The battle of Bethpage is only a few days away. Fans are anticipating some enthralling action on the course as the best from the United States defend their honor on home soil against a mighty European side. It has been 13 years since Team U.S. has been defeated on its turf. But that might change in New York. Especially considering how confidence of Luke Donald and his team.

The Team Europe captain has only replaced Nicolai Hojgaard with his twin, Rasmus. The rest of the squad is completely identical to the one that dominated the Americans in Rome. But the storylines at Bethpage are quite different. Some of them have been brewing after the events of the 2023 Ryder Cup. Others began after the 2024 U.S. Open. But which of these will excite the fans the most? Let’s look at some of the biggest rivalries that fans might witness in the 2025 Ryder Cup.

Rory McIlroy vs. Bryson DeChambeau

It’s no secret that Rory McIlroy hates LIV Golf and anyone associated with it. So it’s understandable why he might not fancy Bryson DeChambeau that much. Even if the latter claimed the Irishman was his bro in Happy Gilmore 2. McIlroy didn’t take the loss at Pinehurst No. 2 well, storming off the course as soon as DeChambeau won.

The LIV Golf pro was left bitter after the Masters Tournament defeat, claiming that Rors “didn’t talk to me once all day.” McIlroy retaliated during the PGA Championship presser, saying that “We’re trying to win the Masters. I’m not going to try to be his best mate out there.” They traded a few more blows, but didn’t get the opportunity to lock horns for the next few months. However, with the Ryder Cup closing in, McIlroy has reignited the rivalry with DeChambeau.

During the premiere of Happy Gilmore 2, the Crushers GC captain told People Magazine, “I’ll be chirping in his ear this time. Now, if we go up against each other, I mean, you can be sure of it.” McIlroy didn’t pay heed to it then. However, during a recent interview with Ewan Murray of The Guardian, the Irishman said, “I think the only way he gets attention is by mentioning other people. That is basically what I think of that. To get attention, he will mention me or Scottie [Scheffler] or others.” We can assume that McIlroy is also anticipating a battle with DeChambeau. And after getting a win over each other, both of them have a score to settle.

Scottie Scheffler vs. Jon Rahm

The battle between Scottie Scheffler and Jon Rahm is not just a story about the two best golfers from rival leagues. Although that in itself is quite a compelling narrative for the Ryder Cup. But the Spaniard and the American have often been at each other’s throats when national pride is on the line. In 2021 at Whistling Straits, Rahm and Scheffler went head-to-head twice, tying once in fourball, and the world #1 beat his adversary in their Sunday Singles match.

In 2023, they faced each other thrice. Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton defeated Scheffler and Sam Burns in foursomes on Friday. With Nicolai Hojgaard and Brooks Koepka in a fourball, they tied in their fourball match on the same day. And they shared half a point each again in their Sunday Singles match. After 5 contests, the scores are tied between the two, and just like McIlroy and DeChambeau, they have to settle it at Bethpage. If they do battle with each other, then it will be interesting to see who comes out on top this time around.

Russell Henley vs. Tommy Fleetwood

Over the last couple of months, Tommy Fleetwood has gained a lot of fans thanks to his incredible run on the PGA Tour. His amazing run at TPC River Highlands had the entire golf community on the edge of their seats before everyone saw him gift the Travelers Championship to Keegan Bradley. However, the Englishman turned things around in the TOUR Championship after he beat the Team U.S. captain to win his first PGA Tour title. Russell Henley was at the receiving end of the defeat on both occasions.

While they might not share a traditional rivalry, Fleetwood and Henley have faced off with each other far too often recently. And on both occasions, the spotlight was on the former as he was trying to achieve the biggest goal of his career. But that story is done now; he is a champion of an individual tournament. As they prepare to face off in a team battle at Bethpage, it won’t come as a surprise if Russell seeks a bit of revenge from his European adversary.

It may not be the biggest story in New York, but it will certainly be a sweet end to the chapter for Russell Henley. Especially if he helps Team U.S. gain vital points against Tommy Fleetwood in their efforts to win the Ryder Cup.