Ryder Cup: From British-American duel to golf's biggest team stage

Hardly any golf event captivates fans as much as the Ryder Cup. Every two years, Team USA faces Team Europe in pure match play, with no prize money involved, just for fame, glory, and that little golden trophy donated by Samuel Ryder in 1927. The first official clash took place that same year in Worcester, USA, then between the USA and Great Britain (later Great Britain & Ireland). For golf nerds and beginners alike, it's the week when heart rate monitors are working overtime.

Early years: Stars and Stripes on top

In the first decades, the division of roles was clear: The USA dominated. Between the resumption after World War II (1947) and 1977, GB&I managed only one win and one draw; the rest went to the Americans, sometimes by significant margins. This gap reflected the greater professional depth and tour structure in the USA at that time.

1979 – the opening changes everything

From 1979 onwards, continental Europeans were also allowed to compete. With talents like Seve Ballesteros and Bernhard Langer, Europe gained depth – and the matches suddenly became truly close, often dramatic, and frequently legendary. Suddenly, charisma, creativity, and continental fire dominated the Cup: a new, balanced era began.

“Miracle at Medinah”: Europe’s biggest coup

The epitome of Europe's newfound grit? Medinah 2012. Trailing 6-10 after two days, Europe turned things around on Sunday – Martin Kaymer holed a nerve-wracking five-foot putt, and the final score was 14.5-13.5 for Europe. This Sunday became a blueprint for proof that team chemistry and momentum are king in match play.

The spirit of the cup

The appeal lies in the format: foursomes, four-balls, then singles – 28 matches, 14.5 points to win, 14-14 means: the defending champion keeps the trophy. No FedEx point, no check, just team colors, adrenaline, and pure pressure on every tee. Every shot is either a stab in the wrist—or a stab in the heart, and that's precisely why millions are thrilled.

Outlook: Bethpage Black – Stage for the next chapter

The next chapter will be written on a true beast: Bethpage Black in New York. Ryder Cup week runs from September 23–28, 2025, with matches from Friday to Sunday, September 26–28. Europe arrives from Rome 2023 as defending champions, but the Americans are traditionally tough to beat on US soil – a slight favorite role for Team USA is realistic. At the same time, Medinah has taught us: Nothing is decided until the final putt drops. Bethpage promises loud New York vibes, tight fairways, and nerve-wracking tests that make or break heroes.

The Ryder Cup was launched in 1927, and the USA dominated for a long time until Europe caught up in 1979 thanks to continental stars. In 2012, Europe demonstrated how quickly a 6-10 deficit can turn around with the "Miracle at Medinah." The tournament continues in 2025 at Bethpage Black: The USA is slightly ahead on paper, but anything is possible in the Ryder Cup. In short: The USA is the favorite, but never underestimate Europe's team spirit and the magic of this cup.