Attention Shifts to the 2025 Ryder Cup Following U.S. Dominance at Presidents Cup

Attention Shifts to the 2025 Ryder Cup Following U.S. Dominance at Presidents Cup

With the dust settling after the United States’ commanding victory at the 2024 Presidents Cup, all eyes now turn toward the 2025 Ryder Cup, set to take place at the iconic Bethpage Black. The triumph at Royal Montreal Golf Club, where Jim Furyk’s squad displayed grit and determination, served as a potent reminder of American golfing prowess. However, the road ahead for some players is far from certain, as tough decisions loom over the selection process for the Ryder Cup team.

 

After a shaky start on Friday, Furyk’s 12-man team rallied to a decisive victory during the Sunday singles in Quebec. Keegan Bradley’s commanding performance sealed the win, with the 38-year-old showing once again why he remains a pivotal figure in American golf. Yet, Bradley, who is also the captain of the Ryder Cup squad, now faces the challenge of finalizing a roster for one of the most anticipated events in golf, with tough calls ahead regarding the players who may not make the cut.

Keegan Bradley Eyes Ryder Cup Challenges

Keegan Bradley, who played a crucial role in the Presidents Cup victory, now shifts his focus to the upcoming Ryder Cup, a pressure-cooker event on the grandest stage of international team golf. With Bethpage Black set to host the event next September, Bradley has hinted at maintaining some cohesion by keeping the Presidents Cup core intact. However, he also dropped a major hint that some underperformers from Quebec could be left behind as the U.S. attempts to regain the coveted Ryder Cup trophy on home soil.

 

Bradley’s comments sparked intrigue, as fans and pundits alike began speculating about which players might be on the chopping block. Several members of the Presidents Cup team will have to prove their worth if they wish to avoid being axed from the Ryder Cup lineup, a challenge that could prove too steep for some.

 

**Who’s at Risk of Missing the Ryder Cup?**

 

As Bradley and his team begin the process of evaluating potential Ryder Cup candidates, a handful of players from the Presidents Cup roster find themselves in precarious positions. While the victory in Montreal was a team effort, individual performances raised red flags that could spell trouble for some when the Ryder Cup squad is finalized.

 

The Golfing Gazette takes a deep dive into the players at risk of missing the trip to Long Island next September:

 

### **Brian Harman: A Week to Forget**

 

Brian Harman had an unforgettable, but not in a good way, experience at the 2024 Presidents Cup. The left-handed American struggled mightily throughout the tournament, failing to win a single match and leaving Royal Montreal with a dismal 0-0-3 record. His defeat in the singles match against Christian Bezuidenhout was particularly painful, with Harman showing few signs of the form that once made him a top-tier player.

 

Fans were not kind in their assessment of Harman’s performance, with many voicing frustrations over his failure to contribute to the team’s success. Harman’s dismal showing was further highlighted by statistics from Data Golf, which revealed that no player in the tournament lost more strokes than Harman. With a staggering -8.54 strokes gained, his poor play was glaring, and questions now surround whether Bradley will choose to bring him into the Ryder Cup fold.

 

With his place in jeopardy, Harman faces the daunting task of needing to qualify for the Ryder Cup through automatic qualification. Given his recent form, this could be an uphill battle for the former Open Championship winner. A dramatic turnaround in performance is needed if Harman hopes to secure his spot in the team.

 

### **Tony Finau: Past His Prime?**

 

Tony Finau, a long-standing member of U.S. teams in international competition, may also find himself on the outside looking in when it comes to Ryder Cup selection. While Finau ended the Presidents Cup with a respectable 2-2-0 record, his performance lacked the spark many expected. Despite flashes of brilliance, the Salt Lake City native was soundly beaten 5&3 by Corey Conners during Sunday’s singles, a result that punctuated a somewhat underwhelming week for the big hitter.

 

Although Finau has had a solid career representing the United States, including several Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup appearances, his performance in 2024 may be indicative of a player who could be losing his edge in the highly competitive environment of international golf.

 

With younger talents emerging and the competition for spots becoming fiercer, Finau’s place on the Ryder Cup team could be in jeopardy. Unless he finds a way to rediscover his best form in the months leading up to the Ryder Cup, it’s possible that Finau’s days on U.S. teams could be numbered.

 

### **Sahith Theegala: The Rising Star in Question**

 

Sahith Theegala made his debut for the U.S. team at the 2024 Presidents Cup, and while his potential is undeniable, his performance left many questions unanswered. The 26-year-old finished with a 1-1-1 record, a solid yet unspectacular showing that may not be enough to secure him a place in the highly competitive Ryder Cup lineup.

 

Theegala struggled in key moments, particularly during the Friday foursomes, where he posted negative strokes gained. While his youth and talent suggest that he will be a regular fixture in future U.S. teams, the immediate future is less certain. The Ryder Cup could feature returning stars from LIV Golf, such as Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau, and Patrick Reed, all of whom could take Theegala’s place if they return to contention for Ryder Cup slots.

 

For Theegala, the road to the Ryder Cup could depend on his ability to capitalize on the opportunities ahead in 2025. If he can build on his Presidents Cup experience and continue to improve, he may yet find a place on the team. However, with so much at stake and fierce competition for places, Theegala’s spot is anything but guaranteed.

 

**The Road to Bethpage Black Begins Now**

 

As the countdown to the 2025 Ryder Cup continues, the pressure will mount for these and other players hoping to make the U.S. team. Keegan Bradley and his fellow selectors will be keeping a close eye on performance over the next several months, and every tournament could be critical for those on the bubble. For some, the Presidents Cup was a stepping stone toward future glory, but for others, it may have been a wake-up call. Only time will tell who makes the cut and who is left behind as Team USA prepares to take on Europe at Bethpage Black in what promises to be one of the most thrilling Ryder Cups in history.