The Ryder Cup is held in odd numbered years, and at the start of Day 2 for 2025, Team USA has to play their way back into the competition. With a current lead of 8 1/2, Team Europe looks to take the win for the second year in a row. Let’s take a look at Team Europe’s 2023 sweep, and who has the overall lead as we dive into day 2.
The previous Ryder Cup, held in 2023, was won by Team Europe with a 5-point lead. Thanks to this triumph, at the start of the tournament, USA needed 14.5 to win, wile Europe only needed 14 to retain.
Ryder Cup Recap
The 2023 Ryder Cup was held at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Italy. Here, Team Europe kicked off the Friday morning Foursome with a strong lead of 4-0.
They followed up in the afternoon at Friday Four-Ball with 2.5 points, compared to Team USA’s 1.5 points. Saturday was much of the same, with Team Europe winning both, 3 to 1. Sunday Singles were the only time Team USA showed up to play, and even then they ended the day with a tie of 6 to 6.
Dating back to 1927, Team USA has notoriously held the lead. They went on a win streak beginning in 1935 and retaining until 1955. They did the same from 1959 to 1983. However, the United States used to compete only against Great Britain. The expansion of Team Europe was first introduced to the Ryder Cup in 1979. Since this expansion, Team Europe has proven their place, and won more often than Team USA.
Europeans Came In Strong
After their win in Italy last Ryder Cup year, the European team aims to retain their lead. They arrived in New York ready to play. As of Saturday morning, they accomplished a never-before done feat. They won the first 3 sessions of Ryder Cup play.
The event isn’t over yet, but the Europeans are certainly closing in quickly. They only need 5 1/2 points to win, with the Americans in need of some strong play Saturday afternoon to prevent the early on clinch.
Luckily, Team USA always have the fans on their side while playing at home. The crowds at Bethpage are loud and proud, and enough to bring energy to the golfers and change game play at any time. Xander Schauffle spoke with CNN about the important role fans play at the unique Ryder Cup event.
“You need the fans,” he said. “You need them to do their thing. Whether it’s everyone singing their songs, like pub drinking songs in Europe, or the sort of heavy USA chants we get here, I love all of it, to be completely honest.”
Fans of Team Europe certainly make their presence known too. With unique songs and soccer-style chants. When asked about his thoughts, Just Thomas showed his admiration of European fans stating,
“I don’t know how the Europeans do it, I don’t know if there’s like a group text of 10,000 people that they just come up with these things, but they’re pretty awesome and impressive.”
Ryder Cup play will continue throughout Saturday, and hopefully, into Sunday September 27th, 2025. The United States needs to get some points on the board to ensure a competitive Sunday match at Bethpage.
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