A Week to Remember: My 2025 Ryder Cup

The Ryder Cup has always been on my golf bucket list, but 2025 was different. This year, the Ryder Cup came to Bethpage Black on Long Island, just minutes from my home. From celebrity matches on Wednesday to the drama of Sunday singles, my week was a blur of world-class golf, roaring crowds, and a few unforgettable surprises.

Wednesday: Celebrity Matches

First stop: the merch tent (naturally). Golf merch is my weakness, so walking away with just a sweatshirt and hat felt like a major win. Pro tip: the best $20 you’ll spend all week is renting a cubby to stash your haul so you don’t have to lug it around.

The celebrity matches set the perfect tone. Actors, athletes, and musicians filled the tee sheet, and the atmosphere was pure fun, big swings, big cheers, and none of the pressure. I spent the day roaming the course, checking out sightlines for the rest of the week, and getting up close to some Europeans during their practice.

Then came the biggest surprise: food and drinks were included with every ticket. The on-course “Markets” had everything—water, Gatorade, chicken sandwiches, burgers, chips, apples—all part of the package. For a long day on your feet, it was a game-changer.

Friday: Opening Matches

By Friday morning, the buzz was undeniable. The trains were more packed, shuttle buses took a little longer, and the energy was electric. Chants echoed across the property as fans streamed in.

We caught Patrick Cantlay hitting into the 15th green before heading into the DP World hospitality chalet for lunch. Perched by the 17th green, the chalet offered sweeping views, delicious food, and the chance to take in the matches in style. Just as the afternoon matches were about to start, fighter jets roared overhead, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

The rest of the day was a blur of golf and crowds. We followed groups across the front nine and staked out the 10th fairway to watch every match come through. Moving with the fans, waiting for fairways to clear, and feeling the rumble of cheers in the distance, it was everything you imagine Ryder Cup golf to be.

Saturday: Celebration at Jones Beach

Saturday night was pure magic. DP World hosted a Ryder Cup celebration at Jones Beach, and it exceeded every expectation. From the moment we arrived, the night felt special. We were greeted by acrobats on stilts, a champagne wall, and the Ryder Cup trophy itself. The food was out of this world, the drinks flowed endlessly, and the entertainment lineup was unforgettable.

Carson Daly opened the evening by bringing out golf legends Sir Nick Faldo, Tom Watson, and Billy Foster for a Ryder Cup discussion. A jaw-dropping drone show lit up the sky, followed by fireworks. And then—John Legend at the piano, performing an intimate set. I was in awe. How had I ended up here? It was the kind of night you replay in your head again and again.

Sunday: Singles Showdown

Sunday wasn’t just Ryder Cup singles day; it was also my birthday, which made it all the more memorable.

We started with brunch in the DP World chalet before heading out to the front nine to catch some of the early matches. By the turn, the Americans were fighting back, and the tension ratcheted up with every hole. We grabbed a front-row spot on the chalet balcony overlooking the 17th green just as the matches came through.

The energy was electric, cheers, chants, and the kind of drama only match play delivers. The Americans didn’t quite pull off the comeback, but they gave us everything: hope, fireworks, and some of the most memorable golf I’ve ever witnessed. Celebrating my birthday in the middle of all that? Pretty unforgettable.

Looking Back

The Ryder Cup is unlike any other golf event, part sporting spectacle, part international festival.

And spending my birthday surrounded by Ryder Cup drama at Bethpage? That’s the kind of memory you can’t script. The 2025 Ryder Cup wasn’t just a tournament; it was an experience I’ll be talking about for years.