McIlroy Leads Europe at Rowdy Bethpage

Rory McIlroy is leading Team Europe at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black as the team’s veteran captain‑figure, making his eighth appearance after debuting in 2010 and fresh off a Masters win that completed his career Grand Slam. Europe returns 11 of the 12 players from the 2023 winning side and is relying on McIlroy as the emotional core as it seeks to overcome home‑team dominance. The week has featured intense crowd energy — McIlroy has faced jeers and chants but was also swarmed for autographs — and partisan drama may be amplified by an expected visit from former President Donald Trump and fired‑up U.S. players. McIlroy is paired with Tommy Fleetwood in Friday’s third foursomes against Collin Morikawa and Harris English. Organizers confirmed the one‑ball rule will not be enforced for 2025 foursomes, allowing players to change balls after each hole while still requiring the tee‑shot’s chosen ball to be played through the hole, a technical tweak with tactical implications.