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31m ago

Foursomes to Open Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black as Spotlight Falls on Paid U.S. Team

Europe arrive seasoned, mentally primed by VR drills for a volatile New York environment.

NEW YO, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 08: Team Captains Luke Donald of England and Keegan Bradley of The United States pose for a photograph with the Ryder Cup Trophy during the Ryder Cup 2024 Year to Go Media Event at the Statue of Liberty on October 08, 2024 in New York, New York. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • The 45th Ryder Cup runs September 26–28 at Bethpage Black, with Europe needing 14 points to retain the cup and the United States needing 14.5 to win it back.
  • U.S. captain Keegan Bradley will start Friday with alternate-shot foursomes, a format that has often foreshadowed the outcome in recent matches, according to BBC analysis.
  • American players will receive $500,000 each for the first time in Ryder Cup history ($200,000 personal and $300,000 to charity), prompting warnings that New York fans could turn on the home side if results sag.
  • Europe return 11 of 12 players from their 2023 win and have used VR crowd-noise simulations and Bethpage scouting, while the U.S. lineup features four rookies: JJ Spaun, Russell Henley, Ben Griffin and Cameron Young.
  • Bethpage Black’s selection has drawn criticism from some former U.S. figures, who call the public-course test tough and unfamiliar for many Americans.