We’re introducing a new segment to MyGolfSpy that will focus on debate and roundtable discussion.

Each week, our writers will tackle pressing topics in the golf world. Sometimes those topics will be gear-related but many times they will be 19th-hole debates about professional golf, the recreational game or something else.

We figured starting with this week’s Ryder Cup would be a nice debut. The matches will get underway this Friday morning at formidable Bethpage Black on Long Island. (We hear the New York crowd is already pre-gaming.)

For our first installment of MGS Debates, Sean Fairholm is arguing in favor of Europe retaining the Cup while Brittany Olizarowicz says the American side will defend home soil.

And this isn’t just for show—we both really believe this is how things will turn out (Turncoat Sean will be drinking Guinness all week).

Before we get into it, here are a few facts to set the table.

Current odds have the U.S. as -145 favorites while the Europeans are +150 underdogs. This is nothing new as the Americans are typically favorites in the event (although their odds were closer to -200 the last time they hosted). Eight of the past nine Ryder Cups have been won by the home side. A home team has not lost since 2012 when the Europeans stormed back on Sunday at Medinah. The last five Ryder Cups have been decided by a minimum of five points, meaning that none of those matches has been particularly close. It’s been a slew of blowouts. Europe has won eight of the past 11 Ryder Cups.

Ding, ding! Let’s get into the ring.

Why the American team will win this year’s Ryder Cup

Brittany: Golf isn’t usually a team sport and that’s what makes the Ryder Cup so much fun. No single player can carry the entire event—but it certainly helps when you have the best golfer in the world on your side. I think Scottie Scheffler’s dominance in 2025 sets the tone for Team USA.

The fact that players like Ben Griffin, Sam Burns and J.J. Spaun have been chasing him (and sometimes besting him) all season makes this group even more dangerous. They’re working toward the same goal now and that could be the difference maker.

Why the European team will win this year’s Ryder Cup

Sean: This European team is simply more experienced—there is only one rookie (Rasmus Hojgaard) out of all 12 players. That is in stark contrast to the American team which has four rookies and had to replace core members like Brooks Koepka, Jordan Spieth and Dustin Johnson. The European core from previous Cups remains intact while the youth movement of Ludvig Aberg, Robert MacIntyre and Sepp Straka has fully arrived with previous Ryder Cup experience already under their respective belts.

Three of the top four players in the Data Golf rankings are Europeans and the depth behind those elite guys is arguably the best Europe has ever had.

Why the Americans have better depth than the Europeans

Brittany: What makes this U.S. team dangerous is that even the rookies bring real depth. Guys like Griffin, Spaun and home state favorite Cameron Young aren’t just fillers, they are three of the hottest golfers on the planet and have recently proven they can win on the PGA Tour.

The Americans have a great chance for surprise runs that can counter Europe’s steady middle order. The depth is there. The question is whether those rookies can handle the Ryder Cup pressure.

Why the Europeans have better depth than the Americans

Sean: While the U.S. has better depth on paper—eight of the top 13 players in the world are on their team—that has pretty much always been the case in this event. Ryder Cups are won with experience rather than a few players who got hot during the summer.

Do you trust European depth players like major champions Shane Lowry and Justin Rose? Or do you trust American depth players like Spaun, Griffin and Russell Henley?

I trust the guys who have been in this white-hot spotlight many times before.

Which American player will be the under-the-radar x-factor?

Brittany: A former mortgage loan officer, teeing it up at the People’s Country Club with a $40-a-dozen Maxfli in his bag, is the X-factor without a doubt. Griffin has two wins and 11 top-10 finishes in 2025. He knows this is a massive opportunity and he’s got the game to back it up.

Which European player will be the under-the-radar x-factor?

Sean: Griffin is a really cool story and I could see the New York crowd getting behind him. But on the European side, I am looking at Scotland’s MacIntyre. He’s got a blue-collar game and a personality that have quietly led him to No. 20 in the world.

Big Shot Bob nearly won the U.S. Open and doesn’t shy away from the big stage. He’s very solid tee-to-green (No. 29 in Strokes Gained) and on the greens (No. 36), a great combo in match play.

What is the biggest non-player factor in America’s favor?

Brittany: For me, it comes down to Keegan Bradley. I was lucky enough to play college golf at St. John’s University when Keegan was on the team, and Bethpage Black was our hidden gem. On Mondays, when the course was closed, we could sneak in holes 2–12 thanks to a favor from the superintendent. Keegan loved that course and the opportunity to play it. 

Keegan has always been the kind of guy who makes you want to play better golf. He pumps up every player (and the home crowd) around him and respects great golf, no matter who it comes from. If you’re on his team, you’re lucky. That’s the kind of leadership edge that I think will matter. 

What is the biggest non-player factor in Europe’s favor?

Sean: Luke Donald ran circles around Zach Johnson when the Ryder Cup was in Rome. His unusual decision to mix and match partners throughout Friday and Saturday (as opposed to keeping tandems together) worked to perfection as Europe blitzed the Americans early and never let up.

Along with the likes of Paul McGinley, Donald is among the best captains the European side has had over the past two decades. He is back for another captaincy and, yet again, he will go up against a rookie captain in Bradley. With so many strong, experienced players at his disposal, Donald can be trusted to cook up the right winning recipe.

How many points will the Americans win by?

Brittany: I don’t think this will be a blowout. Europe’s top end is too strong and its middle order is too steady for the U.S. to run away with it. I think the Americans edge it out. USA 15–13 Europe.

How many points will the Europeans win by?

Sean: I also feel like we’re due for a closer contest. Despite the run of lopsided Ryder Cups, it seems like the boisterous American home crowd is going to will their team into the fight. Meanwhile, the Europeans have the horses to withstand the storm. Europe 15.5—USA 12.5.

Top Photo Caption: New York is the stage for the 2025 Ryder Cup. (GETTY IMAGES/N.Y. Yankees)

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