The 2025 Ryder Cup opening ceremony went through without a hitch despite inclement weather forcing a schedule change ahead of one of golf’s biggest events.
The opening ceremony was originally scheduled for Thursday, but anticipated thunderstorms caused organizers to switch things up. The PGA released a forecast on Tuesday that included expectations of up to 0.75′ of rain. As such, the Ryder Cup opted to hold the opening ceremonies on Wednesday afternoon, when conditions were more favorable.
The weather at Bethpage Black figures to be a major theme of the early stages of the Ryder Cup, with showers expected for early play on Friday and possible rain Saturday afternoon. With the tournament already being played on one of the sport’s most challenging courses, this Ryder Cup is shaping up to be a serious test for every player involved.
The ceremonies themselves were just what you would expect. The captains on both teams offered passionate speeches, tying the Ryder Cup to a sense of national pride and the legacy you leave behind. Luke Donald captivated fans entirely by emphasizing that aspect of the tournament, claiming this year’s Europe team was playing for something ‘money cannot buy.’
The U.S. team certainly won the video side of the ceremonies though, with Stu Feiner providing voiceover work behind a beautiful video detailing Bethpage Black and the determination the United States needs to have to get the Ryder Cup back into American arms.
If this ceremony was any indication, we’re certainly in for a great weekend of golf.
Despite the ceremonies being moved up, they were still hosted by Carson Daly and Kira Dixon. However, at least one aspect changed: while Ryder Cup team captains typically announce opening pairings during the ceremonies, ESPN previously reported Wednesday that those announcements will come out Thursday.
Here’s what went down at the 2025 Ryder Cup opening ceremony:
Ryder Cup promo video
Amidst the programming, Stu Feiner provided the voiceover for this Ryder Cup hype video.
Foursomes the most important leg?
As mentioned on the Ryder Cup ceremony broadcast, in each of the last five Ryder Cup tournaments, the team that won the foursomes section went on to win the tournament entirely. In 2023, Europe went 4-0 in Friday foursomes.
Luke Donald with inspiring speech to Team Europe
The Ryder Cup is often praised for its ability to bring top golfers together for a common cause. They play for their nationality, their heritage in a sense, but oftentimes, that aspect of the event is not emphasized. That wasn’t the case with European captain Luke Donald’s pre-tournament speech.
Donald declared that this year’s European team is fueled by ‘something money cannot buy,’ referring to their desire to do their continent proud. If that level of competition holds throughout the weekend, we will be in for an extraordinary Ryder Cup.
Ryder Cup opening ceremonies: TV, streaming, how to watch
Date: Wednesday, Sept. 24
Time: 4-5 p.m. ET
Location: Bethpage State Park Black course (Farmingdale, New York)
TV: Golf Channel
Stream: Fubo, rydercup.com and Ryder Cup app
Watch the Ryder Cup opening ceremony on Fubo (free trial)
Last 5 Ryder Cup results
2023: Europe 16.5 – U.S. 11.5
2021: U.S. 19 – Europe 9
2018: Europe 17.5 – U.S. 10.5
2016: U.S. 17 – Europe 11
2014: Europe 16.5 – U.S. 11.5
Who is on the Ryder Cup teams?
Team USA:
Scottie Scheffler
Xander Schauffele
Collin Morikawa
Russell Henley
J.J. Spaun
Cameron Young
Sam Burns
Patrick Cantlay
Bryson DeChambeau
Harris English
Ben Griffin
Justin Thomas
Captain: Keegan Bradley
Team Europe:
Ludvig Aberg
Matt Fitzpatrick
Tommy Fleetwood
Tyrell Hatton
Viktor Hovland
Rasmus Hojgaard
Shane Lowry
Robert MacIntyre
Rory McIlroy
John Rahm
Justin Rose
Sepp Straka
Captain: Luke Donald
Ryder Cup 2025: TV, streaming, how to watch full tournament
Date: Sept. 26-28
Location: Bethpage State Park Black course (Farmingdale, New York)
TV: NBC, Golf Channel, USA Network
Stream: Peacock, Fubo (free trial to new subscribers)
Watch the 2025 Ryder Cup on Fubo (free trial)