Thu Sep 25 14:50:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Two former Georgia high school golfers and University of Georgia alumni, Russell Henley and Sepp Straka, will be competing in the 45th Ryder Cup at Bethpage State Park. Henley will represent Team USA after a strong season including a win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational. Straka, born in Austria to an American mother and Austrian father and raised in Valdosta, Georgia from the age of 14, will compete for Team Europe after two victories in 2025, including the American Express and the Truist Championship. The Ryder Cup will be held at the challenging Bethpage Black course.

**News Article:**

**Georgia Roots Run Deep at Ryder Cup, But Divided Loyalty**

**Farmingdale, NY** – The 45th edition of the Ryder Cup tees off this Friday at Bethpage State Park’s notoriously difficult Black Course, and among the world-class competitors are two golfers with deep roots in the state of Georgia. However, their paths to the prestigious team event have led them to opposite sides of the green.

Russell Henley, a graduate of Stratford Academy in Macon and a former University of Georgia Bulldog, will proudly represent Team USA. Henley earned his spot with a stellar season, highlighted by a victory at the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

Joining him on the course, but sporting the colors of Team Europe, is Sepp Straka. Straka’s journey is a unique one. Born in Vienna, Austria, to an American mother and Austrian father, Straka’s family moved to Valdosta, Georgia when he was 14. He and his twin brother attended Lowndes High School and played golf before moving on to the University of Georgia. Though raised in the United States, Straka’s dual citizenship allows him to compete for Team Europe, a position cemented by his two victories in 2025, including the American Express and the Truist Championship.

The Ryder Cup promises to be a thrilling competition, made even more compelling by the presence of these two former Georgia high school teammates, now rivals on the world stage. Golf fans can follow the action throughout the weekend at the link provided.

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