuating world ranking due to his participation in the LIV Golf League, Jon Rahm remains one of the world`s elite golfers. The Spaniard secured his second consecutive season-long individual points championship in the LIV League and showed strong form in the majors this past season with three top-15 finishes. This two-time major winner has consistently been a formidable presence in the Ryder Cup, following in the footsteps of legendary Spanish golfers like Seve Ballesteros and José María Olazábal.

5. Bryson DeChambeau, USA

Bryson DeChambeau`s extraordinary power off the tee will be a key tactical consideration for the American team this week. The two-time U.S. Open champion, notably absent from the 2023 Ryder Cup squad, aims to build on his improved performance from Whistling Straits (2½ points) after a challenging 0-3-0 rookie debut in Paris in 2018. Despite a limited number of qualifying events, the LIV Golf League captain secured his spot and appears fully committed, and his big-hitting style is expected to energize the New York crowd.

6. Patrick Cantlay, USA

Patrick Cantlay was embroiled in the “HatGate” controversy two years prior, reportedly refusing to wear a team hat to protest the lack of compensation for Ryder Cup participants (though this year, American golfers receive a $200,000 stipend and $300,000 for charity). Cantlay refuted these claims, but it didn`t deter European fans from taunting him by waving their hats at Marco Simone. He offered a temporary rebuke, sinking a memorable 43-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to secure a 1-up victory alongside Wyndham Clark against McIlroy and Matt Fitzpatrick on Saturday afternoon.

7. Russell Henley, USA

At 36, Russell Henley makes his Ryder Cup debut, but he arrives as one of the world`s most consistent performers over the last two seasons. He notched his fifth PGA Tour win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational on March 9th and recorded top-10 finishes in four of the last eight majors. In his 2024 Presidents Cup debut, Henley impressed with a 3-1-0 record, including two victories alongside Scottie Scheffler. Known for his accurate ball-striking, Henley maintains a straightforward approach to the game.

8. Ludvig Åberg, Europe

Sweden`s 25-year-old Ludvig Åberg had a mixed season, highlighted by his second PGA Tour victory at the Genesis Invitational in February. While his best major finish was a solo seventh at the Masters, he demonstrated strong form during the FedEx Cup playoffs. His tour statistics show room for improvement, ranking 91st in strokes gained: approach (-.038) and 86th in putting (-.051). As a Ryder Cup rookie in Rome, Åberg posted a balanced 2-2-0 record.

9. Justin Thomas, USA

Justin Thomas stands out among American golfers for his profound passion for the Ryder Cup. He returns to the team following a significant upturn in his game over the past two seasons. Thomas is a proven match-play stalwart for the U.S., boasting an unblemished 3-0-0 singles record across his prior three Ryder Cup appearances. He has already declared this week`s matches the “biggest golf event ever.”

10. Tyrrell Hatton, Europe

Tyrrell Hatton emerged as a key figure for the Europeans in Rome, contributing an impressive 3½ points from a 3-0-1 record. The English golfer partnered effectively with Jon Rahm, securing the first foursomes point against Scheffler and Sam Burns, and later defeating Cantlay and Xander Schauffele in Saturday`s foursomes. Hatton also triumphed over Brian Harman in Sunday singles. Recent results, including a tie for fourth at the U.S. Open and fifth at the BMW PGA Championship on the DP World Tour, confirm his excellent form.

11. Cameron Young, USA

Following seven runner-up finishes on tour, Cameron Young finally secured his maiden victory at the Wyndham Championship on August 3rd. This breakthrough sparked a remarkable run, with Young not finishing outside the top 11 in his subsequent five starts, including a tie for fourth at the Tour Championship. His prodigious length off the tee (averaging 313.2 yards) will be a significant asset at Bethpage Black. Furthermore, he has developed into one of the tour`s top putters this year, ranking fifth in strokes gained: putting (.642). A local connection, Young is the son of a PGA club professional from Scarborough, New York, and even won the New York Open at Bethpage Black in 2017.

12. Xander Schauffele, USA

Xander Schauffele`s 2025 season was hampered by a painful rib injury, which followed his triumph in securing his first two career major championships the previous year. A key question for Team USA revolves around whether Schauffele can fully recapture his prime form at Bethpage Black. His Ryder Cup journey includes an impressive 3-1-0 rookie performance at Whistling Straits in 2018, contrasted with a 1-3-0 record in Rome. Notably, he opted out of the Procore Championship, where most of his teammates competed, choosing to be with his wife, Maya, and their newborn son, Victor.

13. Viktor Hovland, Europe

Viktor Hovland`s initial two Ryder Cup experiences presented a stark contrast. As a rookie, the Norwegian featured in all five sessions but failed to secure a win, finishing with an 0-3-2 record. However, two years later in Rome, Hovland dramatically improved, contributing 3½ points with a 3-1-1 record. Despite his consistent self-critique of his swing, his recent performances have been strong, including a 12th-place finish at the Tour Championship and a tie for fifth at the BMW PGA Championship.

14. Robert MacIntyre, Europe

Scotland`s Robert MacIntyre, 29, initially faced skepticism as a European selection for Rome but exceeded expectations by earning a crucial 2½ points. In the two seasons since, MacIntyre has ascended to become one of the world`s leading golfers. His 2024 season saw him clinch two PGA Tour victories and secure top-10 finishes in three of the last seven majors, highlighted by a solo second at the U.S. Open. He formed a strong four-ball partnership with Justin Rose at Marco Simone.

15. Collin Morikawa, USA

Collin Morikawa presents another intriguing puzzle for the American team. While a two-time major champion, his recent form has been inconsistent. After losing a late lead to Henley at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and tying for 10th at the Players Championship, he only managed one more top-10 finish all season – a tie for eighth at the Rocket Classic. Despite this, he remains one of the game`s premier ball strikers, and a strategic pairing with a strong putter could be the catalyst he needs.

16. Harris English, USA

Harris English secured a point as a Ryder Cup rookie at Whistling Straits before a torn labrum in his right hip necessitated surgery in February 2022, sidelining him for nearly five months. He returns from one of his strongest seasons on tour, marked by a victory at the Farmers Insurance Open in January and impressive major championship performances. English tied for 12th at the Masters and was a runner-up at both the PGA Championship and The Open. A hot putter this week could make him a dark horse for the Americans.

17. J.J. Spaun, USA

J.J. Spaun, a 35-year-old Ryder Cup rookie, claimed his first major title in dramatic fashion at the U.S. Open in June, holing a memorable 64-foot putt on the 72nd hole at Oakmont Country Club. He also competed in a three-hole playoff loss to Rory McIlroy at the Players Championship. Known for his superior iron play and solid performance off the tee, Spaun is well-equipped to make an impact in his debut Ryder Cup.

18. Matt Fitzpatrick, Europe

Despite being the 2022 U.S. Open champion, Matt Fitzpatrick has only secured a single point in his three previous Ryder Cup outings. However, his form has shown marked improvement since enlisting swing coach Mark Blackburn. This resurgence is evident in a tie for fourth at The Open and a strong sequence of results on the DP World Tour, including a tie for sixth at the British Masters, a solo fifth at the European Masters, and a tie for fifth at the BMW PGA Championship.

19. Ben Griffin, USA

Ben Griffin represents the biggest surprise inclusion on the U.S. team, having briefly stepped away from golf in 2021 to work as a mortgage loan officer. His return to the sport saw him earn his PGA Tour card and achieve two significant victories this past season: teaming with Andrew Novak to win the Zurich Classic of New Orleans and then claiming the Charles Schwab Challenge the following month. He further demonstrated his capability with a tie for eighth at the PGA Championship and 10th at the U.S. Open.

20. Sam Burns, USA

Sam Burns clinched his spot on the U.S. team with a strong late-season surge during the FedEx Cup playoffs, including a tie for fourth at the BMW Championship and a seventh-place finish at the Tour Championship. Leading the PGA Tour in strokes gained: putting (.983), he offers immense value, particularly when partnered with an adept iron player. He contributed one point during his rookie appearance in Rome.

21. Shane Lowry, Europe

Shane Lowry serves as one of the emotional catalysts for the European team. He was notably involved in a heated exchange with Joe LaCava on the 18th green during Saturday in Rome and later intervened to separate Rory McIlroy when the dispute escalated in the parking lot. This marks Lowry`s third consecutive Ryder Cup appearance as a captain`s pick, a feat matched only by Jesper Parnevik.

22. Sepp Straka, Europe

Sepp Straka, 32, born in Austria and raised in Valdosta, Georgia, secured two tour victories this season at the American Express and Truist Championship. Despite these wins, he missed the cut in three of the four majors, and his performance dipped during the FedEx Cup playoffs. While not a long hitter, Straka is renowned for his exceptional accuracy, consistently finding fairways and greens.

23. Justin Rose, Europe

Justin Rose, at 45, acknowledges being in the twilight of his career, yet he continues to deliver spectacular golf. He commenced the FedEx Cup playoffs with a playoff triumph over J.J. Spaun at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, marking his 12th PGA Tour victory. Rose also narrowly lost a Masters playoff to Rory McIlroy. The English veteran has been a member of four victorious Ryder Cup teams, notably the “Miracle at Medinah” squad of 2012, which famously overcame a four-point deficit on Sunday, winning eight singles matches and tying one to secure a one-point overall victory.

24. Rasmus Højgaard, Europe

Denmark`s Rasmus Højgaard, 24, is the sole newcomer to the European team, joining his twin brother, Nicolai, who competed in Rome two years prior. European captain Luke Donald extended an invitation to Rasmus to attend the Marco Simone event, ensuring a level of familiarity with the team environment. He enters the Ryder Cup as a five-time winner on the DP World Tour.