Ryder Cup

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport golf news reporter at Bethpage

Image source, Getty Images

There aren't many moments when Justin Rose is star-struck.

The former world number one, who is among the most recognisable faces in golf, usually leaves fans gobsmacked by his presence.

The boot has been on the other foot at Bethpage.

Rose, a huge fan of Chelsea FC, could not believe it when he found out Blues legend Gianfranco Zola is part of Team Europe here - serving as vice-captain Francesco Molinari's buggy driver.

"I didn't know he was coming. I walked round a corner and bumped into him," the Englishman told BBC Sport.

"I meet some really cool people in my life and it is not very often you go 'Woah!'. It was cool."

Rose says ensuring Molinari gets from A to B around Bethpage will not be the only important role for Italian football hero Zola, though.

"He brings good energy, a team culture and spirit of what it is like being in the locker room," Rose said.

"I'm sure that will be valuable and there will be some moments where he can share something in tough times."

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport golf news reporter at Bethpage

Image source, Getty Images

Old habits die hard. Especially when you're seeing double in the European Ryder Cup team.

But Rasmus Hojgaard, who has replaced his twin Nicolai in the sole change to the squad from Rome, doesn't mind being mistaken for his brother.

"I've been called 'Nicolai' pretty much half the time by everyone," he smiled when asked about his experience so far as part of the team.

"It's all right. It is what it is. I'm used to it. I've been used to it for 20 years now. So it doesn't really bother me."

Some twins, and many siblings generally across the sporting world, prefer not to be constantly seen as part of a package and want to be regarded as being their own person.

Hojgaard isn't too bothered about that, it seems, and believes he will bring similar qualities as his brother - big-hitting and patience on the course, dry humour off it - to the European locker room.

Image source, Getty Images

"Obviously Nicolai and I are very similar, so there won't be a lot of change in the team room," said the 24-year-old Dane, who was around the camp at Marco Simone two years ago.

"As important as it was for me to get to know the guys [in Rome], I think it was important for them to learn more about me as well.

"I don't think it's going to be a big change for them."

Hojgaard let slip that Shane Lowry is one of the culprits who calls him 'Nicolai' - although it could well be that the Irishman is probably on the wind-up.

But if Lowry genuinely can't tell them apart, he might find himself on the end of a prank in the future.

"We've never done anything crazy, but in school we changed classes and the teacher wouldn't notice for an hour and a half. We did that a few times," Hojgaard smiled.

Maybe European captain Luke Donald could consider a swap if Rasmus doesn't bring his A-game on Friday...

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport golf news reporter at Bethpage

Image source, Getty Images

The band is back together. Well, most of it.

Not only is Luke Donald returning for a rare back-to-back stint as European captain, but he has banked on a familiar-looking crew.

Eleven of his Roman golfing gods are back in the 12-man team - the fewest changes to a squad in Ryder Cup history.

The only switch is like-for-like - literally.

Rasmus Hojgaard has replaced his twin brother Nicolai as Europe aim for a rare away win in the bearpit of Bethpage.

"You have to keep evolving the story but it's amazing the team has stayed so similar and we've got the continuity," says England's Tommy Fleetwood, who is making his fourth Ryder Cup appearance.

"But we have to keep freshening things up. This is a very different task.

"We had all the motivation from a home Ryder Cup last time, this time it is a different arena and different crowd.

"There have been a lot of good changes but overall we have drawn on having the continuity of the same faces."

Rookie Hojgaard, who qualified automatically by finishing fifth in the race for Bethpage, says he felt instantly at home among the team, having spent time around the camp with his brother in Rome.

"Obviously it's pretty much the same thing. They only had to change one initial on the name," said the 24-year-old Dane.

"I think everyone is still very much on the same page. I think I fell into the group in a very smooth way. So far, nothing has really surprised me."

Former Chelsea and Italy forward Gianfranco Zola talks to BBC Sport about his surprise role at the Ryder Cup.

WATCH MORE: How Europe won the last Ryder Cup in 2023

Available to UK users only.

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport golf news reporter at Bethpage

Image source, Getty Images

With now only two days until the action begins at Bethpage, the talking has been continuing on Wednesday as excitement builds further.

Four European players have spoken to the media this morning before heading out on their practice rounds.

Tommy Fleetwood was the first to sit behind the microphone, discussing a range of topics including the New York crowd, the importance of making a quick start and avenging the "hammering" Europe took at Whistling Straits in 2021.

When Europe did return to winning ways in Rome, the Englishman's partnership with Rory McIlroy was instrumental - the pair won together in both foursomes sessions to contribute two crucial points.

The expectation is 'Fleetwood Mac' will be reunited over the weekend, although Fleetwood remained coy about the possibility.

"Whoever gets to play with Rory this week... what a privilege," said the Englishman.

"What an amazing thing to be able to do, to stand next to him on the golf course and play alongside him. He's one of - if not the - greatest player of our generation.

"The energy that I think he has, that he brings to your team, that he brings to the Ryder Cup, I think is amazing.

"If I'm one of them that gets a chance to play with him, I would love that opportunity. And whatever energy he decides to bring, I'll be there to support him and be a good partner for him."

Jonathan Jurejko
BBC Sport senior golf reporter at Bethpage

Image source, BBC Sport

The talking was started in the Rome media room by an emboldened Rory McIlroy.

"One of the biggest accomplishments in sport right now is winning an away Ryder Cup. That's what we're going to do at Bethpage," McIlroy opined as his victorious team-mates, many swigging beers, heartily agreed.

Now, 722 days later, we’re getting ready to rumble in New York.

The talking is not quite over - a stacked schedule of media interviews comes before the action starts on Friday. Nevertheless, the time for McIlroy and his team-mates to back up his words is tantalising close.

The two teams - players, captains, support staff - have been here for about a week, sizing up the course in practice rounds and fostering the camaraderie which is so crucial to securing victory.

Fans must wait until tomorrow, however, to get their first glimpse of the 2025 Ryder Cup when the doors open to the public.

Image source, BBC Sport

Bethpage Black is one of five courses in a state park on Long Island - the bit of land which juts out of the United States on the east coast next to New York City.

With gnarly rough, physical holes and steep elevations, it is regarded as one of the most gruellingly difficult courses in the US.

For golfers like you and me, there is a knee-knocking sign as you approach the first tee.

"WARNING. The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers."

The 24 men lining up from Friday are certainly that. However, the sign has been removed because of fears that overeager memorabilia hunters might try to pilfer it.

Image source, BBC Sport

Described as a 'Mecca' of municipal golf, Bethpage has been transformed into a track fit for the world's elite.

It is not the daunting course which gobbled up the pros at the 2002 and 2009 US Opens, though.

The rough has been cut down as the Americans have set up a course which Europe skipper Luke Donald thinks is designed to attract birdies.

We’re all going to find out if that’s the case in just four more days…