Impact of Golf Ball Selection on the Team Lineup at the 2025 Ryder Cup
The Ryder Cup is set to return after a two-year hiatus, with Team USA eager to reclaim the trophy from Team Europe. The prestigious tournament, consisting of four sessions – fourballs, singles, and two sessions of foursomes – will take place this year.
One of the unique aspects of the Ryder Cup is the foursomes format, where golf ball pairings play a significant role. This year, players must use the same golf ball model once it's struck off the tee for the duration of that hole. Among the US team, Scottie Scheffler and Russell Henley, both capable of using the Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x models, could be paired together. However, Collin Morikawa, the only player using the TaylorMade TP5x golf ball, might find it challenging to find suitable playing partners due to the differences in golf ball models. JJ Spaun, who ranks fifth in Strokes Gained: Approach the Green, is the only player using the Srixon Z-Star Diamond golf ball on the US team.
Sam Burns or Ben Griffin could be potential partners for Morikawa and Spaun, given their strengths in driving and putting. However, Schauffele uses the Callaway Chrome Tour X, and Griffin uses the Maxfli Tour X, which are firmer than the TP5x and Z-Star Diamond.
Meanwhile, Team Europe's players are using various golf ball models, including TaylorMade TP5, Titleist Pro V1, TaylorMade TP5x Pix, Titleist Pro V1x, Callaway Chrome Tour X, Srixon Z-Star XV, and Titleist Pro V1x. Notable pairings include Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood, likely to be paired together due to their previous success in foursomes. Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton, who were undefeated in foursomes in the previous edition and are teammates on the LIV Golf League, could also be a formidable pair.
Since 2006, the one ball rule hasn't been in effect, allowing players to swap golf ball models during a round. In the last two editions, foursomes have been dominated by both sides, with Europe going 7-1 in 2023 and USA going 6-2 in 2021.
In the US team, Bryson DeChambeau and Cameron Young, both using the prototype Titleist Pro V1x Double Dot, are potential pairings. Young used this same golf ball to win the Wyndham Championship. Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay, with a friendship and impressive record at the Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup, are likely to be paired together for foursomes.
The four reported Foursomes pairings for the US team at the Ryder Cup 2025 have not been explicitly mentioned in the available search results. However, it's worth noting that Sepp Straka and Shane Lowry, using the Srixon Z-Star XV golf ball, won one match out of two in the 2023 Ryder Cup.
Different golf ball models have varying compressions and feel, which could impact play around greens. As the Ryder Cup approaches, strategies and pairings will be carefully considered to ensure the best possible outcome for both teams.
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