The Ryder Cup kicks off September 26-28 at New York’s rugged Bethpage Black Course. Team Europe looks to defend its 2023 title, while Keegan Bradley’s U.S. squad brings unity and determination. With national pride and high stakes on the line, fans can expect three days of intense competition and world-class golf.

With the stage set and the anticipation rising, the spotlight now shifts to the voices that will guide us through all the ups and downs of the event. Although the players claim the buzz, these commentators shape the fan experience. Moreover, bringing additional insights to the game, they get the analysis of the heated match-ups. So let’s take a look at who will be holding the mics this year.

For US coverage, veteran play-by-play voice Dan Hicks will monitor the action on NBC Sports. However, any avid golf fan would know that this is not Hicks’s first time blending golfing expertise with coverage charm. With over 3 decades of experience in golf coverage, Hicks keeps the fans engaged with his steady and credible style, backed by golfing history. Moreover, Hicks’s passion for golf brings a technical edge to his coverage, making him a fan-favorite. The voice of multiple major events like the US Open, the FedEx Cup, and even past Ryder Cups, Hicks takes every fan on a journey with insight, clarity, and an unmatched sense of the game’s drama.

Alongside Hicks, former Ryder Cup captain and analyst, Paul McGinley, will join the broadcast. Bringing the European perspective and insights from Luke Donald’s squad, McGinley would ensure a well-rounded coverage of the Ryder Cup. Moreover, on-course reporters Jim “Bones” Mackay and Smylie Kaufman will capture the intricate details of the swings and player strategy in real time. Behind the scenes, NBC’s acclaimed golf producer Tommy Roy ensures the telecast carries the drama, nuance, and pace that a Ryder Cup demands.

The 6-time major champion, Sir Nick Faldo, will provide commentary for every morning session, bringing his expert European perspective to NBC’s coverage. He will be joined by host Terry Gannon and analyst Notah Begay, ensuring viewers get detailed insights into strategy and player performance.

Fans can catch all the drama even on the go. The broadcast will not only be available through NBC’s traditional television broadcast on NBC and the USA Network, but also on its streaming service, Peacock. The network won’t compromise on the quality of the broadcast, with more than 100 hours of live tournament and studio coverage.

In the UK, Sky Sports will maintain its exclusive broadcasting rights. It will be offering wall-to-wall coverage across Sky Sports Golf, Sky Sports Main Event, Now, and the Sky Sports app. The broadcast will blend home-studio experience with on-site commentary. Sarah Stirk will be maintaining the home-studio presence, linking fans with live action from Bethpage to analysis and insights. Moreover, Stirk will also be hosting the 3-hour build-up shows before the games, helping fans immerse themselves in the atmosphere before the first shot. Alongside Stirk, Henni Zuel from the UK studio will draw from her LPGA and LET playing experience to bring analytical and tactical insights to the commentary.

Moreover, guest analysts like Chris Wood (Friday) and Nicolas Colsaerts (Saturday and Sunday) will bring additional insights to the broadcast. From the U.S., Nick Dougherty fronts the action with an all-star team. Commentators include Nick Faldo, Ewen Murray, Andrew Coltart, Dame Laura Davies, Paul McGinley, Rich Beem, and Hunter Mahan. On-course perspectives come from Wayne Riley, Iona Stephen, and David Howell. Anna Jackson and Tim Barter report more broadly across the event.

Augmented reality match-up graphics, virtual reality course assets, and 4K delivery will enhance the experience. No wonder Sky Sports drew a record 3.7 million viewers last year. With the quality of the coverage, Sky is aiming to top that.

How the Ryder Cup will play out: coverage timings and pre-game shows

The Ryder Cup features a match-play format in contrast with the traditional stroke-play format. The 3-day event includes singles matches and alternate shots like foursomes and fourballs. Every match carries a point to the winning team, and the first team to reach 14½ points wins the trophy. This format ensures that every match carries the gravitas of its own, creating a high-stakes environment unlike typical stroke-play. Pitting the European team against the American challengers, both squads are ready to deliver a seat-gripping showdown at Bethpage.

The coverage begins early with pre-game warmup shows and immersive tactical breakdowns during the matches. In the USA, the action unfolds at the USA Network from 7 am to 6 pm. Meanwhile, the Golf Channel holds the cameras from 6 pm to 8 pm. The NBC Sports App maintains a continuous broadcast throughout the day. At the streaming service, Peacock, warm-up shows called Breakfast at Bethpage run from 6 am to 8 am. On Sunday, the pre-game show begins at 9 am to 12 pm. The action unravels from 12 pm to 6 pm.

The UK broadcast timings slightly differ. Beginning from 11:30 am, Ryder Cup coverage begins on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Golf across all days. Sky Sports’ pre-game coverage includes three-hour live build-ups before play each day, providing analysis, player insights, and course previews. They also simulcast Golf Channel’s Live From the Ryder Cup during the week leading up to the event.

The anticipation for the Ryder Cup is at a fever pitch. Top players from both teams are ready to battle it out at the demanding courses of Bethpage Black. Supported by a world-class commentary team, the channels will ensure immersive coverage on TV and streaming. Fans can expect three days of unforgettable golf, strategic brilliance, and high-stakes excitement.