Europe’s 15-13 triumph at Bethpage Black marked their first away victory since 2012, ending what felt like an impossible comeback attempt by the Americans. Most weekend golfers will never face that kind of pressure, but there’s gold to be mined from watching how the world’s best handled themselves when everything was on the line.
1. Short Game Separates Winners from Losers
Tommy Fleetwood earned the Nicklaus-Jacklin Award for embodying the Ryder Cup spirit, but his putting told the real story all week. Shane Lowry’s birdie on 18 to retain the cup wasn’t a fluke – it was the culmination of relentless preparation on those mid-range putts that make or break amateur rounds.
Stop obsessing over your driver. Those 8-foot putts you’re leaving short? They matter more than you think.
FARMINGDALE, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Tommy Fleetwood of Team Europe reacts to his putt on the seventh hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park on Saturday, September 27, 2025, in Farmingdale, New York. (Photo by Michael Reaves/PGA of America)
2. Ego Is the Enemy of Good Golf
Luke Donald’s European squad never tried to turn Bethpage into something it wasn’t. They played percentages while the Americans often reached for heroic shots that backfired. Your Saturday foursome doesn’t need fireworks – it needs fairways and greens.
Take what the course gives you. That conservative approach might feel boring, but it keeps double bogeys off your card.
3. Setup Mistakes Compound Quickly
Captain Keegan Bradley later admitted he should have trusted his instincts about course setup. Amateur golfers make similar errors – playing from the wrong tees, ignoring pin positions, or refusing to adjust their strategy when conditions change.
Survey the situation before you swing. Wind direction, pin placement, and your current form should all influence club selection.
FARMINGDALE, NY – SEPTEMBER 25: Team United States Captain Keegan Bradley sits with his dad, Mark Bradley during the 2025 Ryder Cup Practice Round on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park on Thursday, September 25, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/PGA of America)
4. Resilience Beats Raw Talent
Scottie Scheffler defeated Rory McIlroy in singles after struggling through team matches. Bryson DeChambeau clawed back from 5-down through seven holes to halve his match with Matt Fitzpatrick. Both players could have folded.
Bad starts happen to everyone. The difference between a ruined round and a salvaged one often comes down to how quickly you forget the last hole and focus on the next shot.
Sep 28, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team USA golfer Bryson DeChambeau reacts on the 18th hole on the final day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
5. Find Your Ideal Playing Partner
European pairings clicked while American combinations often looked forced. The McIlroy/Fleetwood partnership steamrolled opponents because their games complemented each other perfectly.
Pay attention to who brings out your best golf. Some playing partners push you to try harder shots; others help you stay patient. Find the ones who make you play smarter.
Sep 26, 2025; Bethpage, New York, USA; Team Europe golfers Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton celebrate after winning their match on the fifteenth hole on the first day of competition for the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. Credit: Brendan Mcdermid-Reuters via Imagn Images
6. Sweat the Small Stuff (Sometimes)
Donald’s attention to detail – even changing hotel amenities – might seem excessive, but it reflects a mindset that preparation matters. Your pre-round routine, equipment maintenance, and even your breakfast can affect performance.
Develop consistent habits. The same warm-up, the same pre-shot routine, the same mental approach. Eliminate variables wherever possible.
7. Crowds Don’t Control Your Scorecard
McIlroy faced hostile crowds and personal attacks throughout the week, yet remained focused on executing shots. Most amateur pressure is self-created, but the principle remains: external noise can’t hurt your score unless you let it.
Whether it’s playing partners giving advice, strangers watching from adjacent holes, or your own inner critic – tune it out. The ball doesn’t care who’s watching.
FARMINGDALE, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Team Europe fans hold posters of Viktor Hovland, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, and Tommy Fleetwood during the 2025 Ryder Cup on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park on Saturday, September 27, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. (Photo by Michael Reaves/PGA of America)
8. Failure Teaches More Than Success
DeChambeau’s comeback became one of the week’s defining moments not because he won, but because he refused to quit when defeat seemed certain. Your worst rounds often contain your most valuable lessons.
Track what goes wrong, not just what goes right. Three-putts, missed fairways, poor course management decisions – write them down and learn from the patterns.
FARMINGDALE, NY – SEPTEMBER 27: Collin Morikawa of Team United States reacts to missing his putt on the eighth hole during the 2025 Ryder Cup on the Black Course at Bethpage State Park on Saturday, September 27, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. (Photo by Michael Reaves/PGA of America)
9. Have a Plan Beyond “Hit It Good”
Europe’s strategic focus on winning their fifth away Ryder Cup gave every shot purpose. Amateur golfers often step onto the first tee with no clearer goal than shooting well.
Set realistic targets before you play. Maybe it’s hitting 10 greens in regulation, or avoiding three-putts, or playing bogey-free on par 3s. Give yourself something concrete to chase.
10. Remember Why You Started Playing
Cameron Young’s emotional reaction to playing in front of New York crowds captured something essential about competition. Golf at its best creates moments you’ll remember long after you’ve forgotten the scores.
Don’t get so wrapped up in shooting lower that you forget to enjoy the walk. The best rounds aren’t always the lowest ones – they’re the ones that remind you why you fell in love with this maddening game in the first place.
The Europeans didn’t win because they had better players. They won because they executed fundamentals under extreme pressure. Those same fundamentals work just as well when the only thing at stake is a $2 Nassau and bragging rights at the 19th hole.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “The Starter” on RG.org each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more Tips!
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