Welcome back to The Golfing Mind. I’m your host, and with me today are Bobby Ross and Mike Kershaw. As we approach the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, we’ve got a lot to unpack: captains, strategies, pairings, and – of course – our prediction.

On the U.S. side, Keegan Bradley leads the charge. He’s confirmed he will not serve as a playing captain, choosing instead to concentrate fully on leadership. He’s also close to solidifying his pairings, signalling that much of his game plan is already mapped out.

Europe, meanwhile, is captained again by Luke Donald, returning for back‐to‐back Ryder Cups after the 2023 win. His team is almost identical to the one in Rome, with only one change: Rasmus Højgaard replacing his twin Nicolai. Donald’s picks are designed for cohesion and experience, with several pairings we expect to stay together through critical sessions.

As for pairings, Europe looks likely to lean on combinations like Rahm-Hatton, McIlroy-Fleetwood, Åberg-Hovland, and Lowry-Straka in the foursomes and fourballs. Golfmagic The U.S. pairing sheet is more uncertain, but expect strong-performing veterans to be matched with rising stars – perhaps Thomas with Morikawa, or Scheffler with Burns.

So, what will the final score be?

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