Junior Ryder Cup players primed to amplify NIL at iconic Bethpage Black

by Shon Crewe

September 23, 2025

Before the Ryder Cup takes over Bethpage Black, the juniors get their turn.

Set for Sept. 23-25, the 13th Junior Ryder Cup brings the game’s brightest young stars to two New York classics: Nassau Country Club for the opening matches, then Bethpage Black for the singles finale.

This marks the second time the Junior Ryder Cup singles take place on the same course hosting the Ryder Cup later in the week—a venue delivering a true crash course in relentless championship golf.

Since its formal launch in 1997, the Junior Ryder Cup has showcased some of the game's best global talent, representing Team USA and Team Europe. For the 24 players competing, it’s a seat at one of golf’s longest-running talent tables, once filled by names like Rory McIlroy, Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, and Lexi Thompson.

Earning a spot here means joining an elite few who have stood out among the sport’s best at this age. The ripple effects of that exposure extend to their current and future schools, sponsors, and NIL partners, providing a stage unlike any other junior event.

U.S. Team members Anna Fang, Rayee Feng, Asterisk Talley, Lily Peng, Zoe Cusack, Amelie Zalsman, Giuseppe Puebla, Lunden Esterline, Tyler Mawhinney, Hamilton Coleman, Luke Colton, and Miles Russell | Ryan Lochhead/PGA of America

Among this year’s talent are four players who competed in the 2023 Junior Ryder Cup in Rome—U.S. Team members Miles Russell, ranked No. 2 in the Golf NIL High School Boys Rankings, with a commitment to Florida State, and Asterisk Talley, No. 2 in the Golf NIL High School Girls Rankings (and Stanford commit), along with Europe’s Lev Grinberg (Arkansas) and Kris Kim—who are back to tee it up again this week.

Several other players have also announced college commitments, many currently or formerly ranked on the Golf NIL High School boards, including Anna Fang (Stanford), Callixte Alzas (Cal), Charlotte Naughton (Alabama), Giuseppe Puebla (Florida), Hamilton Coleman (Georgia), Hugo Le Goff (Virginia), John Doyle (LSU), Luke Colton (Vanderbilt), Louise Uma Landgraf (Florida State), Lunden Esterline (Auburn), Nagore Martinez (Arizona), Oscar Couilleau (Arizona State), Sara Brentcheneff (Arkansas), Tyler Mawhinney (Vanderbilt), and Zoe Cusack (Virginia).

Their participation puts a spotlight on college programs that have landed proven, top-tier talent.

Beyond the elite competition, players face Bethpage Black, famously known as The Beast. With thick rough, tight fairways, elevated greens, and punishing bunkers, it ranks among the toughest layouts in the country and has humbled decorated veterans across multiple major championships.

From an NIL perspective, competing at Bethpage Black right before the Ryder Cup pros boosts player visibility far beyond typical junior events. They’re showcased on a challenging and storied course that tests their skills while gaining attention from fans and sponsors eagerly anticipating one of golf’s biggest weeks—an opportunity that only helps further enhance their marketability.

European Team members Kris Kim, Oscar Couilleau, Hugo Le Goff, John Doyle, Callixte Alzas, Lev Grinberg, Stephen Gallacher, Sara Brentcheneff, Alice Kong, Benedicte Brent-Petersen, Nagore Martinez, Louise Uma Landgraf, and Charlotte Naughton | Michael Ehrmann/PGA of America

“Just think about getting the chance to play on the Ryder Cup course the day before it starts and all the fans out on the course,” Team Europe skipper Stephen Gallacher told The Scotsman. “What an experience that is. We were the first to do it two years ago, and now the PGA of America has embraced it as well.”

Guided by Gallacher, Ryder Cup veteran and 2023’s winning team captain, and Suzy Whaley, PGA of America Past President and trailblazing leader, these young players are stepping into a rare opportunity few will ever know.

Europe had dominated the early editions, but in recent years the Americans gained ground—only for Europe to roll into a 20.5-9.5 victory in Rome, reminding everyone this rivalry is far from settled.