Golf’s biggest event is back this weekend as Team Europe and USA battle for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
The latest: Europe is coming off a resounding home victory, but is an underdog in an attempt to become the first squad to win a road Ryder Cup since 2012 (when it prevailed over the U.S. at Medinah). The Americans have set up the course for scoring and are bringing four rookies to Bethpage.
Check out my Ryder Cup predictions for the 2025 tournament, featuring Robert MacIntyre and Cameron Young.
Ryder Cup predictions
Best bet: Europe to win (+160)
The home team has won five consecutive Ryder Cups in dominant fashion.
There’s an inherent advantage in playing in front of one’s supporters while controlling course setup and session order — the hosts have won by at least five points in every event since 2012.
But something has to give, right?
I think Europe’s combination of experience, form, and top-end talent will reign supreme at this event.
Luke Donald is bringing back 11 of his 12 team members from Rome’s victory, swapping out Nicolai Hojgaard for his twin brother, Rasmus.
Of those returning, eight are playing in a third Ryder Cup, with experience stateside. The outliers are Sepp Straka (who will likely play just three sessions), Ludvig Aberg and MacIntyre.
Aberg and MacIntyre both shone as rookies and have steely demeanours under pressure.
The Americans won by a record 10 points when this was last held in the U.S., but their team looks much different now. Dustin Johnson, who scored five points, is gone, while Xander Schauffele and Collin Morikawa have fallen off.
Schauffele hasn’t played since mid-August and is having a career-worst year, while Morikawa has just one top-10 finish since the Masters.
And while Scottie Scheffler is the best player on earth, his 2-2-3 Ryder Cup record leaves a lot to be desired.
I anticipate Europe will flip the pressure onto the hosts quickly and thrive in an underdog role.
Key stat: Four of the top six players in strokes gained over the last three months are European.
Golf picks
Young top American rookie pointscorer (+175): All signs point to Young being paired with Bryson DeChambeau in foursomes.
The two play a unique Pro V1x Double Dot prototype and own complementary games (long off-the-tee, strong putters).
Assuming he plays one fourball session, too, that will put him in a great spot to beat out names like Russell Henley, J.J. Spaun and Ben Griffin.
It’s worth noting Henley is likely to play with Scheffler, which is why he’s a slight +162 favourite. But I think the DeChambeau/Young pairing has strong upside, and I want to ride the hot hand.
Young ranks second in strokes gained in this event over the last 20 rounds.
Full Ryder Cup betting markets
MacIntyre top GB/Ireland pointscorer (+700): This is a bit of a dart throw, considering MacIntyre has to compete with Tommy Fleetwood and Rory McIlroy.
But I think the Scotsman is a dog who is primed to rise to the occasion.
As a rookie, MacIntyre went 2-0-1, securing 2.5 points for a victorious Team Europe.
He’s a much better player now than then, winning the 2024 Canadian and Scottish Opens, and nearly taking home the U.S. Open this year.
“Big shot Bob” has risen to the occasion under pressure – hence the nickname — and Donald should be eager to get him four sessions this time around.
Ryder Cup predictions made at 10:11 a.m. on 09/24/2025.
Avery joined NorthStar Gaming as an intern in 2022 before stepping into a full-time role soon after. He loves betting on and analyzing golf — mainly because it’s easier than actually playing — but is a fan of all sports, from the NFL to the UFC.