About this episode
Will Doctor gets you ready for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black this week. Will covers every golfer in the field for the Americans and Europeans. Will dives deep into who and what he thinks is the best strategy for your betting approach. Will Doctor (0:15 - 0:28) opened the show welcoming listeners with energy and promising sharp Ryder Cup insights. Will Doctor (0:33 - 55:37) recapped the fiery ceremonies, noting Luke Donald’s criticism of U.S. systems, Keegan Bradley’s Farmingdale roots, and Kathy Hochul’s repeated boos. He framed the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black as electric and immediately criticized the U.S. for starting with alternate shot, pointing out Europe’s 51–37 advantage in that format since 2002 and calling the decision “an act of insanity.” He explained the point structure—28 total, Europe needs 14 to retain, U.S. 14.5 to win back—and emphasized Europe’s chemistry, with 11 of 12 returning from 2023, compared to a U.S. side rusty after limited recent play. He highlighted the strength of the American roster with Scheffler, Henley, Schauffele, and Thomas but reminded listeners that past U.S. teams with world number ones still lost. Missing veterans like Spieth and Koepka left the squad without seasoned leaders. On Bethpage, he called it a “1936 masterpiece” demanding precision, but said rain-softened conditions and trimmed rough may neutralize its difficulty. On players, Scheffler was praised as “the best long iron player in the game,” likely paired with Henley. J.J. Spaun was credited for elite irons and big-moment poise. Schauffele’s experience (14-8-0) was countered by wild driving, while Henley’s consistency made him invaluable despite lacking distance. Harris English’s poor irons raised doubts, while DeChambeau was seen as a potential difference-maker if paired with a “marksman” like Spaun or Griffin rather than Thomas, whose ball striking woes made him “statistically the worst player on this American team.” Morikawa’s poor prep suggested limited use, while rookies Griffin and Cameron Young were urged as sparks, with Young called the “hometown kid” who should be unleashed early. Cantlay’s 15-6-1 team record earned a call to play every session, and Burns’s putting strength positioned him as a best-ball asset. On Europe, McIlroy was expected to thrive on softened fairways and pair again with Fleetwood, whose form and partnership history made him a projected star. McIntyre was labeled a weak link due to shaky ball striking, while Rose was respected for veteran leadership but doubted for heavy use. Rasmus Højgaard was called a “sneaky weapon” in four-ball, Hatton reliable in foursomes with Rahm but risky in singles, and Lowry and Straka limited by putting and approach struggles. In contrast, Åberg and Hovland were described as statistical machines, with Hovland “a major problem” for the U.S. Fitzpatrick, historically poor at Ryder Cups, was forecasted to break through thanks to sharp recent form. Rahm’s 6-3-3 Ryder Cup record and clutch history, including a win over Tiger in 2018, reinforced his role as Europe’s closer. Will ended without picking an outright winner, instead backing Scheffler as top U.S. scorer (+275) and Europe in foursomes (+135), citing their 7-1 domination in 2023. He concluded that softened Bethpage conditions tilt slightly toward Europe but overall make the 2025 Ryder Cup too close to call Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices