Sky Sports Golf Podcast · Sky Sports

Ryder Cup preview with Faldo and Chamblee | 'Pay-to-play', New York crowds & the hunt for an away win

September 23, 2025·53 min·5 clips
Sir Nick Faldo reveals why this Ryder Cup feels like a historic moment after 14 years away from U.S. soil.
This episode previews the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, featuring hosts from Sky Sports Golf alongside legendary guests Sir Nick Faldo and analyst Brandel Chamblee. Faldo is highlighted as a foundational European Ryder Cup player who was part of the first European teams to win in America. Chamblee provides an analytical U.S. perspective on the upcoming match. The discussion centers on the immense challenge of winning an away Ryder Cup, a point Rory McIlroy emphasized after the 2023 event in Rome. McIlroy is noted for stating that winning an away Ryder Cup is the hardest thing in golf, a sentiment his teammates physically endorsed. The preview notes that eight of the last nine Ryder Cups have been won by the home team. Faldo reflects on the 14-year gap since Europe's last away victory in the United States. The hosts describe a palpable sense of excitement and a long build-up finally culminating in Ryder Cup week. Specific reference is made to the European team's confident declaration of intent to win at Bethpage. A key insight is the framing of an away Ryder Cup win as a pinnacle achievement, comparable to winning a major or an Olympic medal for top players. The psychological and historical weight of the home-team advantage is presented as a central narrative. The episode captures the immediate tension set by McIlroy's post-victory comments in Rome, which have fueled the current cycle's storyline. Faldo's personal recollection of past European successes provides historical context for the current challenge. The tone is conversational and anticipatory, blending personal anecdotes with analytical commentary on team dynamics. The style is energetic and focused on building narrative stakes for the upcoming competition. This episode will appeal to golf fans deeply invested in Ryder Cup history, team dynamics, and pre-event analysis. Listeners seeking only tournament-round play-by-play or instruction might find it less directly relevant.
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