Ryder Cup Preview: Teams, Format, and How to Watch with DISH

Golf’s most electric and team-focused event is back: The Ryder Cup, which will feature the best players from the United States and Europe squaring off in the 44th edition of the event. Led by captain Keegan Bradley, the US has a strong team. The entire PGA Tour season was filled with drama surrounding the decision if Bradley would pick himself to play in the event. In the end, Bradley said deciding to not be a playing captain was one of the most difficult choices he’s ever made, but he did it in order to fully focus on captaining the team. 

The European team will look to win its first Ryder Cup on American soil since 2012 at Medinah. Two years ago, Rory McIlroy said that “one of the biggest accomplishments in golf is winning an away Ryder Cup. And we’re gonna do it at Bethpage.” There’s already been some trash talk leading into what will be an absolutely insane atmosphere in New York. Bryson Dechambeau, who returns to the team after not being selected in 2023, said he would be "chirping in [McIlroy’s] ear this time” and that if they go up against each other, “you can be sure of it.” The Europeans return 11 of their 12 golfers from the victory at Marco Simone two years ago. The only change is one Højgaard for another – Rasmus Højgaard automatically qualified on points, replacing his brother Nicolai Højgaard.

The Ryder Cup has always been the most important event in the eyes of European golfers everywhere, and having Luke Donald as a repeat captain will surely leave the European team feeling confident. Weird things happen at Ryder Cups, but if the American team gets off to a good start, then the home soil should go a long way in bringing the Ryder Cup back to the US. Here is everything you need to know ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York.

The Ryder Cup TV Schedule

All times Eastern

Wednesday, September 24: 4pm to 7pm - Opening Ceremonies on Golf Channel (moved from Thursday due to weather)

Friday, September 26: 7am - 6pm on USA Network

Saturday, September 27: 7am - 6pm on NBC

Sunday, September 28: 12pm - 6pm on NBC

What is the Ryder Cup format and schedule?

The three-day competition sees a total of 28 matches played between the USA and Europe. Each match is worth one point, and a tie is .5 points. The Europeans need 14 points to win the Ryder Cup as defending champions, and the American team needs 14.5 to win.

Day 1 - AM session: Foursomes (4 matches)

Day 1 - PM session: Four-ball (4 matches)

Day 2 -  AM session: Foursomes (4 matches)

Day 2 - PM session: Four-ball (4 matches)

Day 3 - Singles Match Play (12 matches)

What is the Foursomes format in the Ryder Cup?

A two-man team alternates hitting every shot until the hole is completed. The team with the lowest score wins the hole.

What is the Four-ball format in the Ryder Cup?

A two man team where each player plays their own ball. Each team counts the lowest score on the team. The lowest score wins the hole.

How often is the Ryder Cup played and where is it being played in 2025?

The Ryder Cup is played every two years. There was a three year wait for the 2021 Ryder Cup due to the pandemic, but it's back on its scheduled rotation. It alternates being played in the United States and Europe. This year it will be played at Bethpage Black Golf Course in Farmingdale, New York.

Who is on each team at the Ryder Cup?

Team USA has six automatic qualifiers. These players earned the most points from the start of the 2024 season to the end of the 2025 season. The auto-qualifiers are:

Scottie Scheffler

Xander Schauffele

J.J. Spaun

Russell Henley

Harris English

Bryson DeChambeau

Then there are six Captain’s picks. These picks are players that the captain can choose based on who they believe deserves (and wants) to be on their team. Those six players are:

Justin Thomas

Collin Morikawa

Ben Griffin

Cameron Young

Patrick Cantlay

Sam Burns

Team Europe has six automatic qualifiers: the top three players from the European Points List and the top three from the World Points. These players earned the most points from the BMW Championship in 2024 to the end of the 2025 season. The auto-qualifiers are:

Rory McIlroy

Robert MacIntyre

Tommy Fleetwood

Justin Rose

Rasmus Højgaard

Tyrrell Hatton

Then there are six Captain’s picks. These picks are players that the captain can choose based on who they want on their team. Those six players are:

Shane Lowry

Viktor Hovland

Matt Fitzpatrick

Jon Rahm

Sepp Straka

Ludvig Åberg

Sepp Straka