Ryder Cup Preview: Echoes of Medinah and the Battle for Bethpage Black

19 September 2025

The Ryder Cup is back, and the air is thick with anticipation as the world's best golfers prepare for another historic clash. In a special episode of This Sporting Planet, hosts Todd Harris (USA) and Natalie Sawyer (UK) sit down with Ryder Cup winner Nicolas Colsaerts and former pro turned broadcaster Carl Paulson to preview the showdown at the iconic Bethpage Black.

The Ryder Cup is more than just a golf tournament; it's a spectacle of national pride and intense rivalry. As Todd Harris puts it, it's "one of the biggest and most unique rivalries" in sports. This year's edition promises to be particularly special, with Team Europe looking to maintain their recent dominance and Team USA eager to defend their home turf.

Team Europe: Chasing the Miracle of Medinah

Team Europe enters the competition with a strong track record, having won five of the last seven editions. Nicolas Colsaerts, a key member of the 2012 "Miracle of Medinah" team, reflects on that extraordinary comeback. "The mood had changed from the first day to the second," he recalls, noting how a strong speech from captain José María Olazábal and crucial wins on Saturday evening provided a "glimmer of hope" that ultimately led to victory.

"We were getting properly beaten up for the majority of the competition... but all of a sudden, there was hope. That little glimmer of hope that made us realise that it was still achievable." — Nicolas Colsaerts

Colsaerts is optimistic about Team Europe's chances this year, citing the consistency and momentum of the current squad. With 11 of the 12 members from the winning Rome team returning, he believes the "familiarity" and "unity" within the team will be a significant advantage.

Team USA: Rookies, Rankings, and Home Advantage

Team USA, led by captain Keegan Bradley, is a formidable force with a roster stacked with talent, including Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Xander Schauffele. Carl Paulson highlights the impressive depth of the American side, noting that they are "bringing the deepest team they've ever had... in terms of world rankings".

A key talking point is the inclusion of four rookies in the US squad. Paulson dismisses concerns about their lack of experience, pointing to the historically strong record of US Ryder Cup rookies. "They have a better record than the players that have played in Ryder Cups before," he observes. He also praises Bradley's leadership, particularly his decision not to play himself, describing it as a "masterclass... of how to lead people".

Bethpage Black: A Brutal and Relentless Test
The venue for this year's Ryder Cup, Bethpage Black, is notorious for its difficulty. Paulson describes the course as "brutal" and "relentless," a "double black diamond" of golf courses. He anticipates a raucous and loud New York crowd, which will undoubtedly add to the pressure on the players.

"It's a brutal golf course... the New York crowd is going to be nuts. I think we have on paper the makings for one of the greatest sporting events ever." — Carl Paulson

Predictions: A Close and Compelling Battle

Both Colsaerts and Paulson predict a tight contest. Colsaerts is confident in Team Europe's ability to achieve something not seen since Medinah, while Paulson believes the home advantage and the sheer talent of the US side will carry them to victory.

Carl Paulson's Prediction: 15-13 to Team USA.

Natalie Sawyer's Prediction: 15-13 to Team Europe.

For the full, in-depth preview and more exclusive insights from our guests, listen to This Sporting Planet's podcast and watch the full interview on our YouTube channel.