THE Ryder Cup is underway in New York as Team Europe look to win on enemy soil for the first time since 2012.
Luke Donald‘s team are the defending champions following a dominant 16.5-11.5 win over the Americans two years ago.
Team Europe are looking for their first win in America for 13 years[/caption]
The European captain has made just one change to the team that secured victory in Rome, with Rasmus Hojgaard replacing his twin brother Nicolai.
That said, an unexpected name was invited to be a part of Team Europe’s non-playing staff for the 45th edition of the Ryder Cup.
Premier League legend Gianfranco Zola has joined the defending champions out in New York and SunSport can reveal what the Italian icon’s role is at Bethpage Black.
Ryder Cup 2025 – all the info
The Ryder Cup is BACK as Team Europe defend their crown on American soil this weekend
Luke Donald‘s team are in New York ahead of the big start on Friday, having dominated the prestigious competition in the 21st century – winning eight of the 11 meetings since 2002.
But only two of those wins have come in the United States, with Team USA winning both the 2021 and 2016 competitions.
In fact, Team Europe has only won one of the four Ryder Cups held in the US – 2012 – since their win there in 2004 and Team USA enter this year’s competition as the odds-on bookies’ favourites.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Ryder Cup 2025…
RYDER CUP 2025 BETTING TIPS, FREE BETS AND LATEST ODDS
All the info
- LIVE BLOG – RYDER CUP 2025 AS IT HAPPENS
- Dates, time, confirmed teams and format
- How to watch the Ryder Cup
- Is there prize money?
- Ryder Cup rich list revealed
Latest news
- Scheffler reveals what he’ll do with $500k Ryder Cup payment
- Brooklyn Beckham humiliated in Ryder Cup All-Star game
- Matches forced to move due to severe weather
- Fans get free food and drink… as part of $750 entry fee
- McIlroy reignites DeChambeau feud days before Ryder Cup
- EXCL – I played the brutal course and embarrassed myself
- Meet the Team Europe WAGs
- Meet the Team USA WAGS
Why is Gianfranco Zola with Team Europe at Ryder Cup?
Zola will be Team Europe vice-captain Francesco Molinari’s designated buggy driver at the Ryder Cup.
The two became close friends when the golfer moved to London in 2009 and Zola was the manager of Molinari’s beloved West Ham.
The legendary footballer has a single-figure handicap and has often played in the pro-am event at the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.
Molinari discussed his relationship with Zola before Europe’s 2018 Ryder Cup win, he said: “He likes his golf. He started playing here in England when he played for Chelsea. Now he has a lot of free time and he is playing a lot more.
“We are becoming good friends and he is a really nice guy to play with and spend time with.
“We have talked about playing in the Ryder Cup and we made the comparison that the Ryder Cup is like playing in the World Cup for footballers.
RYDER CUP 2025 BETTING TIPS, FREE BETS AND LATEST ODDS
“We were talking about the pressure you feel and how you try to use it to your own advantage.
“It has been good to talk to someone else who has been in a similar position where the world will be watching you.”
The Italian’s role with Team Europe will be much more than driving Molinari around Bethpage Black.
The football icon played under immense pressure and on the biggest stage during his illustrious career.
Zola has already offered up advice on how to deal with the hostile atmosphere from the US fans, something footballers are far more used to than golfers.
Speaking to Sky Sports this week, he said: “First of all, you have to absolutely be able to enter into a kind of protection bubble.
“This is one of the first things you need to learn if you play football, because sometimes the environment can be like that [against you].
“So you have to use it to your advantage and you have to get motivated by that.
“I’m sure, from what I’ve seen, they look easy. So it should not be a problem”.
