This children’s article, A kids’ guide to the 2025 Ryder Cup: United States vs Europe, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children practise reading and comprehension, learn useful vocabulary, and discover why the Ryder Cup is one of the most exciting team events in golf. Written by Mark Pulley, an experienced teacher and writer.
When and where is the 2025 Ryder Cup
The 2025 Ryder Cup will be held from the 26th to the 28th of September at Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York. This is the 45th Ryder Cup, and the U.S. team will want nothing more than to take the trophy back from Europe.
Europe won the last Ryder Cup in 2023, beating the USA 16½ to 11½ at Marco Simone in Italy. Now the European arrives in America, hoping to do something they haven’t done since 2012, and that is to win on U.S. soil.
Europe’s recent dominance
Europe has won eight of the last eleven Ryder Cups. That means even when the U.S. hosts, Europe has often found a way to come out on top. The 2023 win was their most recent, and they used a strong mix of experience and teamwork to secure it.
Many of the players who won in 2023 are back again in 2025. That gives Europe an advantage in confidence and practice. Still, the U.S. will be hungry to change the pattern.
How the Ryder Cup works: team spirit and formats
Unlike most golf tournaments, the Ryder Cup is all about team play. Each side has 12 players, led by a captain. The competition happens over three days, with different styles of match play that test cooperation and strategy.
They play foursomes, where two teammates take turns hitting the same ball. Then there’s fourballs, where each player plays their own ball and the best score counts. On the final day are singles, where every player plays one-on-one matches. Every match gives points, and the team with more than 14.5 points wins.
Why the Ryder Cup is so special
There’s something electric about team golf. Normally, golfers compete alone, but in the Ryder Cup, they wear uniforms, cheer for teammates and celebrate together. That energy is part of why fans love the event.
The Ryder Cup also tests the players’ nerves. Everyone wants to win, and the story isn’t over until the last putt drops. That’s why it’s considered one of sport’s greatest events.
Article vocabulary list
- Ryder Cup – a big golf competition between Europe and the United States, played every two years
- Match play – a game format where players or teams compete to win individual holes, not just score lowest overall
- Foursomes – a format where two players on the same team take turns using one ball between them
- Fourballs – each player plays their own ball, and the team uses the lowest score of the pair
- Singles – one-on-one matches between players from opposing teams
- Captain – the leader of each team who decides who plays and how matches are set
- Host venue – the place where the match is held
- Confidence – feeling sure of yourself
Comprehension questions
Just click the plus (+) to see the answer
1. When and where will the 45th Ryder Cup be held?
a) September 26-28, 2025, at Bethpage Black, New York
b) June 10-12, 2025, in California
c) September 26-28, 2025, in Rome
Answer: a) September 26-28, 2025, at Bethpage Black, New York
2. Who won the last Ryder Cup in 2023?
a) United States
b) Europe
c) It was a tie
Answer: b) Europe
3. How many players does each team have in the Ryder Cup?
a) 10
b) 12
c) 14
Answer: b) 12
4. What makes the Ryder Cup special compared to regular golf tournaments?
a) Players compete individually with few spectators
b) It is about teamwork, pressure, and cheering together
c) It is only played in Europe
Answer: b) It is about teamwork, pressure, and cheering together
5. Why is this Ryder Cup extra important for the U.S.?
a) Because they are underdogs this time
b) Because they want to win back the trophy on their home soil
c) Because their captain is new
Answer: b) Because they want to win back the trophy on their home soil
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
