A Thrilling Finish and the Road Ahead for the Ryder Cup

Charley Hull delivered a heart-stopping victory at the Kroger Queen City event in Ohio, overcoming a nerve-wracking final hole to secure her third LPGA Tour win. The English golfer faced a tense moment when she had to back off her putt twice before finally sinking the winning shot, a moment she described as a “mad shock of adrenaline.” Hull had previously struggled to convert her strong performances into victories, with her last LPGA win dating back to 2022. This win marked a significant milestone for the 29-year-old, who had been runner-up in her previous two outings, including the Aramco Houston Championship and the AIG Women’s Open.

Jeeno Thitikul, the world number one, came agonizingly close to claiming her second title of the season but fell short with a missed four-putt on the final hole. The 22-year-old Thai had been in excellent form, finishing fifth or better in nine of her last 10 events, but only managed one trophy so far this year. Her loss to Grace Kim in a playoff at the Evian Championship in July highlighted the fine margins in elite golf. Thitikul had entered the Kroger Queen City event with high hopes, having taken a one-shot lead to the final hole, only to see her chances slip away in a dramatic fashion. Her missed opportunity was a stark reminder of the pressure that comes with being the top-ranked player in the world.

Meanwhile, the focus is shifting to the upcoming Ryder Cup, where European captain Luke Donald is leaving no stone unturned in his preparations. Donald is employing virtual reality and detailed reconnaissance to help his team secure an away win at Bethpage for the first time in 13 years. The European squad is already acclimating to the New York course, while Scottie Scheffler, the current world number one, is focusing on his own game ahead of the event. Scheffler, who has won six tournaments this year, including the Open and US PGA Championships, has been dominant on the PGA Tour, with 19 wins in 150 starts. His performance in the Procore Championship, where he overcame a two-shot deficit to beat Ryder Cup teammate Ben Griffin, demonstrated his ability to perform under pressure.

As the European team prepares for the Bethpage challenge, Donald is emphasizing the importance of mental and physical readiness. The team, caddies, and support staff will stay in the U.S. to avoid jet lag and will use virtual reality headsets to simulate the intense crowd atmosphere expected at Bethpage, often referred to as the “bear pit.” This high-tech approach aims to prepare the players for the unique challenges they will face in the U.S.

Scheffler, who has been a dominant force on the PGA Tour this season, has also been vocal about his focus on the present. Ahead of the Procore Championship, he stated, “I’m present, I’m ready to play this week. I didn’t show up to Napa to talk about the Ryder Cup for four days. I’m here to play a golf tournament.” His comments reflect a mindset that has helped him achieve consistent success, including his current streak of six wins in 2025.

With the pressure of the Ryder Cup looming, the stage is set for a dramatic showdown, where every detail—both on and off the course—could determine the outcome of this historic match. The European team’s ability to adapt to the unique challenges of Bethpage and the intense home crowd will be crucial in their quest for an away victory. As the countdown to the match begins, all eyes are on both the players and the strategies that will shape the outcome of this high-stakes competition.