Dramatic New York Fans’ ‘Rowdy’ Behavior That Made the Ryder Cup Take Strict Precautions Explored

One thing that everyone can agree on is that the golf fans in New York differ from the golf fans worldwide. Let us help you understand this. Say you’re in Spain watching your favorite golfers play. What is the most you will do? Cheer on or boo them, right? Well, the NYC fans have found an unusual way of showing their support to their favorite Ryder Cup players. Let’s just say the officials did not find the approach pleasing.

Bethpage Black is a notoriously challenging golf course. Context, there is a reason it’s been home to the Ryder Cup for many years. However, it’s not only known for its challenging course. The Bethpage Black has made another reputation in the golf community because of its rowdy crowds. It all started during the 2002 and 2009 U.S. Opens when Bethpage Black’s crowds earned a reputation for being troublesome. The mecca of golf in New York has also hosted a record 19 U.S. Opens and 12 PGA Championships, but Bethpage Black was different, to say the least.

At the time, the course was known to be the first truly public U.S. Open venue and locals were aggressively proud of their course’s ability to challenge golf’s best and we mean literally! Because of that, the organizers put up the iconic “Warning” sign on the first tee. It served as a dual warning for the players, warning them to beware of the course and the passionate fans. As the Ryder Cup heads to Bethpage Black again in 2025, the officials are worried about potential problems; especially, with New York fans being too rowdy.

“It’s really important to us, the U.S. side, that it’s a fair place to play for both teams,” said Team USA captain Keegan Bradley. He also acknowledged none of the players wanted to go through uncomfortable situations while playing the game. “Nobody on either team wants this to get uncomfortable or weird out there”.

To prevent these issues, the Ryder Cup officials will employ crowd monitors to ensure a respectful atmosphere due to concerns about unruly New York fans. European Captain Luke Donald also expressed his concerns about the same subject.

Luke Donald wants fans to keep golf ethics at Ryder Cup

Luke Donald Europe’s Ryder Cup captain is on a mission to make history. Donald wants to lead his team to victory on American soil, something not done since 2012. However, the golfer remains aware that winning in New York is not a piece of cake as the Ryder Cup crowds are known to get out of hand. Donald does believe he can count on the PGA of America to keep things respectful.

“We’ve all seen Ryder Cups where it has crossed the line,” the Englishman told BBC Sport. It’s the responsibility of the PGA of America to have protocols and a plan in place,” he said.

He continued by saying that he and the opposite team captain, Keegan Bradley, would preserve sportsmanship by not breaking any rules. “Keegan and I like to do things the right way, win fairly and squarely”. However, Keegan knows that playing in New York won’t be easy for Team USA as the fans are known to be tough and if Europe gets off to a strong start, things could get heated.

“This is a tough place for us to play. These New York fans are going to expect us to win and they will let their home team know if they are upset,” he said. So, what do you think will happen this time?

Will precautions taken by the PGA of America help? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!