Ryder Cup Preview

In this Ryder Cup 2025 preview, Sean Melia and Paul Burke dive into every major storyline shaping golf’s biggest team event. From Bethpage Black’s iconic setup and rowdy New York crowds to the captaincy drama surrounding Keegan Bradley, Luke Donald, and even Tiger Woods, no topic is off-limits. The duo debates whether John Rahm can carry Europe, if Scottie Scheffler will dominate for the U.S., and how LIV Golf continues to reshape Ryder Cup rosters. With bold predictions for breakout stars like Harris English, Russell Henley, and Matt Fitzpatrick—and potential disappointments for Justin Thomas and Shane Lowry—this episode sets the stage for an unforgettable week. Whether you’re a Ryder Cup diehard or a casual fan, this preview delivers insight, humor, and plenty of “what-if” scenarios to get you ready for golf’s most dramatic spectacle.

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Transcript Highlights

[00:00] – Opening Thoughts & Ryder Cup Hype
Sean Melia: Welcome to Bay State Golf! I’ve got Paul Burke on the line. It’s Ryder Cup week, Burke — how you doing?

Paul Burke: I’m doing great. I feel like I say the Masters is my favorite week every year, but let’s call this my favorite week every two years. It’s the Ryder Cup — love it so much, even named my dog after it. Very cliché, I know.

Sean: Ha! Well, the wait is over. I was looking back at some past Ryder Cup results — 1999 came up, the only U.S. win in that brutal 10-year stretch from 1995 to 2006. Then I realized it’s been nine years since we’ve had a Ryder Cup on home soil without COVID limits.

Paul: Different vibe back then. By the way, how many players from the 2016 U.S. team are on this year’s team?

Sean: Zero, right?

Paul: Exactly. None. The European side has McIlroy, Rose, and Fitzpatrick from 2016. It’s crazy how quickly these rosters turn over.

Sean: And yet the Europeans always feel more settled. Eleven of their twelve players are back from last time, plus Luke Donald as captain again.

Paul: That continuity matters.

[06:30] – Bethpage Black: The Venue & Vibes
Sean: Let’s talk about the course. Thoughts on Bethpage Black as a Ryder Cup venue?

Paul: Love it. Compared to past places like Medina or Valhalla, Bethpage has real personality. Holes like 5 and 1 are unforgettable. It’s going to be loud, it’s going to be tough, and it will look great on TV.

Sean: And that closing stretch across the road — 15, 16, 17 — those holes could decide matches late on Sunday.

Paul: Yeah, though as a fan, it’s hard. There are only four matches on the course at a time. You might camp out on a hole all day and see just one group.

[10:15] – Captains & Strategy
Sean: The U.S. has Keegan Bradley as captain, while Europe kept Luke Donald after winning in Rome.

Paul: And that matters. Europe keeps things consistent — same captain, same team, same formula. The U.S. feels like it’s starting over.

Sean: It’s interesting, too, because if the U.S. loses again, I think there’s going to be serious talk about future captains — Tiger Woods, celebrities, maybe even non-golfers.

Paul: Oh, for sure. The pressure ramps up if they lose at home.

[15:45] – Players Under Pressure
Sean: Big storylines: what if John Rahm struggles? What if Scottie Scheffler only wins two points out of five?

Paul: Rahm’s the key for Europe. For the U.S., Scheffler has to carry the load. And please — no Sam Burns in alternate shot.

Sean: Ha! Bold call. Who breaks out this week?

Paul: Harris English for the U.S. Matt Fitzpatrick for Europe.

Sean: Who disappoints?

Paul: Justin Thomas worries me. Maybe Shane Lowry for Europe too.

[21:40] – LIV Golf Drama
Sean: We can’t avoid the LIV storyline. Bryson DeChambeau makes the U.S. team on points, but he’s still polarizing.

Paul: And Brandel Chamblee on Live From just rips him to shreds every chance he gets. He’s rooting for the U.S., but you can tell he wouldn’t mind Bryson going 0–5.

Sean: Bryson says he’s just “growing the game on YouTube” now. That cracked me up.

[26:10] – Fan Experience & Crowds
Sean: What about the New York crowds? Are we in for chaos?

Paul: I think it’s overblown. Europe loves to build up the idea that the fans will be wild. Most of the crowd paid a fortune to be there. They’re not running around like it’s a college football game.

Sean: Right, and golf fans always get painted with this “rowdy” brush because of a few drunks. Ninety-nine percent of people are just watching golf.

[30:00] – Matchups & Pairings
Sean: Who would you send out first on Friday?

Paul: For Europe, it’s Rory. Always Rory. Probably with Fleetwood. For the U.S., I’d love to see Scheffler with Russell Henley. Just a steady pair to set the tone.

Sean: Any chance Bryson goes out first to stir things up?

Paul: No way. That would be chaos for chaos’s sake.

[35:20] – Predictions & What-Ifs
Sean: What if the U.S. loses?

Paul: Then the captaincy talk explodes. Tiger, Phil, celebrities — all on the table. Europe would have won four of the last five Ryder Cups at that point.

Sean: And what if Europe loses?

Paul: Not much changes. They’ll stick with their system.

Sean: And if Rahm struggles?

Paul: The European media will tear him apart.

[41:15] – Breakout Picks
Sean: So breakout players?

Paul: Harris English for the U.S., Matt Fitzpatrick for Europe.

Sean: I like Russell Henley, especially if he pairs with Scheffler.

[45:10] – Players Who Might Struggle
Sean: Who’s in trouble this week?

Paul: Justin Thomas. And maybe Shane Lowry if things go sideways.

Sean: Lowry runs hot. If the crowd gets to him, it could get interesting fast.

[48:50] – Final Predictions
Sean: So, who wins?

Paul: Europe. Better team, more experience, same captain as last time.

Sean: I just want it close on Sunday. No more blowouts.

[51:00] – Closing Thoughts
Paul: Either way, it’s the best event in golf.

Sean: Totally agree. Bring on Friday morning.