The 45th Ryder Cup is set to ignite golf’s fiercest rivalry from September 26–28, 2025, at Bethpage Black in New York. With a mix of automatic qualifiers and captain’s picks, Team USA’s lineup has been finalized—and it’s packed with talent, strategy, and a surprising twist in leadership.
Team USA: Fully Locked In
Automatic Qualifiers (Top 6 by Points)
These players earned their spots through consistent performance leading up to the tournament:
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Scottie Scheffler
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J.J. Spaun
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Xander Schauffele
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Russell Henley
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Harris English
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Bryson DeChambeau
Captain’s Picks (6 Selections by Keegan Bradley)
In addition to the auto qualifiers, Captain Keegan Bradley chose the following players to round out the 12-man roster:
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Justin Thomas
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Collin Morikawa
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Ben Griffin (Rookie)
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Cameron Young (Rookie)
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Patrick Cantlay
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Sam Burns
Notable Leadership Decision
In a poignant move, Bradley chose not to serve as a playing captain, focusing solely on leadership—a choice that hasn’t been made since Arnold Palmer in 1963.
Why These Picks Matter
Strong Proven Performers
Players like Scheffler, Schauffele, Thomas, and Morikawa bring championship pedigree and consistent high-level play—key factors in Team USA’s quest to reclaim the Ryder Cup.
Injecting Fresh Energy
Narrowly missed picks like Ben Griffin and Cameron Young bring youthful firepower and aggressive recent form to a veteran-dominated roster.
Unanimous Respect for Bradley’s Choice
Justin Thomas publicly praised Bradley’s sacrifice, noting that he “did whatever he feels is best for the team.”
US Team Roster Summary
| Category | Players |
|---|---|
| Automatic Qualifiers | Scottie Scheffler, J.J. Spaun, Xander Schauffele, Russell Henley, Harris English, Bryson DeChambeau |
| Captain’s Picks | Justin Thomas, Collin Morikawa, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Patrick Cantlay, Sam Burns |
| Captain | Keegan Bradley (non-playing) |
The Bigger Picture
Venue & Format
The Ryder Cup will be held at Bethpage Black, a famously challenging public golf course in New York. Matches include fourball, foursomes, and singles over three exhilarating days.
The Leadership Narrative
Bradley’s decision to prioritize coaching over playing emphasizes team unity. By stepping back from the playing roster, he reinforced trust and focus—highlighting leadership demands in modern Ryder Cup strategy.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team blends raw talent, seasoned stars, tactical depth, and renewed leadership—a formula built for tough match play at an iconic venue. With Europe set to respond under Captain Luke Donald, golf fans can expect drama, intensity, and plenty of iconic moments at Bethpage Black this September.
Automatic Qualifiers: America’s Core Six
Through months of competition and a rigorous points system, six U.S. golfers secured their spots automatically.
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Scottie Scheffler – Currently the world’s No. 1 golfer, Scheffler continues to dominate with his consistent ball striking and calm under pressure.
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J.J. Spaun – A surprise addition to the automatic list, Spaun’s steady season rewarded him with a career milestone.
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Xander Schauffele – Known for his clutch play in big tournaments, Schauffele adds proven Ryder Cup experience.
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Russell Henley – Reliable, consistent, and precise with his irons, Henley will be a strong match-play option.
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Harris English – After battling injuries in past years, English fought his way back and earned a deserved place.
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Bryson DeChambeau – The power hitter’s form in majors secured him a spot, and his aggressive style suits Bethpage’s long layout.
Captain’s Picks: Keegan Bradley’s Six Selections
Team captain Keegan Bradley rounded out the roster with six strategic picks. His decisions balanced youth, experience, and current form.
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Justin Thomas – Despite an up-and-down season, Thomas remains a Ryder Cup stalwart whose fiery energy and match-play record made him a must-have.
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Collin Morikawa – A two-time major champion, Morikawa’s precision iron play is critical on Bethpage’s demanding setup.
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Ben Griffin (Rookie) – One of the breakout players on tour, Griffin earns his Ryder Cup debut.
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Cameron Young (Rookie) – A New Yorker playing in front of a home crowd, Young’s distance and energy could be a major weapon.
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Patrick Cantlay – Steady, calm, and a proven match-play competitor, Cantlay brings balance to the lineup.
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Sam Burns – Known for his putting and explosive scoring, Burns rounds out the team as a versatile partner option.
The Big Twist: Bradley Steps Aside as Player
In a surprise move, Bradley announced he would not compete as a playing captain, instead dedicating himself fully to leadership. This decision—last seen with Arnold Palmer in 1963—demonstrates his commitment to team unity. Many praised the move, including Justin Thomas, who said Bradley “did whatever he feels is best for the team.”
Why This Roster Matters
Experienced Core
Players like Scheffler, Schauffele, and Thomas bring Ryder Cup experience and major championship pedigree.
Youthful Firepower
Rookies Griffin and Young inject fresh energy, with Young especially expected to feed off the New York crowds.
Balanced Skillset
The roster offers a mix of power hitters (DeChambeau, Young), precise ball strikers (Morikawa, Henley), and putting specialists (Burns, Cantlay).
Bethpage Black: The Ultimate Test
The 2025 Ryder Cup will unfold at Bethpage Black, one of the most challenging public courses in the world. Known for narrow fairways, deep rough, and demanding greens, the course will test accuracy, strategy, and mental toughness. Fans—rowdy, passionate New Yorkers—are expected to give Team USA a loud home advantage.
What Fans Should Expect
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High-Pressure Match Play: Fourballs, foursomes, and singles matches mean every shot counts.
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Fiery Crowds: New York fans will create an electric, sometimes intimidating atmosphere for players.
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Key Partnerships: Expect Scheffler with Thomas, or Morikawa with Schauffele, as likely pairings.
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Redemption Narrative: After Europe’s dominance in past editions, Team USA seeks to reclaim momentum.
Conclusion
The 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup team combines proven champions with fresh faces, all under the leadership of a captain willing to sacrifice personal glory for team success. With Bethpage Black as the stage and Europe fielding a strong roster of its own, this Ryder Cup promises drama, intensity, and unforgettable golf.
For Team USA, the goal is clear: reclaim the Cup on home soil and remind the world of American dominance in golf’s most electrifying competition.
