Europe and the USA go head-to-head in the 2025 Ryder Cup and Jon Rahm’s powerful game could be key in bringing success for Europe.
It has been a good year for the Europeans after Rory McIlroy, who is expected to score the most points for Europe, won The Masters, whilst Tommy Fleetwood won the FedEx Cup.
Rahm needed a wildcard pick for the Ryder Cup this year, partly due to his form in the latter stages of 2024 and early stages of 2025, which saw him move out of the top 50 in the world rankings.
The 30-year-old’s form has taken a significant upturn though. He has managed top 10 finishes in 12 LIV Golf events this year, and a further two in majors.
Meanwhile, 11 of the 12 players selected by captain Luke Donald were involved in the win in 2023, including Rahm, which adds top winning experience to the team.
Despite all this, the USA are currently the favourites, so it will take a huge effort from Europe to retain the trophy.
All the golfers involved face a tough challenge of adapting to Bethpage’s brutal layout. Still, this layout is something that could suit Rahm, who has a powerful and accurate driving ability. This, combined with his form, sees the wildcard pick become essential at this year’s Ryder Cup.
Rahm is a two-time major champion and has a 6-3-3 record in the Ryder Cup, and his experience is going to be essential at Farmingdale.
With his form and experience, some are tipping Rahm to rival Rory McIlroy for Europe’s top points scorer as the Spaniard has been on top-form in 2025.
He could be the perfect player to pick up crucial points at Bethpage and he also has very good chemistry with Europe team mate Tyrell Hatton, so the Spaniard will be hoping they are paired together.
The USA have top golfers obviously, including world number one Scottie Scheffler, who has managed six wins in 2025, as well as Patrick Cantlay, who was the top scorer for the USA in the 2023 Ryder Cup.
This makes the challenge even harder for Europe in trying to retain the Ryder Cup, but if wildcard picks like Rahm can be at their best, there’s no doubting that they can cause an upset this year.
Rahm will be hoping to replicate the likes of Sergio Garcia, who was a wildcard pick in 2018. The fellow Spaniard played a key part as he secured three winning points and set a new record in the event.
Rahm comes to the Ryder Cup with a huge point to prove. He wants to prove to captain Luke Donald that he is deserving of a pick, and he will want to show the world that he can get back to his best.
He is ranked 73rd in the world coming into this tournament; however, he has been the world number 1 before, and some of his form this year has shown that he can be the key golfer for Europe at the Ryder Cup.
