"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." — Joshua 1:9
The 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in New York was a weekend of drama, strategy, and raw emotion. Europe started strong, dominating Friday's foursomes and four‑balls and building an early cushion. By Saturday, Europe seemed poised for a decisive victory, extending their lead with steady, consistent play.
But Sunday brought an electrifying turn of events. Team USA mounted a relentless charge in the singles matches, showcasing grit, skill, and sheer determination. Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood may have set the early tone for Europe, but the American team refused to go quietly.
Hole after hole, the U.S. players clawed back points, with several matches coming down to the 17th and 18th greens. Patrick Cantlay, Scottie Scheffler, and Justin Thomas delivered clutch putts, sending the crowd into a frenzy as the scoreboard tightened with each passing hole.
Though Europe ultimately retained the Cup 15–13, the Americans' comeback was the story of the day. Their surge on Sunday displayed resilience, heart, and teamwork, nearly overturning a seemingly insurmountable deficit. The charge reminded everyone that in the Ryder Cup, the fight is never over until the final putt drops.
*****
The Ryder Cup was first held in 1927 at the Worcester Country Club in Massachusetts, USA. It began as a competition between teams of American and British golfers and has since grown to include all of Europe versus the USA.
Since its inception, there have been 44 official Ryder Cups through 2025. Here's a summary of the overall win-loss record:
USA wins: 27
Europe/Britain wins: 14
Ties: 3