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Why the Ryder Cup entered its modern, competitive era at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 22nd 2025 at 10:11 GMT by Palm Beach Post
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Ryder Cup Returns to Florida’s PGA National, Promising a New Chapter in the U.S.‑Europe Duel

The 2025 Ryder Cup is set to light up Palm Beach Gardens on the Florida Gulf Coast, as the United States and Europe head to the storied PGA National Resort & Spa for a three‑day showdown that will resume every two years after a 2021 break. The event, slated for September 20‑22, will take place on the resort’s two signature courses – the Champions Course and the National Course – and will feature a mixture of match‑play formats that have defined the competition for half a century.

A Brief History of the Ryder Cup

First contested in 1927, the Ryder Cup is the world’s most celebrated golf match‑play event. Teams from the United States and Europe face off in a series of 48 points across 12 foursomes, 12 four‑balls, and 12 singles matches. Winning a total of 25½ points clinches the Cup, and a tie leaves the reigning champions holding the trophy.

The 2025 competition will be the 50th edition of the tournament. The U.S. entered the 2024–2025 cycle with a strong record, having won 27 of the last 29 Cups, while Europe has been striving to level the playing field since their comeback victory in 2018. The Ryder Cup’s return to the U.S. after a brief pause underscores both the sport’s resilience and the enthusiasm of the American fan base.

PGA National – A Classic Venue

PGA National, owned by the PGA of America, has long been a cornerstone of American golf. The resort’s two courses carry a heritage that is no small fit for a tournament that thrives on prestige.

The Champions Course, designed by Bruce Crampton and opened in 1989, is a par‑72 layout that tests shot‑making and precision. Its undulating greens and strategically placed bunkers demand a high level of skill, and the course’s history of hosting the 2014 PGA Championship lends it added gravitas. The Champions Course will host the opening day of the competition, where 12 foursomes will set the stage for the duel.

The National Course, a par‑70 layout opened in 1979, is famed for its wide fairways and large, forgiving greens. It has hosted the U.S. Open in 1972, 1975, and 1980, making it a proven venue for world‑class competition. The National Course will see the final day of play, with the 12 singles matches that could swing the overall result.

The resort’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean adds a picturesque backdrop, while its state‑of‑the‑art practice facilities will be used by both teams to fine‑tune their strategies before each day’s contests.

Format, Rules, and Team Selection

The Ryder Cup’s format has remained largely unchanged for decades. Each of the 12 men on both teams will compete in:

• Foursomes (alternate‑shot): Each pair plays one ball, with teammates alternating strokes.
• Four‑balls (better‑ball): Each player tees off independently; the best score on each hole counts for the team.
• Singles: One‑on‑one matches.

The captains, who are not competing, make strategic decisions on pairings, scheduling, and playing order. The United States is led by Captain Ben Crenshaw, while Europe’s Captain is Sir Nick Faldo.

The teams are selected through a combination of points earned on the PGA Tour and European Tour, with a few discretionary picks granted by the captains. The U.S. team includes players like Jon Rahm, Brooks Koepka, and Rory McIlroy, while Europe boasts talents such as Rory McIlroy, Jonny O’Hara, and Jordan Spieth. The exact roster is still subject to final confirmation and any changes due to injuries or scheduling conflicts.

Ticketing, Broadcast, and Community Impact

Tickets for the 2025 Ryder Cup are expected to sell out quickly, given the event’s popularity and the venue’s capacity. Local businesses in Palm Beach Gardens have already begun to anticipate the influx of visitors, with hotels, restaurants, and retail outlets preparing for a significant uptick in foot traffic. The event also brings a spotlight to the region’s high‑end golf infrastructure, providing a boost to tourism and the local economy.

The competition will be broadcast live by major networks, with the U.S. audience expected to receive coverage on CBS and its streaming partner Peacock. European viewers can tune in via the European Broadcasting Union, ensuring a global reach that mirrors the international nature of the event.

For those wishing to plan their trip, the official Ryder Cup website offers a detailed schedule, including practice sessions, team announcements, and a ticket‑purchase portal. The PGA National website also provides information on course details, lodging options, and the resort’s dining offerings. Both sites serve as essential resources for fans and participants alike.

Anticipated Storylines and Legacy

As the event approaches, several key storylines are shaping the narrative. The United States’ quest to restore its dominance after a 2018 loss to Europe will be a focal point, while European players will be eager to prove that they can maintain their momentum from 2018 onward. The venue itself, being a modern yet historically significant course, raises expectations for both beautiful scenery and challenging play.

Moreover, the Ryder Cup’s return to Florida marks a broader trend of bringing high‑profile sports events to the Sunshine State, reinforcing Florida’s status as a premier destination for both athletes and fans. The tournament’s presence at PGA National underscores the resort’s continued relevance as a hub for elite golf.

In the broader context, the Ryder Cup remains a celebration of the camaraderie and rivalry that defines golf’s most dramatic match‑play format. It brings together legends and emerging stars, all vying for a trophy that has become a benchmark for national pride and sporting excellence.

Looking Ahead

With the competition scheduled for late September, the countdown is already in full swing. Fans, both local and international, are eagerly anticipating the convergence of top talent, historic courses, and the electric atmosphere that only the Ryder Cup can deliver. The 2025 event at PGA National promises to be a pivotal chapter in the long‑standing saga of U.S. vs. Europe, with the potential to alter the course of future tournaments.

For the most up‑to‑date information on tickets, schedules, and team selections, readers are encouraged to consult the official Ryder Cup website and the PGA National Resort’s own portal, which provide the latest news and practical guidance for those planning to witness history in the making.