Ryder Cup 2025 Back row L-R Vice captain Kevin Kisner, vice captain Gary Woodland, vice captain Jim Furyk, Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau, Harris English, Scottie Scheffler, Sam Burns, Ben Griffin, vice captain Webb Simpson, vice captain Brandt Snedeker bottom row L-R Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Captain Keegan Bradley, Xander Schauffele and J.J. Spaun of Team United States and Cameron Young of Team United States pose for a team photo prior to the Ryder Cup 2025 at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course, Farmingdale, New York, USA. 25/09/2025 Picture: Golffile Fran Caffrey All photo usage must carry mandatory copyright credit Golffile Fran Caffrey Copyright: xFranxCaffreyx *EDI*,
Ryder Cup 2025 Back row L-R Vice captain Kevin Kisner, vice captain Gary Woodland, vice captain Jim Furyk, Russell Henley, Bryson DeChambeau, Harris English, Scottie Scheffler, Sam Burns, Ben Griffin, vice captain Webb Simpson, vice captain Brandt Snedeker bottom row L-R Patrick Cantlay, Collin Morikawa, Justin Thomas, Captain Keegan Bradley, Xander Schauffele and J.J. Spaun of Team United States and Cameron Young of Team United States pose for a team photo prior to the Ryder Cup 2025 at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course, Farmingdale, New York, USA. 25/09/2025 Picture: Golffile Fran Caffrey All photo usage must carry mandatory copyright credit Golffile Fran Caffrey Copyright: xFranxCaffreyx *EDI*,
Bryson DeChambeau could not even join the group chat. Kevin Kisner, the 2025 U.S. Ryder Cup vice captain, shared the story on Fore Play this week, and it all started with a phone.
When captain Keegan Bradley set up the team group thread after selections were announced, DeChambeau was the problem. He didn't have an iPhone, which made sharing videos and clips with the rest of the squad impossible.
Bradley's fix was straightforward. "Dude, I've got so much stuff to share with you over the course of the next six weeks," Kisner recalled Bradley telling DeChambeau. "You have to have an iPhone number, even if it's a second phone."
DeChambeau obliged. He went out, got a new number, and passed it along to Bradley. The group chat went live. Messages started flying.
Nobody heard from Bryson. He had given Bradley the wrong number by one digit! For 30 minutes, a random person somewhere in America was on the receiving end of the entire U.S. Ryder Cup team's messages.
"Some random person in America is getting all these comments from the Ryder Cup team," Kisner said on Fore Play.
It did not end there. Kisner said the stranger actually replied.
"Hey, I don't know what any of this is, but good luck," the person reportedly wrote. Someone on the team, assuming it was DeChambeau joking around, fired back: "Whatever, Bryson, funny joke."
The stranger had one more thing to say: “No, seriously, I do not know who these people are.”
It was, as Kisner put it, a hilarious start to the Ryder Cup.
Ryder Cup was hitting it into the rough on purpose, and Team USA walked right into it
The iPhone chaos was funny, but what happened on the course at Bethpage was not.
Kisner revealed on Fore Play that Europe was deliberately hitting into the rough on short holes specifically to kill spin on approach shots. Rain from the day before made the greens softer, turning what was expected to be a tough U.S. Open-style course into one that was much easier to play.
Kisner watched Tommy Fleetwood hit his shot into the right rough on the sixth hole. Rory McIlroy quickly said it was a great shot. Kisner was not sure at first, but then McIlroy hit his next shot from 80 yards in the rough and landed it just a foot from the hole.
"Boys, I think we're f*****. These guys are purposely hitting it in the rough on the short holes to take the spin off," Kisner said.
Collin Morikawa hit the fairway on the same hole. Harris English then tried to spin a wedge back to the pin, but it came up short, missed the putt, and they lost the hole.
"Oh no, this is bad," Kisner said. Bradley faced up and blamed himself for the course setup decision. Europe read the conditions better than anyone on the American side and scraped victory in the Sunday singles.
It was the ninth time in the last 12 renewals that Team USA fell short. Captain Jim Furyk has been named to lead the side at Adare Manor in Ireland in 2027.
Trending slideshow: Most Successful Point Scorers in Ryder Cup History
Aditi Singh
Most Successful Point Scorers in Ryder Cup HistoryThe Ryder Cup began in 1927, when Team USA met Team Great Britain at Worcester Country Club, Massachusetts. What started as a friendly contest became golf’s fiercest rivalry. In 1979, Great Britain expanded to Team Europe, creating the modern format we know today. Over the decades, this biennial battle has delivered drama, pride, and unforgettable moments. Here’s a look at the legends who scored the most points and etched their names into Ryder Cup history. Zuma Press Wire/ImagoMatches: 25 | Record: 15–8–2 | Points: 16.0 | Win %: 64.0 | +3.5
Nicknamed “The Postman” because he always delivers, Poulter thrives when the pressure is highest, turning matches with sheer willpower and heart. Ian thrives when the stakes are highest; his heroics in the 2012 Medinah comeback, draining clutch putts that lifted Europe, cemented his Ryder Cup legend. Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune/MCT/ImagoMatches: 31 | Record: 14–12–5 | Points: 16.5 | Win %: 53.2 | +1
Europe’s quiet but deadly scorer of the ’80s and early ’90s, Woosnam’s singles win at the 1987 Muirfield Cup was iconic. His strength off the tee and fierce competitiveness made him a crowd favorite. Later, as captain in 2006, he also led Europe to a commanding 18½–9½ win at The K Club, sealing his legacy as both a fighter and a leader. Rob Schumacher-USA TODAY NetworkMatches: 28 | Record: 15–9–4 | Points: 17.0 | Win %: 60.7 | +3
Kite’s calm strategic style defined the U.S. The Ryder Cup was played from 1979 to the early ’90s. One of the memorable moments during his tenure was the 1983 PGA National four-ball matches, which showcased his steadiness in team formats. His 28.15 points, three more than last time, highlight how patience and strategy often prevail over raw power. HJS/ImagoMatches: 29 | Record: 16–10–3 | Points: 17.5 | Win %: 60.3 | +3
Justin Rose joined the Ryder Cup in 2008 and quickly became Europe’s reliable closer. His partnership with Henrik Stenson produced some of the most memorable moments in recent Cup history. Rose’s poise and precision under pressure make him a natural fit for the event’s biggest stages. Icon Sportswire/ImagoMatches: 31 | Record: 17–11–3 | Points: 18.5 | Win %: 59.7 | +/-: +3
Lanny Wadkins brought American firepower to the Ryder Cup between 1977 and 1993. Fearless and aggressive, he excelled in match play and often delivered momentum-shifting performances. His short game and intensity earned him respect from teammates and rivals alike, marking him as one of Team USA’s early icons. Imago/Icon SMIMatches: 31 | Record: 18–8–5 | Points: 20.5 | Win %: 66.1 | +5
Known for his partnership with Seve Ballesteros, José María Olazábal epitomised European teamwork. Calm, intelligent, and accurate under pressure, he was a key figure in Europe’s rise through the 1990s. As captain in 2012, Olazábal led Europe to the famous “Miracle at Medinah,” completing one of sport’s greatest comebacks. Richard Ulreich/CSM/ImagoMatches: 47 | Record: 18–22–7 | Points: 21.5 | Win %: 45.7 | -2
No American has played more Ryder Cup matches than Phil Mickelson. From 1995 to 2018, he was Team USA’s emotional core. Though his record swings both ways, his leadership and mentorship defined his contribution. Memorable pairings with Keegan Bradley and Tiger Woods made him a fixture in golf’s biggest battles. Mark Newcombe/ImagoMatches: 38 | Record: 19–14–5 | Points: 21.5 | Win %: 56.6 | +2.5
Ever since joining the Europe team in 2010, Rory McIlroy has been the emotional and strategic leader of modern Europe. His rivalry with Patrick Reed produced some of the Cup’s most electric duels. Combining passion with elite shot-making, McIlroy thrives in high-intensity moments, carrying Europe’s legacy into the next generation. ActionPlus/ImagoMatches: 43 | Record: 20–19–4 | Points: 23.0 | Win %: 51.2 | +/-: +0.5
Nick Faldo brought strategy and control to the Ryder Cup from 1977 to 1997. A master of precision golf, he played crucial roles in Europe’s landmark wins in the 1980s. Faldo’s calm presence and analytical mindset balanced Europe’s fiery personalities, ensuring success even under immense pressure. His contributions laid the foundation for Europe’s sustained dominance. Mark Newcombe/ImagoMatches: 37 | Record: 20–12–5 | Points: 22.5 | Win %: 60.8 | +4
Seve Ballesteros wasn’t just a player; he was a revolution. His creativity, charisma, and fearless approach reshaped European golf. Alongside José María Olazábal, he formed one of the greatest pairings in Cup history. Seve’s flair and determination turned Europe from underdogs into equals, and his legacy continues to define what the Ryder Cup spirit truly means. Colorsport/ImagoMatches: 36 | Record: 20–9–7 | Points: 23.5 | Win %: 65.3 | +5.5
Colin Montgomerie never lost a singles match in his Ryder Cup career. His confidence and consistency carried Europe through high-pressure moments between 1991 and 2006. Montgomerie’s steady iron play and leadership qualities made him a team anchor, inspiring those around him. His performances against stars like Phil Mickelson and David Toms earned him a reputation as one of Europe’s fiercest competitors. David Davies/PA/ ArchiveMatches: 42 | Record: 21–15–6 | Points: 24.0 | Win %: 57.1 | +3
From the 1980s through the early 2000s, Bernhard Langer embodied German precision. A master tactician and calm competitor, he delivered crucial points in close contests. His legendary putting touch and unbreakable composure under pressure defined his Ryder Cup career. As captain in 2004, he led Europe to one of its largest victories, solidifying his legacy as both a leader and player. Claus Bergmann/ImagoMatches: 47 | Record: 21–20–6 | Points: 24.0 | Win %: 51.1 | +0.5
Debuting in 1997, Lee Westwood became the model of consistency for Europe. Calm under pressure and rock-solid off the tee, he anchored pairings with Darren Clarke and Sergio García. His experience across ten Cups made him a stabilising force in Europe’s locker room. Though rarely flashy, Westwood’s reliability and longevity turned him into one of the most respected Ryder Cup veterans. Mark Newcombe/ImagoMatches: 45 | Record: 25–13–7 | Points: 28.5 | Win %: 63.3 | +6
Sergio García has been the beating heart of Team Europe since debuting in 1999. Known for his fire and flair, he thrived in both singles and team formats, forming iconic pairings with Luke Donald, Ian Poulter, and Jon Rahm. García’s creativity around the greens and relentless energy made him a natural match-play competitor. With 28.5 points, he remains the all-time Ryder Cup points leader, a record built on passion and precision. Steven Flynn/Action Plus/Imago
