The traditional opening dinner took place last night at the stunning 20th century New York Hempstead House estate, with golf’s main stars and their partners all making the most of the get-together and a chance to unwind before play tees off at the competition later this week.
As well as McIlroy, the event saw the other members of Team Europe attend with their partners, including the likes of Ireland’s Shane Lowry, Justin Rose, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm and Viktor Hovland.
They are all competing under Team Europe captain Luke Donald.
Appearing hand-in-hand with wife Erica Stoll – who sported an elegant black dress – the Holywood golfer was equally dressed for the occasion in a sharp black suit and tie.
Rory McIlroy of Team Europe and wife Erica Stoll McIlroy arrive for the Ryder Cup Teams’ Welcome Dinner prior to the Ryder Cup 2025 at Hempstead House on September 23, 2025 in Sands Point, New York. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
Following closely behind the couple was two-time major winning Spanish golfer Jon Rahm, who was with his wife Kelley – who stole the show among the player’s WAGs on social media with a show-stopping bronze gown with crystal detailing.
The pair were pictured together smiling for photos.
The partners of the star golfers also gleefully posed for a selfie later in the eventing, capturing the unforgettable moment.
Meanwhile, the players themselves – McIlroy included – posed for their own formal photo together as Team Europe.
The welcome dinner is a well-loved and long standing tradition for the event, giving a chance for the athletes and their partners to enjoy some rest and relaxation before the intensity of the competition kicks in later this week.
The Ryder Cup, played on each odd-numbered year, takes place from September 26 and 28.
This year also marks the first time the cup has returned to the USA since Whistling Straights in 2021.
Then, Team USA secured victory, while Team Europe will seek to maintain their 2023 title, which was won at Marco Simone Golf Club in Rome, Italy.
In 2027, the competition will come to the island of Ireland, played on the greens of Co Limerick’s Adare Manor.
Rory McIlroy of Team Europe and wife Erica Stoll McIlroy arrive for the the Ryder Cup Teams’ Welcome Dinner prior to the Ryder Cup 2025 at Hempstead House on September 23, 2025 in Sands Point, New York. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
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Officially, the Ryder Cup will kick off on Friday, with practice rounds taking place on Wednesday.
The competition has already seen disruption to the schedule however, with the opening ceremony brought forward 24 hours to Wednesday due to forecast bad weather in New York.
Rory McIlroy of Team Europe and wife Erica Stoll McIlroy arrive for the the Ryder Cup Teams’ Welcome Dinner prior to the Ryder Cup 2025 at Hempstead House on September 23, 2025 in Sands Point, New York. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)
The ceremony, when the pairings for the first session of play on Friday were expected to be announced, had been scheduled to take place on Thursday beside the course at Bethpage Black.
Instead, it will now be held on Wednesday but with the United States and European team line-ups for Friday’s first foursomes session still being revealed on Thursday.
Meanwhile, security is also expected to be tight with US president Donald Trump expected to make an appearance on Friday morning.
He is due come to Bethpage Black to support US golfer and recent British Open victor Scottie Scheffler, with his cohort playing under Team USA captain Keegan Bradley.