Overview

• Play begins Friday at Bethpage Black with Keegan Bradley leading the U.S. against Luke Donald’s Europe in the 45th Ryder Cup.
• Each U.S. player will receive $500,000 under a new PGA of America policy ($200,000 stipend plus $300,000 to charity), which Bradley defended as modernizing the event.
• Donald said his team agreed not to accept payment, sharpening a philosophical split as betting markets install the U.S. as favorites on home soil.
• Europe intensified mental prep for a hostile New York crowd, including VR headsets simulating abuse, with a raucous atmosphere expected to include the president.
• Foursomes will open both days, a format tied to strong U.S. records at home, as Europe returns 11 of 12 players from Rome to face a U.S. lineup featuring world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.