The Trump Effect and Four Other Factors That May Decide the Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup stands as golf’s ultimate team spectacle, a biennial clash where national pride and raw competition collide on the fairways. As the 2025 edition tees off at Bethpage Black in New York from September 26-28, the United States seeks to reclaim the trophy Europe dominated in Rome two years ago with a 16.5-11.5 victory. Home teams have won the last five Ryder Cups, making the Americans slim favorites according to bookmakers. Yet, Europe, unbeaten under captain Luke Donald, harbors upset dreams—their last away win came in 2012 at Medinah. Five key factors—a fast start, taming the crowd, captaincy duel, experience edge, and the intriguing Trump effect—could swing this Ryder Cup. These elements promise a weekend of drama, where strategy meets emotion on Bethpage’s challenging layout.
A Fast Start: Seizing Momentum in the Ryder Cup
Momentum defines the Ryder Cup, and it often ignites with a blistering Friday morning. Rory McIlroy, Europe’s vocal leader and recent Masters champion, knows the stakes. After Rome’s triumph, he called an away win one of golf’s toughest feats. Now, he eyes a legacy-defining performance at Bethpage. History supports him: Winners in the last five Ryder Cups dominated opening foursomes, conceding just half a point from 12 possible in home events like 2014, 2018, and 2023.
In 2021 at Whistling Straits, the U.S. crushed Europe 3-1 in foursomes en route to a 19-9 rout. Hazeltine 2016 saw a 4-0 U.S. whitewash, leaving Europe unable to recover. Europe faltered in away foursomes in 2016 and 2021, trailing 11½-4½ overall. To compete at Bethpage, Europe must flip this script. A strong opener isn’t just points—it’s psychological fuel for three grueling days. Get ahead early, and you’ve captured the Ryder Cup’s pulse, silencing doubters and building unshakeable belief.
Europe’s settled squad, with only Rasmus Hojgaard as a newcomer replacing his twin Nicolai, positions them well. Donald’s preparation emphasizes rhythm, ensuring pairs like McIlroy-Fitzpatrick or Rahm-Hatton sync from the first tee. The U.S., under Keegan Bradley, boasts firepower but must avoid Rome’s slow start. A fast Friday could turn Bethpage’s roar into Europe’s ally, setting a tone of dominance that echoes through Sunday’s singles.
Overcoming the Home Advantage: Taming Bethpage’s Roar
Bethpage Black’s first tee is a pressure cooker, where New York’s boisterous crowds can intimidate like few venues. Europe’s task: neutralize this edge from the outset. A quick start mutes the noise, transforming Collin Morikawa’s envisioned “absolute chaos” into manageable energy. Practice days have been welcoming, with free entry for kids under 15 ($255 adult ticket), fostering family fun. But Friday brings the real test.
In Rome 2023, Europe’s towering stands rattled Americans, who lost the opening hole in all 12 early matches. Whistling Straits 2021 saw U.S. fans erupt mid-day two, boosted by Justin Thomas’s beer-chugging antics. Europe won Rome partly by intimidating foes; now, they face similar tactics at Bethpage. Donald equipped his team with VR headsets simulating abuse, building mental toughness. Robert MacIntyre stresses focus: “Control the controllables, play good golf.”
Justin Rose, Medinah 2012 hero (Europe’s 14½-13½ comeback from 10-4 down), recalls the shift: “Once we flipped it, the crowd quieted. That’s our goal.” Europe’s charm—autographs from McIlroy and Fleetwood—softens New York’s edge during practice. Tommy Fleetwood: “It’s further back than recent years, but it’s the Ryder Cup first tee—nerves don’t vanish.” Rookie Hojgaard calls it his “most nervous moment.” Muffle Bethpage’s roar, and Europe’s composure could crack the home fortress.
Donald vs. Bradley: The Captaincy Duel
Captaincy is Ryder Cup chess, and this matchup contrasts styles. Luke Donald enters unbeaten: four player wins, one captaincy triumph in Rome. His calm prep yields a cohesive squad, with subtle shade like noting U.S. players’ first paid appearances. Keegan Bradley’s path was rockier, appointed after Tiger Woods declined. He mulled self-selection—the first since Arnold Palmer 1963—before prioritizing leadership.
Wednesday’s speech gaffe—mixing Justin Leonard’s 1999 Brookline putt with Rose’s heroics—drew McIlroy’s quip about Rose apologizing to Olazabal for Brookline chaos. Bradley’s team craves Rome redemption, but Donald’s poise could prevail. Europe’s settled lineup versus U.S. hunger sets a tactical battle, where Donald’s diplomacy meets Bradley’s fire.
Europe’s Experience Edge Over U.S. Firepower
Experience is a weapon in the Ryder Cup. Europe’s 12 players have 32 appearances and 68½ points, dwarfing U.S. 15 matches and 30 points. Veterans McIlroy and Rose, the only two with away wins (Rose from Medinah, McIlroy 2012), bring 33½ points from 13 outings. McIlroy’s Grand Slam via Masters and Rose’s PGA Tour win post-Augusta loss highlight form.
Returning warriors Fleetwood, Rahm, Hatton, Fitzpatrick, and Lowry seek Whistling Straits atonement. Fleetwood: “2021 stung, fueling Rome.” Scottie Scheffler anchors U.S.: world No. 1, two majors (PGA, Open), six wins this year. Unbeaten as 2021 rookie, he lost 9&7 in Rome to Hovland and Aberg (both returning). Sir Nick Faldo: “Half a point against Scheffler is a win.” Justin Thomas (eight points from 13) and Patrick Cantlay (five wins from eight) counter, their 2021 cheerleading and Rome drama adding bite. Experience often trumps talent in the Ryder Cup.
The Trump Effect: Wild Card Drama
The Trump effect adds intrigue. President Donald Trump attends Friday, delaying until afternoon to avoid delays like the U.S. Open tennis final. Bryson DeChambeau hopes for inspiration: “He’ll rally folks—electric atmosphere.” Captains Bradley and Donald welcomed it; Bradley: “Having the president support us is incredible.”
Trump’s presence amps patriotism, potentially supercharging U.S. crowds. A Nassau County native (Trump won by 4.2% in 2024), Bethpage could become a powder keg. White House claims Trump “saved the Ryder Cup” by delaying a rail strike, ensuring 18,000 daily fans via LIRR. DeChambeau, who attended Trump’s 2024 victory party in a MAGA cap, sees it as a force for victory.
Trump’s third major event this month (after Club World Cup and U.S. Open) blends golf passion with politics. Security is tight, but it could unify Americans or distract. In a simmering rivalry, the Trump effect might swing momentum, adding to Bethpage’s partisan push.
The Ryder Cup’s Unpredictable Magic
These five factors—a fast start, crowd taming, captaincy duel, experience, and Trump effect—promise a thriller at Bethpage. Europe eyes history; the U.S. demands dominance.
