Fireworks and feuds: Ryder Cup 2025's most explosive potential matchups

Cantlay is typically paired up with his good friend, Schauffele, and McIlroy has found recent Ryder Cup success alongside Fleetwood. This would be an exhilarating match with four stars and a possibility of extra fireworks. 

Justin Thomas and Ben Griffin U.S.) vs. Justin Rose and Robert MacIntyre (Europe)

If you like watching fiery competitors who leave it all out on the course, this would be a must-watch matchup for you. Every player in this foursome would relish the opportunity to yell at the New York crowd after sinking a clutch putt. 

Most of all, this is the foursome of swagger. J.T.'s club twirls after a striped iron shot, Griffin's quick tee pickup after a drive down the middle, Rose's signature fist pump after winning a hole and MacIntyre's infectious energy would make this group an enthralling watch. 

Scottie Scheffler (U.S.) vs. Jon Rahm (Europe)

Ryder Cup teams can't plan specific singles matchups, but how perfect would it be to see Scheffler and Rahm trot out to the first tee to get Sunday started? The best on the PGA Tour against the best on LIV Golf. The No. 1 player in the world against the man who once held that title and wants it back. 

This would also be a revenge match for Rahm. Scheffler defeated the Spaniard 4 and 3 at the 2021 Ryder Cup, and the superstar duo tied in dramatic fashion in 2023. Let's have a rematch in 2025.  

Bryson DeChambeau (U.S.) vs. Rory McIlroy (Europe)

DeChambeau and McIlroy are already beefing leading up to the Ryder Cup. After DeChambeau said he can't wait to chirp in McIlroy's ear if they get matched up together, the Northern Irishman responded with a personal shot.

"The only way he gets attention is by mentioning other people," McIlroy said in a recent interview.

These two clearly don't get along, so the best way to settle it is to match them up in Sunday singles. 

How to watch

USA will broadcast the first round Friday; NBC will provide coverage on Saturday and Sunday. (All times Eastern.)

• Thursday (Sept. 25): 4-7 p.m. (Opening ceremony on Golf Channel)
• Friday (Sept. 26): 7 a.m.-6 p.m. (USA)
• Saturday (Sept. 27): 7 a.m.-6 p.m. (NBC)
• Sunday (Sept. 28): 12-6 p.m. ET (NBC)