Ryder Cup opens at Bethpage Black as U.S. and Europe clash

The 45th Ryder Cup opens Friday at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, as 12 Americans led by captain Keegan Bradley face 12 Europeans under Luke Donald in a contest that promises fierce partisan crowds, sharp course challenges and a number of off‑course talking points. Play runs Sept. 26 to 29, with morning foursomes and afternoon fourballs on Friday and Saturday followed by 12 singles matches on Sunday at the notoriously demanding Black Course.

Team composition and experience have become central storylines. Europe returns 11 of the 12 players from the side that beat the United States in Rome two years ago and has just one rookie, Rasmus Højgaard. The U.S. roster includes four first‑time Ryder Cup players: Ben Griffin, Russell Henley, J.J. Spaun and Cameron Young. A review of Ryder Cup history cited by sports writers notes that teams with two or fewer rookies have an unusually strong record in the event, and supporters of that view say Europe’s settled side is well suited to the hostile New York environment.

Captains spent the week balancing relationships and realities. Bradley, who declined to play and is donating his captain’s stipend, defended the PGA of America’s...