Golf fans were treated to a night of glitz and glamour as Team Europe and Team USA came together for the official Ryder Cup Welcome Dinner on Tuesday evening.
Hosted at the stately Hempstead House in Sands Point, New York, the event offered a rare chance for players and their families to unwind before the intensity of competition kicks off at Bethpage Black.
Players and Partners Shine on the Red Carpet
The evening saw golfers arrive in their finest attire, accompanied by their significant others.
WAGs (wives and girlfriends) of both teams turned heads in elegant gowns while photographers captured every glamorous moment.
Rory McIlroy led the arrivals for Team Europe, sporting a sharp black suit and tie, while his wife Erica Stoll opted for a sleek black dress.
Shortly after, Jon Rahm arrived with his wife Kelley, who dazzled in a bronze gown adorned with crystal details.
Smiling and posing for photos, the couple represented a united European contingent under captain Luke Donald.
Outside the mansion, the European WAGs gathered for a lighthearted group selfie, sharing laughs before heading inside.
Meanwhile, the European players—including Rahm, Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Tyrrell Hatton, Tommy Fleetwood, and Viktor Hovland—stood together for a formal team portrait, all suited up and beaming with anticipation.
Tradition Meets Team Bonding
The welcome dinner is a cherished Ryder Cup tradition, offering players the chance to relax and build camaraderie across teams.
It’s the calm before the storm, as golfers prepare to face one of the toughest challenges in professional golf.
The 2025 Ryder Cup officially begins on Friday, September 26, at Bethpage Black in Long Island, a course notorious for testing every facet of a player’s game.
This marks the first U.S. Ryder Cup since 2021 at Whistling Straits, where Team USA delivered a dominant win.
Team Europe, meanwhile, will look to defend their 2023 title from Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome.
Practice Rounds and Pre-Tournament Excitement
Players will return to the course on Wednesday for practice rounds, finalizing their strategies and pairings for the Friday foursomes.
While the focus is squarely on golf, the lead-up to the tournament has already brought unexpected drama.
Security Concerns Ahead of Competition
Heightened security has become a top priority. President Donald Trump is scheduled to attend in support of Scottie Scheffler and the U.S. team, adding complexity to an already massive operation.
Authorities are preparing for potential threats, following the recent assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah.
Major Stephen Udice, the man overseeing Ryder Cup security, told the BBC, “If anything, the likelihood of somebody trying to use an event like this to make a statement is only increased.”
Measures include drones, bomb-disposal dogs, and specialized chemical, biological, and radiological units—security comparable to that of a Super Bowl.
Tension and Anticipation
With world-class athletes, dazzling guests, and unprecedented security measures, the stage is set for a Ryder Cup unlike any other.
As players, fans, and officials prepare, all eyes will be on Bethpage Black this Friday when Team USA and Team Europe tee off for the ultimate golf showdown.