The Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is fast approaching, and the excitement is already building. One major storyline stands out—the absence of Brooks Koepka. His power and proven Ryder Cup record once gave the U.S. team a psychological edge. Without him, the Americans look less intimidating. Meanwhile, Europe’s confidence continues to grow. Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Viktor Hovland are established global stars. In contrast, the U.S. roster feels younger and lighter on big names. Koepka’s absence has created questions about leadership and firepower on the American side.

Ryder Cup veteran Padraig Harrington has noticed the shift. After comparing the squads, he made his pick clear. He chose Europe over the U.S., citing Koepka’s absence as a key reason. The revelation underscores how much one player’s presence can shape the Ryder Cup stage. Appearing on the Indosport YouTube channel, Harrington further elaborated on his choice.

When the host asked Harrington, “Which team is better? Which 12 are better for you?” Harrington replied, “Yeah, Europe is definitely a better team on paper, but that’s at a neutral venue. I think uh the US are going into this one without whether it’s the changing of the guard for them, but they’re they’re not going in there with the same intimidation of players. You know, they don’t have a Dustin Johnson, you know, they don’t have a Brooks Koepka, they don’t have Jordan Speed, don’t have Patrick Reed, you know, these guys are big names, big stars, and even after their game, you know, players would struggle to beat them because of, you know, their stature in the game.”

Harrington’s quote emphasizes the difference between raw talent and psychological presence. He acknowledges that Europe appears stronger on paper, but notes that this assessment assumes a neutral venue. He added, “They’re going in with some fine players, new players, but they don’t hold the same uh, you know, command as the first T-box. Uh you know and that’s that’s a bit I think the European players are more household names in in many ways but obviously the US have still have some very top players and they have a lot of good players in the team but they just don’t have that stature that like a a Dustin Johnson or or Brooks Koepka brings to the first team.”

Even if American players are talented, they lack the commanding presence that can influence competitors’ performance in high-stakes matches like the Ryder Cup. The host, Joe, then noted, “Yeah, it’s not too often that you’d say that about the two respective teams on paper.”

Harrington replied, “Yeah. Well, obviously we’ve we’ve got this same 12 names going anyway if one would if the Hogard brothers changed. But yeah, our team is not is is a consistent team over the last couple of years. They seem to be playing great. A lot of them are coming into good form at the end of the year. There’s a mixture of form coming into the end year, I would say. So, you know, but definitely household names, big brands in the game of golf, people you tune in to watch. The US is definitely having a change in regard”

Harrington points out that Europe’s Ryder Cup team has maintained consistency over the past years, with most players performing steadily. He notes that many are entering the tournament in good form, especially toward the end of the season, which gives the team an edge. By calling them “household names” and “big brands,” he highlights the global recognition and experience of these players, making them crowd favorites and psychologically formidable opponents. In contrast, he observes that the U.S. team is undergoing a transition, lacking that same stability and established star power.

Harrington further added: “You know, Scotty is dominating so much in the States that it’s nearly reducing what everybody else can do. So people like Mau aren’t his biggest star because Scott he’s just winning so often. And Rory, you know, when when you have two guys dominating and winning so many tournaments, you know, what’s left for everybody else.”

Here, Harrington explains how dominant performances by top players can overshadow others. He refers to Scottie Scheffler, whose consistent victories in the U.S. limit recognition for other golfers. Similarly, players like Cameron Young (“Mau”) struggle to stand out because Scheffler’s dominance commands attention. Harrington adds Rory McIlroy to this context, noting that when two stars consistently win tournaments, it naturally reduces the spotlight and perceived impact of the remaining team members. Essentially, dominance by a few can make other talented players appear less prominent, even if they perform well.

Harrington highlights how individual dominance shapes the U.S. team’s dynamic. While Europe boasts a balanced roster of consistent, household-name performers, the Americans contend with emerging stars overshadowed by players like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy. This affects perception, team cohesion, and strategy, helping explain why Europe looks stronger on paper despite similar talent.

As the 2025 Ryder Cup approaches, Team Europe enters with a cohesive lineup, while Team USA navigates changes in its roster.

Ryder Cup 2025 at Bethpage: Rising Stars and Last Year’s Highlights to Watch

The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is just around the corner, and excitement is building among fans worldwide. Rising stars are ready to showcase their skills, while last year’s highlights remind everyone of the drama and intensity golf’s premier team event brings. With seasoned veterans and new talent in the mix, this edition promises fierce competition and unforgettable moments.

Last year’s Ryder Cup had key moments, including Europe’s tight victories in singles matches that turned the tide. Rising players are not just skilled—they carry confidence from prior tournaments, making them pivotal in tight pairings.

The U.S. team, though younger, relies on strong individual performances and home-course advantage at Bethpage Black. Europe has experience and chemistry, highlighted by strategic pairings that dominated last year’s critical sessions. Expect intense pressure from the crowd, which influenced crucial shots and momentum swings in past Ryder Cups. Captains’ strategies, from pairings to shot selection, will heavily impact outcomes, emphasizing tactical as well as technical skill. This mix of rising stars and last year’s defining moments sets the stage for a thrilling 2025 edition.

Overall, the Ryder Cup 2025 at Bethpage promises high drama and fierce competition. Rising stars and seasoned veterans alike will shape the outcome, while captains’ strategies and crowd energy could prove decisive. Fans can expect memorable moments, tight matchups, and the kind of intensity that defines golf’s most celebrated team event.