Tag: 2025 Ryder Cup

Five Predictions for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

1. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton Will Go Unbeaten as a Pair at the 2025 Ryder Cup

There’s chemistry, and then there’s whatever Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton have when they step into match play together. Both are aggressive and fearless under pressure. They’ll embrace the chaos of Bethpage, lean into the hostile crowd, and thrive as the villains on U.S. soil during the 2025 Ryder Cup. They also play together on LIV Golf’s Legion XIII team, which only strengthens their partnership.

2. Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley Will Be the Leading Point Scorers for Team USA

Scottie Scheffler is due for a breakout 2025 Ryder Cup performance and this time he will deliver. If paired with Russell Henley, one of the most accurate iron players on tour, the two could become Team USA’s most reliable duo. Their sharp ball striking and consistency are a great fit for Bethpage. They also played very well together at the 2024 Presidents Cup.

3. Shane Lowry Will Spark a Moment with a USA Fan and It Will Go Viral

There’s always that moment at every Ryder Cup when emotions boil over. This time, it could come from Shane Lowry. He plays with passion and lives for Team Europe. That with a hostile New York crowd and the Ryder Cup spotlight, and it’s easy to imagine Lowry getting into a heated back-and-forth with a fan. This would be box office!

4. Scottie Scheffler vs. Rory McIlroy Will Be the Heavyweight Showdown That Kicks Off Sunday Singles

World No. 1 vs. World No. 2. The top player from each team leading the way into what could be a close Sunday at Bethpage. Scheffler and McIlroy are the biggest names on either side, and putting them out first would set the tone right away. The energy would be high and every shot would be box office.

5. Bob MacIntyre Will Drain the Winning Putt for Team Europe

Bob MacIntyre was one of Europe’s quiet heroes in 2023. In 2025, he could be their finisher. He has grit, a calm presence, and the kind of underdog mentality that makes him dangerous in match play. If the 2025 Ryder Cup comes down to the final few matches, MacIntyre is exactly the kind of player who could step up and bury the winning putt to clinch it for Team Europe on U.S soil.

Will Buttleman is VPAR’s Social Media and Events Manager.

A former professional cricketer, Will played for Essex County Cricket Club from 2018 to 2023 before joining the VPAR team in 2024. During his cricket career, he competed in First Class, List A, and T20 matches, contributing to the club’s recent successes.
Now, Will’s focus has shifted to golf. He plays off a VPAR Handicap of 4.5 and is aiming to reach scratch in the near future. His favourite course is Poppy Hills, a hidden gem just above Pebble Beach, and his top venue to work at is Waterville Golf Links in County Kerry, Ireland.
Whether you’re seeking top golfing destinations, a fresh perspective on the ever-changing professional game, or betting tips for major events, Will offers valuable insights. For him, golf is more than just a sport – it’s a lifestyle, and he loves sharing that passion with the VPAR community.

USA Team Demanding Payment to Compete in the 2025 Ryder Cup

Posted on by Ivana Miteva

What’s the reason?

The PGA of America recently announced that each of the 12 Ryder Cup players on Keegan Bradley’s side will receive $500,000 (£395,000). $300,000 (£237,000) of that donated to a charity or charities chosen by each player. The remaining $200,000 (£158,000) has been termed a “stipend”.

Source: Pexels Images

The USA Ryder Cup team’s desire to be paid stems from a combination of factors related to revenue generation, player workload, and perceived fairness. Here’s a breakdown of why this topic has become increasingly relevant.

Massive Revenue Generation

The Ryder Cup generates hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue through ticket sales, sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and merchandise. However, the players themselves do not receive a direct payment for participating. Some view this as unfair considering they are the main attraction driving the event’s success.

Time and Commitment

Playing in the Ryder Cup requires a significant time commitment. This includes preparation, travel, and participation in team events. Unlike regular PGA Tour events where players earn prize money, the Ryder Cup does not offer financial compensation, despite the players sacrificing personal time and energy.

Growing Player Influence

With the rise of high-paying golf leagues like LIV Golf and the evolving power dynamics within professional golf, top players have begun to realize their value as assets. Many believe that they should share in the financial rewards. Mostly because the event profits so heavily.

Historical Context

This debate isn’t new. Back in 1999, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson raised concerns about players not being compensated, suggesting that some earnings could go to charities or player causes. While a portion of Ryder Cup proceeds does go to charitable donations and player-nominated foundations, some players feel their contributions are undervalued.

Pressure on the PGA of America

The PGA of America organizes the Ryder Cup and reaps the financial benefits. Unlike the European Tour, where profits help sustain the tour itself, many players question where the PGA of America’s profits are allocated and why players do not see a share.

Changing Perception of “Playing for Pride”

While the Ryder Cup has always been about playing for pride, passion, and country, younger generations of players may have different expectations. In an era where professional sports are more commercialized than ever, the idea of unpaid participation feels increasingly outdated to some.

Ultimately, this issue highlights a clash between tradition and modern commercial realities. The players recognize their role in making the Ryder Cup a global spectacle. Therefore, believe they deserve compensation that reflects their contribution to its success.

Niall Ashworth is VPAR’s Business Development Manager.

A golf industry stalwart, Niall has spent the majority of his career helping Corporates and Charities take their guests Golf Day experience to the next level having run 1,000+ events in countries around the World.
Niall attended Nottingham Trent University, where he studied Business and Sport, before working at the Rugby World Cup in 2015.

He spends any free time he has on the fairways of Worplesdon Golf Club in Surrey trying to maintain his 6.1 Handicap Index! His three favourite Golf Courses are Clearwater Bay in Hong Kong, Torrey Pines in San Diego and Trump International in Scotland. With special mentions to Sentosa and Kingsbarns!
He uses a Taylormade M4 Driver & Fairway Woods, Titleist T100 irons, Titleist Vokey Wedges and a Bettinardi Arm-Lock putter with a Left Dash ProV1 Golf Ball (not that it matters!)

If you have any feature requests or golf news that you’d like Niall to review please contact him @vpargolf across socials!