By Jim Williams, Senior Columnist, Capital Sports Network
The 45th Ryder Cup tees off September 26–28 at the iconic Bethpage Black in New York, where Team USA seeks redemption and Team Europe aims to defend its crown. Captained by Keegan Bradley, the U.S. squad blends firepower and fresh faces. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler leads the charge, joined by Xander Schauffele, Bryson DeChambeau, and Patrick Cantlay — all proven match-play warriors. Veterans Justin Thomas and Collin Morikawa bring clutch experience, while newcomers J.J. Spaun, Russell Henley, Ben Griffin, Cameron Young, Harris English, and Sam Burns round out a deep, versatile roster.
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Team Europe, helmed once again by Luke Donald, returns 11 of its victorious Rome 2023 squad. Rory McIlroy headlines the team alongside Jon Rahm, Viktor Hovland, and Tommy Fleetwood — all major champions with Ryder Cup pedigree. Justin Rose and Shane Lowry offer veteran leadership, while rising stars Ludvig Åberg, Rasmus Højgaard, Sepp Straka, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tyrrell Hatton, and Bob MacIntyre bring youthful fire and continental flair. Europe needs 14 points to retain the Cup; the U.S. must reach 14.5 to reclaim it.
Team Breakdown
Team USA (Captain: Keegan Bradley)
- Scottie Scheffler – World No. 1, elite ball striker
- Xander Schauffele – Olympic gold medalist, consistent under pressure
- Bryson DeChambeau – Power player, LIV Golf standout
- Patrick Cantlay – Calm tactician, match-play specialist
- Justin Thomas – Emotional leader, Ryder Cup veteran
- Collin Morikawa – Precision iron player, major winner
- J.J. Spaun – Rookie, earned spot via Travelers Championship
- Russell Henley – Steady performer, strong short game
- Ben Griffin – Breakout rookie, fearless competitor
- Cameron Young – Long hitter, aggressive style
- Harris English – Reliable in team formats
- Sam Burns – Confident putter, fiery competitor
Team Europe (Captain: Luke Donald)
- Rory McIlroy – Four-time major winner, emotional anchor
- Jon Rahm – Masters champion, fiery leader
- Viktor Hovland – FedEx Cup winner, clutch closer
- Tommy Fleetwood – Ryder Cup stalwart, fan favorite
- Justin Rose – Veteran presence, Olympic gold medalist
- Shane Lowry – Open champion, gritty grinder
- Ludvig Åberg – Rising Swedish star, elite ball striker
- Rasmus Højgaard – Danish phenom, fearless rookie
- Sepp Straka – Austrian powerhouse, consistent performer
- Matt Fitzpatrick – U.S. Open champion, cerebral tactician
- Tyrrell Hatton – Fiery competitor, match-play threat
- Bob MacIntyre – Scottish lefty, emotional spark
Broadcast Schedule (U.S. Eastern Time)
Friday, September 26
- 7:00 AM ET – Morning Foursomes (USA Network, Peacock, NBC Sports App)
- 12:25 PM ET – Afternoon Fourballs (Peacock, NBC Sports App)
- Studio Coverage – Golf Channel’s Live From the Ryder Cup
Saturday, September 27
- 7:00 AM ET – Morning Foursomes (NBC, Peacock)
- 12:25 PM ET – Afternoon Fourballs (NBC, Peacock)
- Studio Coverage – Golf Channel pre/post-match analysis
Sunday, September 28
- 12:00 PM ET – Singles Matches (NBC, Peacock)
- Streaming – RyderCup.com, Ryder Cup App (Apple & Android)
- Radio – SiriusXM Ryder Cup Radio, Ryder Cup App
International Coverage
- UK & Ireland – Sky Sports Golf, Sky Go, NOW
- Other Regions – Check local listings or RyderCup.com
What It Takes to Win — And Why It Matters
Victory at the Ryder Cup isn’t just about skill — it’s about synergy, swagger, and seizing momentum. For Team USA, home crowd energy and depth across formats could be decisive. Europe, however, thrives on unity and experience, with a core that’s battle-tested and bonded. The key? Winning early sessions to build confidence and control. With 28 points at stake, every match matters — and every pairing must deliver.
Beyond the scoreboard, Ryder Cup glory defines legacies. It’s golf’s ultimate team test, where national pride and personal grit collide. The winner earns more than a trophy — they claim bragging rights for two years, a place in history, and the soul of the sport.
