Ewan Murray
Player of the tournament: Viktor Hovland. That half-point on day three was crucial… Just kidding, the award really goes to Tommy Fleetwood. His singles loss shouldn’t overshadow his overall contribution. He’s definitely a future major champion.
Rookie of the tournament: Cameron Young, who just beat out JJ Spaun for his determination in defeating Justin Rose on Sunday. This victory sparked a massive comeback by the U.S. team at the Ryder Cup.
Best celebration: Shane Lowry’s mix of tears, dancing, and shouting when Europe retained the Ryder Cup will be hard to top in 2025 sports moments. A truly memorable occasion for the Irishman.
Best match: Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry’s tied fourball against Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay on Friday afternoon was thrilling down to the final putts.
Funniest moment: Bryson DeChambeau backing off when Ian Finnis, Fleetwood’s imposing caddie, stepped in to defend his player during a heated exchange on Saturday afternoon—a confrontation DeChambeau wisely avoided.
In 2027, Europe will… welcome the U.S. team with open arms in Ireland, showering them with kindness instead of hostility. It’s a smart response to the unpleasant atmosphere at Bethpage, proving the Ryder Cup doesn’t need to be so contentious.
[Image description: Ian Finnis, caddie for Tommy Fleetwood, intervenes after a tense moment with Bryson DeChambeau during Saturday’s fourballs.]
Andy Bull
Player of the tournament: While others played more and scored higher, Europe would have lost without Shane Lowry’s clutch performances on Saturday and Sunday.
Rookie of the tournament: Cameron Young carried the U.S. team early on, earning two of their four-and-a-half points, and then led the singles charge by edging out Justin Rose in a match that went to the 18th hole.
Best celebration: Lowry’s intense reactions were unforgettable—at times, it was hard to tell if he was celebrating a great shot or ready to jump into a brawl.
Best match: Rose and Fleetwood’s Saturday fourball against Scheffler and DeChambeau had it all: plenty of birdies and a scuffle between caddies.
Funniest moment: MC Heather McMahan being booed into silence when she tried to start a new chant for Scottie Scheffler to the tune of “We Will Rock You” at the first tee.
In 2027, Europe will… likely be much more welcoming than New York was.
[Image description: Europe’s Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood celebrate their fourball win against Scottie Scheffler and Bryson DeChambeau.]
Bryan Armen Graham
Player of the tournament: Rory McIlroy was Europe’s driving force—consistent, clutch under pressure, and unbeaten in the first two days despite intense hostility.
Rookie of the tournament: Cameron Young, playing in his home state, ignited the U.S. team with fearless play and composure, finishing 3-1-0 and shining for captain Keegan Bradley.
Best celebration: Was it Lowry’s joyful dance after sinking a six-footer to keep the trophy, or his sharp retort to a rowdy fan after an eagle putt in the Saturday fourballs?
Best match: McIlroy and Lowry’s victory over Thomas and Young was golf under pressure—extra security, taunting opponents, and constant tension. Europe made the key putts and walked off to cheers, not chaos.
[Image description: Increased police presence following the fourball match featuring Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young.]
Funniest moment: Watching a small group of about two…On Saturday night, more than an hour after play ended, dozens of fans wrapped in Irish flags sang to DeChambeau as he practiced hitting balls on the range.
By 2027, the U.S. will likely claim to have learned from past mistakes, only to fall back into the same pattern: prioritizing individuals over the team. The culture celebrates personal brands rather than unity, leading to fractured partnerships and another European victory.
Player of the tournament
It’s impossible not to adore Tommy Fleetwood. He earned four out of five points and remained a cheerful, positive presence despite intense pressure. He even charmed Scottie Scheffler’s caddie, defusing a tense situation just as the angry caddie was on the verge of embarrassing himself during a dispute over encroachment.
Europe’s Tommy Fleetwood had plenty of fans cheering him on at Bethpage Black. Photograph: James Marsh/Shutterstock
Rookie of the tournament
Cameron Young started his Ryder Cup career with five birdies in his first 13 holes, becoming the first American in 30 years, since Phil Mickelson, to win his debut match by six holes. He then stayed composed during Justin Rose’s singles comeback, proving his talent from start to finish.
Best celebration
A tie between two celebrations at opposite ends of the coolness scale: Justin Rose confidently striding after a 20-foot putt on the 8th hole during day two, even before the ball was halfway to the cup, and Shane Lowry revealing his unexpected skill for interpretive dance.
Best match
JJ Spaun, who nearly matched Cameron Young as top rookie, outplayed Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka with precise iron shots on the 17th and 18th holes Saturday afternoon. He snatched victory from defeat with a classic matchplay comeback, showing great nerve and preventing a session sweep. Rahm can take comfort in hitting the tournament’s best shot earlier that day, chipping in from a deep bunker on the 8th with his hands low on the club, a tribute to Seve Ballesteros.
Funniest moment
“Guys, shut the fuck up!” Rory McIlroy snapped with clear contempt, silencing some hecklers. He then turned around and hit an iron from 149 yards to within 3 feet to win the match. It’s best not to provoke the bear. This iconic Ryder Cup moment will always bring a smile. Bryson’s drive landing in a trashcan was almost too perfect.
By 2027, Europe will … still gladly play for the love of the game, not for money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of helpful and concise FAQs about Guardian writers sharing their top moments from the 2025 Ryder Cup
General Beginner Questions
1 What is this article about
This article is a collection of personal reflections from various sportswriters at The Guardian where they each highlight the most memorable moment for them from the 2025 Ryder Cup
2 What is the Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup is a famous biennial golf tournament between teams of professional golfers from the United States and Europe Its known for its intense team spirit and passionate crowds
3 Why are writers sharing their top moments
It gives readers a unique behindthescenes perspective Instead of just a match report you get to see which moments resonated most with the experts who were there watching
4 Where can I find this article
You can find it on The Guardians website most likely in their sports section
Content Insight Questions
5 Do the writers all pick the same moment
Typically no Thats the point of the feature Writers often choose different momentsa dramatic putt a display of sportsmanship a rookies performance or even a fan interactionwhich gives a more complete picture of the event
6 What kind of moments do they usually highlight
They often pick moments that were pivotal to the outcome emotionally charged or that encapsulated the unique spirit of the Ryder Cup like an unexpected comeback or a clutch performance under pressure
7 Will this article spoil the results for me
Yes absolutely This article is a reflection on the tournaments key events so it will discuss the outcome and major highlights Its best to read it after you know the final result
8 Are the writers biased towards one team
The Guardian is a UKbased publication so its writers may have a natural inclination towards the European team However professional journalists strive for objectivity and often celebrate great golf regardless of which team delivers it
Practical Advanced Questions
9 How is this different from a standard match report
A match report chronologically details the scores and key plays This feature is more analytical and personal focusing on the significance and emotional impact of specific events rather than just the facts
