Ryder Cup Week

Welcome to Duffer’s Digest, your premier source for golf news!

With the Ryder Cup just days away, you can already hear the roars from the crowd at Bethpage Black.

We promise to give you the full preview, but first, a quick swing through the pro tour action from recent weeks—because even legends need warm-up laps.

The top highlights?

• PGA Pros Tee It Up

• Ryder Cup Preview: The Calm Before the Storm

Tournament Recap 🏌️

PGA Pros Tee It Up

The PGA Tour kept the momentum rolling with the Procore Championship in Napa, California (Sept. 12-15).

Scottie Scheffler dominated with a tournament score of 19-under, claiming victory and his sixth win of the 2025 season, along with a $1.08 million payday.

Scheffler's steady climb—capping it with birdies galore—further solidified his World No. 1 status heading into Ryder prep.

No majors or LIV fireworks this week, but Scheffler's Napa masterclass reminded us why fall golf is underrated—fewer crowds, more birdies.

Noteworthy Stories ✍🏻

Ryder Cup Preview: The Calm Before the Storm

Yesterday, September 22, the air in Farmingdale, NY, was thick with anticipation—and maybe a hint of trash talk.

Team USA, captained by the boyishly intense Keegan Bradley, arrives as defending home favorites after Europe's dominant 16.5-11.5 thumping in Rome two years ago.

But make no mistake: Luke Donald's Europeans are reloaded, with 11 holdovers from that Italian triumph, including talisman Rory McIlroy, who's chasing a career Grand Slam boost from his 2025 Masters win.

Donald's strategy? Continuity meets grit—retaining four vice-captains (Thomas Bjorn, Edoardo Molinari, Jose Maria Olazabal, Francesco Molinari) and swapping Nicolas Colsaerts for Alex Noren.

Colsaerts, the 'Miracle at Medinah' hero, admitted he's "very disappointed" but backs the squad 100%.

Last impressions? Team USA's practice rounds today showed a unified front: Bradley (a 4-3 Ryder Cup veteran himself) emphasized camaraderie to counter Europe's experience edge.

Scottie Scheffler, fresh off his Procore win and a two-time major champion this year (PGA Championship and The Open), looks more dialed in than ever.

Still, Xander Schauffele's injury-plagued 2025 (missing eight weeks with a rib issue) has him playing catch-up.

Bryson DeChambeau's LIV-fueled bravado? He's promising a "tsunami of USA fans" energy, which could either ignite or implode.

Over on the Euro side, McIlroy's late-season surge (T7 at The Open) has him fired up, calling this squad a "wonderful opportunity" for a historic road win—the first since 2012.

Bethpage Black, that beast of a Tillinghast design, favors bombers like DeChambeau, but potentially brutal rough and greens will test nerves.

Expect drama: USA's four rookies (Ben Griffin, Russell Henley, J.J. Spaun, Cameron Young) vs. Europe's lone newbie (Rasmus Hojgaard).

DataGolf projects USA slightly ahead (0.33 strokes better per player round), but golf's a cruel equalizer.

This feels like redemption for the Yanks... or could it be Europe's ultimate flex?

Dates, Times, and TV: Don't Miss a Shot

The 45th Ryder Cup kicks off this Friday—no excuses for missing the first tee shot. All times ET; tune in via NBCUniversal networks for over 100 hours of coverage, including the most cameras ever on U.S. soil (drones, bunker cams, Trackman on every tee).

Bonus: Golf Channel's Live From the Ryder Cup runs daily (3-6 p.m. weekdays, extended weekends) with on-course breakdowns.

Peacock streams featured groups/matches (one per session) and Breakfast at Bethpage (6-8 a.m. Fri-Sun) hosted by Colin Jost with celeb guests.

Internationally? Sky Sports Golf for our UK mates, starting 9 a.m. ET daily.

Format reminder: 28 matches total (8 foursomes, 8 four-balls, 12 singles). First to 14.5 points wins; 14-14 tie means Europe retains.

Odds to Win: Who's the Smart Bet?
Bookmakers love a home-field edge, and the Yanks have it. As of today:

• USA: -145 (implied ~59% chance)

• Europe: +165

• Tie (Europe retains): +1100

Scheffler's the top prop for points scorer (+300), with McIlroy (+600) and DeChambeau (+850) close behind.

Exact score? USA 15-13 at +1000 is popular. (Odds via DraftKings/FanDuel; bet responsibly, duffers.)

Ryder Cup Buzz: Other Holes-in-One 💪

• Rory-Bryson Beef Alert: McIlroy clapped back at DeChambeau's "tsunami" jab, calling it "fiery showdown" fuel. Expect mic-drop moments.

• LIV Integration: Rahm and DeChambeau headline the cross-tour mashup—proving the PGA/LIV thaw is real, even if tensions simmer.

• Bethpage Lowdown: Public access ends Sept. 22 (shops open through then, no ticket needed). Warning sign at Hole 1? "The Black Course is an extremely difficult course which we recommend only for highly skilled golfers." Perfect for Ryder chaos.

• Celeb Sighting: Wednesday's All-Star Match features Brooklyn Beckham, Eli Manning, and Noah Kahan—because why not?

Golf Deal Of The Week 👀

Looking to upgrade your golf gear without feeling like you just triple-bogeyed your bank account?

Well, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some of the best golf equipment deals to keep your game and budget on par.

From drivers that’ll add serious yardage to your swing, to shoes that feel like walking on freshly cut fairways, these finds are priced to please.

So before you spend big at the shop, take a swing at these sweet deals.

Trust us—your wallet will thank you.

Product: 12-Count Callaway Golf Supersoft Golf Balls

Current Price: $19

Product Details:

• Colors: Red, Yellow, Pink

• The new softer cover system is engineered for even more greenside spin

• Hyperelastic Softfast Core

• Popular for its long distance, straight ball flight, and super soft feel

What’s Next?

There you have it, folks—the week's digest, served with a side of Ryder hype.

Grab your lucky ball marker, rally your crew, and let's watch history unfold.

What's your bold prediction: USA rout or Euro miracle? Hit reply and spill.

Until next time,

— Your Duffer-in-Chief