Farmingdale, New York, September 26, 2025
News Summary
As the Ryder Cup unfolds in Farmingdale, New York, the competition is heating up with Europe taking an early lead. This storied event traces its origins to the life of Samuel Ryder, whose unique background as a community figure rather than a golf enthusiast adds depth to the tournament’s narrative. The 45th edition captures the attention of golf fans worldwide, showcasing not just fierce competition, but also a rich history intertwined with camaraderie and sportsmanship.
Farmingdale, New York — Ryder Cup drama and the curious life of its founder
The golf world has its eyes on Farmingdale, New York this week as the teams battle for one of sport’s most electric trophies. The 45th edition of the Ryder Cup has a living, breathing history behind it — and the man whose name it bears had a life that reads more like a small-town sermon than a golfing origin story.
Fast facts up front
The 45th Ryder Cup is taking place in Farmingdale, New York, from September 26 to 28, 2025.
Samuel Ryder: the man behind the trophy
The origin of the Ryder Cup often gets told as a neat golf tale, but the truth is messier and far more human. Samuel Ryder, the founder of the Ryder Cup in 1927, was not particularly passionate about golf; his Christian faith and community service were his priorities. That sentence nails the surprising contrast: a man whose name now headlines a global sporting clash was driven more by faith and local duty than by love for the sport.
A letter published in 2023 reveals that Ryder enjoyed golf but was more focused on his position as a Magistrate and his company, Heath & Heather. In other words, golf was a pastime that fit into a life already full of civic and business responsibilities.
Samuel Ryder began playing golf in his fifties to improve his fitness, following encouragement from a church friend. That late start did not stop him. He took daily lessons (except on Sundays) and became a competent player, eventually becoming the captain of his local golf club. The daily grind of practice — and strict Sunday rest — sounds almost Victorian, and it shows the methodical way he approached new challenges.
The spark that birthed the Ryder Cup came when Ryder proposed a challenge match between the US and Great Britain & Ireland, leading to the creation of the Ryder Cup trophy. The first match was staged overseas rather than at home, and it set the tone for the competition’s international rivalry.
The first Ryder Cup match took place in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1927, with the US team winning. That event planted the seed for a biennial confrontation that would grow into a sporting spectacle watched by millions.
Community man first, golfer second
Ryder’s civic life was huge. Samuel Ryder, who died in 1936 at the age of 77, is buried in Hatfield Road cemetery in St Albans, UK, near Trinity Church. He remained close to home and community until the end. He was deeply involved in his community, serving as an elder at Trinity Church and helping to build a new church when the congregation outgrew its original space. Those details matter because they show why his name still resonates in St Albans.
Ryder was also involved in local politics, serving as Mayor of St Albans in 1905 and was committed to philanthropy, motivated by the poverty he witnessed in Lancashire. His funeral reflected that civic connection: His funeral was a major civic occasion and the first to be held in an independent church rather than the city’s Anglican Cathedral.
Today Ryder is remembered for his contributions to both golf and his community, with a school and hotel in St Albans named after him. Those local honors underline how he balanced public service and sporting legacy.
From historic roots to modern fireworks
The tournament Ryder dreamed up is no sleepy social match anymore. The Ryder Cup is now viewed as a highly competitive and exhilarating event, captivating millions of viewers worldwide. Organizers push hard to keep the event about fierce competition paired with respect: The current organizers of the Ryder Cup emphasize the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that Ryder embodied through this historic sporting event.
2025 action — European early sting, U.S. scramble
The first morning session saw Europe put pressure on the hosts. The American team faced challenges in the 2025 Ryder Cup, struggling significantly in the morning matches against Europe, who secured a commanding 3-1 lead after the first session. That kind of start has pundits and fans talking about lineup switches and spark plays for the afternoon.
Eyes were on the big names too. Players who participated in the matches include notable golfers such as Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory McIlroy. With star power on both sides, the narrative quickly shifted from surprise drubbing to potential U.S. comeback.
Significant changes were anticipated in the U.S. team after their disappointing morning performance, with hopes to rally in the afternoon matches. Tabloid energy aside, the Ryder Cup’s format allows for dramatic turnarounds and momentum swings, which is why fans stick around.
Why fans should care
For golf nuts, the Ryder Cup is a blend of strategy, ego, and raw team spirit. You get veteran match-play savvy, rookie nerve, and the kind of wild, partisan crowds that turn golf into a theatrical event. The backstory of Samuel Ryder adds a human flavor to it — a man who went from magistrate and business owner to the namesake of one of golf’s great contests.
What to watch next
- How the U.S. reshuffles pairings and pair chemistry in the afternoon session.
- Whether the early European momentum can be sustained over the full three days.
- The crowd energy in Farmingdale and how star players handle it under pressure.
FAQ
When and where is the 45th Ryder Cup taking place?
The 45th Ryder Cup is taking place in Farmingdale, New York, from September 26 to 28, 2025.
Who was Samuel Ryder and what motivated him?
Samuel Ryder, the founder of the Ryder Cup in 1927, was not particularly passionate about golf; his Christian faith and community service were his priorities.
Was there a recent letter about Ryder?
A letter published in 2023 reveals that Ryder enjoyed golf but was more focused on his position as a Magistrate and his company, Heath & Heather.
When did Ryder start playing golf?
Samuel Ryder began playing golf in his fifties to improve his fitness, following encouragement from a church friend.
How did Ryder learn golf and what was his club role?
He took daily lessons (except on Sundays) and became a competent player, eventually becoming the captain of his local golf club.
How did the Ryder Cup originate?
Ryder proposed a challenge match between the US and Great Britain & Ireland, leading to the creation of the Ryder Cup trophy.
Where and when was the first Ryder Cup match held?
The first Ryder Cup match took place in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1927, with the US team winning.
Where is Samuel Ryder buried?
Samuel Ryder, who died in 1936 at the age of 77, is buried in Hatfield Road cemetery in St Albans, UK, near Trinity Church.
What was Ryder’s community involvement?
He was deeply involved in his community, serving as an elder at Trinity Church and helping to build a new church when the congregation outgrew its original space.
Did Ryder hold political office?
Ryder was also involved in local politics, serving as Mayor of St Albans in 1905 and was committed to philanthropy, motivated by the poverty he witnessed in Lancashire.
How was Ryder’s funeral notable?
His funeral was a major civic occasion and the first to be held in an independent church rather than the city’s Anglican Cathedral.
How is Ryder remembered locally?
Ryder is remembered for his contributions to both golf and his community, with a school and hotel in St Albans named after him.
How is the Ryder Cup viewed today?
The Ryder Cup is now viewed as a highly competitive and exhilarating event, captivating millions of viewers worldwide.
What do current organizers emphasize?
The current organizers of the Ryder Cup emphasize the spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship that Ryder embodied through this historic sporting event.
How did the American team fare in the 2025 morning session?
The American team faced challenges in the 2025 Ryder Cup, struggling significantly in the morning matches against Europe, who secured a commanding 3-1 lead after the first session.
Who played in the matches?
Players who participated in the matches include notable golfers such as Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, and Rory McIlroy.
What adjustments were expected after the morning?
Significant changes were anticipated in the U.S. team after their disappointing morning performance, with hopes to rally in the afternoon matches.
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Quick reference table
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Event | 45th Ryder Cup |
| Location | Farmingdale, New York |
| Dates | September 26–28, 2025 |
| Morning session score | Europe 3 – 1 United States (after first session) |
| Notable players mentioned | Bryson DeChambeau; Justin Thomas; Scottie Scheffler; Rory McIlroy |
| Founder | Samuel Ryder (founder of the Ryder Cup in 1927) |
| Founder burial place | Hatfield Road cemetery in St Albans, UK, near Trinity Church |
Keep the scorecard close and your instincts closer — a Ryder Cup afternoon can flip the script in a heartbeat. Whether you’re following for the drama, the history, or the human stories behind the names, this Farmingdale weekend delivers on all fronts.
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Additional Resources
- ESPN: Europe seizes 3-1 Ryder Cup lead
- CBS Sports: Ryder Cup 2025 Live Updates
- CNN: Ryder Cup Live Updates
- New York Times: Ryder Cup Friday Pairings
- Google Search: Samuel Ryder
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