By: Luke Heintzman
The Ryder Cup is one of the most exhilarating events in sports. It combines national pride with fierce competition, where every shot counts. This year, the tournament returns to the United States, set at the notoriously difficult Bethpage Black on Long Island. Expect to see the best in the world try out and outlast one another on a course designed to break the best of the best. This article aims to break down the names competing and what to expect throughout the week.
Team USA:
Scottie Scheffler:
OWGR: 1
It’s Scottie Scheffler's world, and we are just living in it. The current world number 1 has had a remarkable year, winning the PGA Championship and Open Championship while leading the tour in wins and every type of finish. The world rankings gap between him and the field is reaching an all-time high, with him having over three times the number of world ranking points as rank 3 Xander Schaufle. Scheffler's Statistical profile is almost spotless. He leads the tour in strokes gained driving and approach. He possesses the best clubface control on tour, controlling the ball like no other. Along with this otherworldly long game, he has an excellent short game, being 16th in his play around the greens and 18th in putting. With this incredible all-around profile, Scheffler seems unbeatable in this format. The bad news is that the USA can only have him out there for five matches. He’s capable of having a perfect record, but for as great as he is, no one can do it alone.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Scheffler leads the tour in scoring average for every single round.
Xander Schaefele
OWGR: 3
It’s been a rough year for Schaefele after a dominant 2024 in which he won two major tournaments and pushed Scottie more than anyone in the world. His play has seen a massive drop, however, plummeting from second in the world in strokes gained to 54th. This drop stems from uncharacteristic putting woes. He was a top-8 putter in the world two years ago, but has dropped to 127th for the 2025 season. He failed to qualify through the FedEx Cup playoffs, which felt unthinkable a year ago. If he doesn’t find his game, the US may be in trouble as he will be unplayable against Europe's firepower. Still, the talent is there, and he's a top 5 player in the world on merit if things go wrong. Expect him to be a serious wild card here.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Henley is the second-best putter on tour from 20-25 feet
Russell Henley
OWGR: 4
One could argue that no player has gone more under the radar this season than Henley, who burst into the top 5 of the world rankings and total strokes gained. Henley's game is built on his tremendous wedge play, which took an even bigger step forward this year. He finished top 15 in strokes gained around the greens and top 6 in strokes gained approach. He also finished second in the tour in proximity to the hole, behind his excellent play inside 125 yards, which is at the top of the tour. He has also begun to gain with the putter, going from one of the worst on tour to above average in the last year, which has pushed him over the top. He’s not as experienced as many players in these kinds of events, but if he sticks to what he’s been doing this year, he’s a top 5 player at the event based on current performance.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Henley is the second-best putter on tour from 20-25 feet
Justin Thomas
OWGR: 5
There are two versions of Justin Thomas. There is one that can putt and the one that cannot. After two years of atrocious putting, the former world number one has found that part of his game and even gotten it to a well-above-average level. He’s actually seen slight dips in the rest of his game year after year, but the putting improvement has been so drastic that he broke back into the top 10 of strokes gained once again. Thomas brings a wealth of experience to this event compared to his teammates and will be relied upon in key spots. He’s shown up many times for America, which gives you the belief that you’ll be getting a version closer to world number one Justin Thomas versus 2024 Justin Thomas. If anything's for sure, his singles match will be a must-see event.
J.J Spaun
OWGR: 6
Perhaps the story of the season, Spaun started the year outside the top 100 in the world rankings, ending inside the top 10 with a U.S. Open victory. His ball striking and consistent approach play have always been the elite part of his game, but he took another step, moving near the top 5 on tour. His driving had a big turnaround despite not adding any distance and hitting the rough even more often. He’s been about to place it in the center more consistently, letting him show off his approach game. Spaun is just playing fantastic golf right now and can match up with anyone. He’s had some rough moments in big pressure situations this year, but he also had an unreal finish to his U.S. Open. If he can steady the ship mentally, he looks like an underrated threat to Europe's hopes of repeating.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Spain had the fifth-longest streak of consecutive fairways hit on tour at 23
Colin Morrikawa
OWGR: 7
There are few players on tour as mesmerizing and frustrating as Morikawa. Outside of Scottie Scheffler, there may not be a player in the world you want to see with an iron in their hand. He is consistently top 5 on tour in strokes gained approach, tearing apart golf courses from the fairway. He is also a top-three player in the world in par-three scoring. Morikawa's game hangs in the balance of his shaky putter. It’s been dreadful this year, losing him about a third of a stroke per round. Despite this hole in his game, he’s still in the top 16 in strokes gained on tour, thanks to the stellar performance of his irons and driver. In a format like the Ryder Cup, though, you'll feel like he's leaving a lot of key holes on the table with how close he’ll be getting to some pins.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Morikawa is 3rd in birdie percentage on par 3s but 147th on par 5s
Harris English
OWGR: 10
Another tour veteran found his groove. Harris has carved out a long career based on the consistency of his putter. With multiple top 10 putting seasons in his career, Harris hasn’t lost that part of the game in 2025, ranking 13th on tour. His career season has been led by improvements in the long game, especially with the driver. His total distance has increased by almost 15 yards in the last two years, leading to a significant jump in strokes gained off the tee. The approach play has remained shaky, however, holding back some upside in his scoring potential. If paired with one of the USA’s elite ball strikers, his ability to make big putts will be massive in a matchplay format and to get the home crowd going.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: English has the fourth-longest streak of no three putts on tour
Ben Griffin
OWGR: 11
It’s been a true rollercoaster of a career for Griffin, who almost gave up the game to be a mortgage salesman a few years ago. Despite almost quitting professional golf, he returned to the tour and found his game in a massive way. Griffin snagged the first two wins of his career this year on the back of a well-rounded game, truly firing on all cylinders. Griffin is fifth on tour in total strokes gained, thanks to all areas being above average. His putting and approach game are his bread and butter, but he is solid off the tee and around the green and has no clear holes that could cost him. He’s never been a part of an event this big before, so there is a chance the rookie nerves get to him. Purely based on how well everyone is playing the game of golf right now, Griffin is near the top.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Griffin has the third-best front-nine scoring average on tour.
Cameron Young
OWGR: 20
Cam Young's game and swing can best be described by the phrase “grip it and rip it”. The young pro had his best year on tour, winning his first career tournament. Young is one of the top drivers on tour, consistently ranking in the top 20-30, gaining strokes off the tee. These stats are built on his speed, which ranks as the top 12 fastest swingers on tour, along with top 15 distance numbers. His physical presence is awe-inspiring and something that can get into an opponent's head. This season, though, he’s had a dramatic improvement in the putter, going from the bottom of the tour to the top 5 in a year. He’ll need the putter to stay hot, as despite the driver, his approach play leaves a lot to be desired, especially in this format.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Young is near the bottom of the tour in his longest par or better streak.
Bryson DeChambeau
OWGR: 21
Don’t let the world ranking fool you; outside of Scottie Scheffler, there is no player on this American team more dangerous than Bryson DeChambeau. His move to LIV Golf has limited the availability of his overall statistics, but a single glance at a tee shot is enough to get the gist. Known for his recent crusade to revolutionize the game of golf, DeChambeau shot up the tour leaderboards in driving distance. Since then, he has won multiple majors and is always a key player in such events. Though controversial to some, there’s no denying his individual talent. It’s worth mentioning that his distance is so unique that some of the approaches he faces are obscure to teammates, which makes him a hard guy to pair with. His power will likely get the home crowd going; he’s incredibly capable of producing magic when needed.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: DeChambeau led the tour in driving distance, club head speed, and strokes gained driving before leaving for LIV.
Patrick Cantlay
OWGR: 22
Despite a molasses-like playing style and a personality as dry as a cactus, there's no disputing the quality of golf Cantlay produces. Despite a less-than-stellar 2024, the former FedEx Cup champ has made it seem like a blip on the radar, rebounding for another top-end season. Like the game's elite, Cantlay is an extremely well-rounded player. It starts with his buttery swing that gives him effortless control of the tee and in the fairways. He’s one of the best players in the world, tee to green, carrying him to a top-10 finish in strokes gained this year. He also doesn’t give anything short of his best, and rarely beats himself. His stoic, some would say boring, demeanour has saved him in the clutch as well in these high-pressure tournaments. Expect some big moments from him.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Cantlay is the second-best player in the world at scoring on par 4s.
Sam Burns
OWGR: 23
It could have been a year to remember for Burns until a rain-soaked Sunday in the U.S. Open caused an epic collapse on the back 9. Burns' game is all about his putting, which is the best on the planet right now. He is leagues above the field right now and is the only player close to gaining a stroke a round on tour. In the Matchplay format, Burns' ability to make those few extra putts could steal holes down the end and will make him a partner everyone on the American side will want to play with. The issue with Burns is that he doesn’t have any other standout skills and is a fairly underwhelming iron player. Despite his deficiencies, the putter is so good that he’s a tough matchup for anyone. If he can find the long game, he could swing the tide of a few matches.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Burns makes a higher percentage of putts inside 10 feet than anyone
Team Europe:
Rory McIlroy
OWGR: 2
The leader of Team Europe and their top guy, Rory McIlroy, always brings epics to the Ryder Cup. After accomplishing his lifelong dream of winning the Masters and completing the career Grand Slam, McIlroy has seen a slight dip in motivation, following the release of the feelings he experienced in April. If there’s ever an event to get him going again, it’s the Ryder Cup. McIlroy, when he’s on, is the clear second-best player in the world and the one who can look a level above even Scottie Scheffler. McIlroy's game has always been defined by the best driving ability in the world, and some would argue, of all time. Despite a modest stature for pro golf, McIlroy can use all the levers of his body to launch the ball farther and straighter than anyone. He’s second on the tour in driving distance and third in strokes gained off the tee, where he’s sat for over a decade. His Master's glory, however, came from the back of a new-found putter that has almost reached the same level as his driver, being top 10 in the world for the first time in his career. The putter has been so strong that even with a dip in his approach play, he still stands top 5 on tour in total strokes gained through the season. McIlroy will be a big x-factor for the European side, as he gives them a near-unmatched talent if he finds his motivation from the start of the season. One thing is for sure, though: expect some massive drives and some massive roars.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: McIlroy has been the second-best putter on tour from 15-20 this season.
Tommy Fleetwood
OWGR: 7
It was a rewarding year for Tommy Fleetwood, who broke out for his first tour win in the last tournament of the season at the Tour Championship. Fleetwood had simply been dominant all season, finishing just behind Scheffler in total strokes gained. If it weren't for a few bad stretches, Fleetwood could have won several times on tour. Fleetwood has been known for his beautiful iron swing and signature short follow-through. He finished top 10 again in strokes gained approach and will be lighting up flags at the tournament. His whole game is clicking as he ranks in the top 50 in all significant aspects of the game, with almost no one else doing so this season. The putter has also been phenomenal this season, rarely letting him down. Although his trophy case is less than most of these players around him, you could agree he’s currently playing the second-best golf in the world and is likely being slept on for this tournament. It also helps that he’s been a Ryder Cup killer when in worse form than now.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Fleetwood is the best putter on tour outside of 25 feet.
Robert MacIntyre
OWGR: 7
Another player defined by the steadiness of his game. If you looked at MacIntyre on the street, you’d never think he’s a professional athlete, but he finds a way on the course. No skill particularly stands out in his game, but he’s solid everywhere and doesn’t give everything away. He was one place away from conquering three national opens, which would have been a historic feat. His performance at a course like Oakmont should help him survive at the most challenging courses around, which you need when playing Bethpage. He may not produce many signature moments, but he’ll kill you with consistency and make the US earn their wins against him.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: MacIntyre has the 5th-best back-nine scoring average on tour.
Victor Hovland
OWGR: 12
Europe's version of Collin Morikawa, Hovland, has had his own ups and downs recently, spreading through coaches like a chainsaw. The ball striking with Hovland has never been a debate, and reached a new high in 202, being the second-best approach player on tour after Scheffler. Outside of a hundred yards, he gets within a closer proximity to anyone on tour, piling up birdie looks. At his best, he can have more circles on the scorecard than anyone, but the issue is what he looks like when he’s off. When Hovland isn’t on his game, there’s an argument to be made that he was the worst short game on the entire PGA tour. It had been nightmarish for him in the past, and despite how many birdies he can make when he misses the greens, the bogeys pile up. In a Ryder Cup format, his weaknesses can be masked as he has a teammate taking some shots for him, and his ability to get birdies is paramount in match play. Expect him to go on some hot streaks where it feels like he's placing his approach shots next to the hole.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Hovland has the third-best fairway proximity on tour for his drives.
Justin Rose
OWGR: 14
At the age of 45, Rose is the oldest player at this tournament, but also its most experienced. Rose has been a staple for the European side for over a decade, consistently coming through in the clutch when called upon. At first glance, his season stats appear relatively modest, being below tour average in all aspects of his game except for his approach play. That being said, the former world number one is still capable of turning back the clock in key moments and big tournaments. He nearly won the Masters after a thrilling back nine where he produced magic shot after shot, and he took home the St Jude championship after another back nine comeback where he closed the deal in the playoff. Rose, in his prime, was elite at all aspects of the game, and if that player shows up at the tournament, he’s a nightmare. He’s a player who lives for this event, and you can NEVER count him out of any match.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Rose is third in proximity from 150-175 yards but 117th from 175-200 yards.
Sepp Straka
OWGR: 15
Another player having a career year, Straka won twice on tour this year and catapulted into the top 10 off strokes gained on tour. Straka’s improvement can simply be attributed to improvement in every area of the game. His weaknesses in his short game have become more manageable, and his already good long game has moved up with the elite of the game. While not long off the tee, he is incredibly consistent and sets up his high-end approach game well. In a tournament like the Ryder Cup, his ball striking will be crucial in the pairs matchups, as many of his teammates have mentioned. He could be a big sleeper to look out for.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Straka is third in proximity from both 75-100 yards and 100-125 yards from the fairway.
Ludvig Aberg
OWGR: 15
It wasn't an ideal year for the young Swede, who had massive expectations for the year after a fantastic sophomore season and an early signature tournament win. Aberg saw a noticeable dip in his overall game, particularly in his approach play. Aberg is a strange case, as for the fairway, he is one of the best iron players on tour. However, when he’s in the rough, he looks like a completely different golfer, being at the bottom of the tour in that area. He remains an effective player, as evidenced by his position as one of the top drivers on tour, ranking in the top 15 in driving distance and top 10 in strokes gained driving. The putter and short game also haven’t been where you’d want, and have held him back from contending at any majors. It’s hard to tell what should be expected of him, but his talent level is near the top of the tournament, and he’s already gotten experience at this event.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Aberg is 36th in approach from 125-150 yards from the fairway but 147th from the rough.
Shane Lowry
OWGR: 24
In another Ryder Cup, Lowry’s game is more suited for the European course layout, but he’s always brought a strong game to this event. Lowry is another player who is exceptional in his approach. Statistically, he is only behind Hovland in the European team ranking and is top 5 on tour in strokes gained approach. A lot of that value comes from his fantastic wedge play, which suits a tournament like this, where he’ll be paired with some big European hitters. As mentioned, getting birdies is key for the matchplay format, and having as good a wedge as Lowry with the wedge is incredibly valuable. The rest of his game hasn’t seen much growth, though, and his putter has been a liability this season, costing him a ton of low rounds. Find Lowry the right partner, though, and you have yourself a pair to be recorded with.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Lowry made the second-longest putt on tour this year at 97 feet 6 inches
Tyrell Hatton
OWGR: 25
If you watched Hatton play golf without context, you’d swear a local temperamental scratch golfer had snuck under the tour ropes and gotten into a pro tournament. Hatton has become notorious for his reactions throughout the years, looking like an average 18 handicapper watching a shot sail out of bounds. The funny part is that Hatton has a strong case to be one of the best players in the world and is maybe the most underrated golfer competing. Before his move to LIV, Hatton was on a run on the PGA Tour, being a top 10 strokes gained scorer and winning the Arnold Palmer Invitational. He is a highly well-rounded player, excelling in all aspects of the sport, as many players have mentioned. In recent years, he has been able to combine his on- and off-course driving success, which has led to being a top 15 driver and putter in his last two years —a very rare feat. You never know what these LIV players will do, but Hatton had an excellent primary season with three top 15s and a run at the US Open. His competitiveness has helped in past Ryder Cups, and he’ll be no easy out for any American.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: His last year on tour, Hatton was 15th in driving while being 101st in accuracy.
Matt Fitzpatrick
OWGR: 29
Fitzpatrick has steadied the ship after a disastrous 2024 season, but is still a ways away from his historic past dominance, which led him to a U.S. Open title. Fitzpatrick's putter has been the one consistent part of his game, still ranking at the top of the tour, but not at the elite level it was at a few years ago. He managed to steady out his all-around game and doesn’t have any massive holes to worry about. At his peak, he was one of the best drivers and chippers in the world with his unconventional crosshanded grip. If he can tap into that this week, he can dominate in all formats, but there’s a chance the game stays level, and he looks a bit below the rest.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Fitzpatrick ranked 6th on the tour in sand saves.
Rasmus Hojgaard
OWGR: 58
Hojgaard is definitely the most unproven member of the Euro team, but he brings some upside and skills that could have him outperform expectations. Hojgaard is the youngest member of the team Europe and brings some serious speed to the table. In his first tour season, Hojgaard was 7th in driving distance and 5th in clubhead speed. This game should translate well to Bethpage, where you need to hit the ball a long way to survive. The length he brings also matches well with all the elite ball strikers on the European side. He’s yet to show any high-level performance with the rest of the game, though, and this is a chance where he looks entirely out of place as the tournament progresses, although the Euro is betting on that upside, which could prove to be a worthy gamble.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Hojgaard is the most aggressive player on tour, going for 70% of par 5s.
Jon Rahm
OWGR: 73
Like DeChambeau, the world ranking doesn’t accurately represent this player. The former world number one has had a tougher time since joining LIV, but still possesses arguably top-3 talent in the world at his best. He ended the LIV season on fire, winning the individual championship over Bryson DeChambeau. Rahm is just an all-around stud of a player. He bombs it off the tee, has wickets irons, is one of the best wedge players of all time, and can putt. He’s been world number 1 and one of the masters for a reason. When focused, Rahm can go toe to toe with anyone. Europe will need to hope he stays sharp with the LIV season ending early, as he gives them a potential ringer if he’s one. Of all the names mentioned, Rahm probably has the most control over the outcome, because if he’s on, Europe will likely have too much firepower.
Fun Miscellaneous Stat: Rahm was top 10 in total strokes gained on tour for six straight seasons before he left.