Overview

• Organizers moved the opening ceremony up a day because of forecasted bad weather, where Keegan Bradley pledged to make Bethpage “America’s home course” and Luke Donald stressed pride over pay.
• Europe defends the trophy with 11 of 12 players returning from 2023 under Donald, whose away preparations reportedly included early scouting, sleep planning and VR crowd simulations.
• Team USA features world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and a roster Bradley says could include players logging five matches depending on form and energy.
• U.S. players are set to receive $500,000 this year, including $300,000 for charity and a $200,000 stipend, a pay-for-play subplot that Donald contrasted with Europe’s motivation.
• About 50,000 spectators are expected each day at Bethpage, and President Donald Trump is due to attend Friday’s opening session, adding to an already intense home atmosphere.