Ryder Cup to implement new strategy to avoid fans ‘getting weird’ in 2025 event

USA captain Keegan Bradley has revealed Ryder Cup organisers will implement a new strategy to avoid the partisan tournament getting out of hand in New York next year.

Home-field advantage in the Ryder Cup has become increasingly more important in recent years.

Just one of the last nine events has been won by the visiting team with that victory coming by way of Europe’s ‘Miracle at Medinah’ in 2012.

Europe received huge support in Rome in their win last year while a Covid-affected tournament in Wisconsin in 2021 saw USA fans dominate the galleries.

However, the last two Ryder Cups have been somewhat marred by fans overstepping the mark with what is acceptable when supporting home players.

And there are fears this could reach a boiling point when the popular event heads to New York’s notoriously boisterous Bethpage Black next September.

In an attempt to keep conditions fair, Bradley says tournament chiefs will have observers inside the ropes at Bethpage to root out anyone deemed to have ‘crossed the line’ and will eject misbehaving fans.

He said: “The PGA of America has things in place for each group to monitor the situation and if you act inappropriately, you’re going to be asked to leave the tournament.

“I hope and expect the fans will respect what the guys are doing but also at the same time be lively and supporting our team.

“It’s really important to us, the US side, that it’s a fair place to play for both teams. Nobody on either team wants this to get uncomfortable or weird out there.

“But listen, you come into Yankee Stadium, you come into Madison Square Garden, it’s a tough place to play. And Luke and the boys know that.

“I have total faith in the fans of New York to cheer on their team proudly and loudly.

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“I don’t want them to cross the line, to do anything that would affect the course of play but it’s going to be a tough atmosphere.

“They’re going to be loud, they’re going to be passionate and the PGA of America’s going to do a great job making sure everything’s right.”

Europe romped to victory in Italy last September with a superb display which included winning all four of the opening day’s foursomes matches for the first time in Ryder Cup history.

And Bradley believes the raucous New York fans could even have a detrimental effect on his home team next year should Europe build an early lead again.

He added: “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.

“It’s not a concern but something you’re definitely aware of. If you go watch the Knicks or the Giants play, they’re not interested in not winning.

“This is going to be an atmosphere unlike anything you’ve ever seen and it’s going to be fun for both sides.

“The New York fans are going to be super-passionate and cheering us on extremely hard.”

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Europe skipper Luke Donald has welcomed plans to mitigate against any unruly supporters, insisting both teams want to win in ‘the right way’.

He said: “We’ve all seen Ryder Cups where it has crossed the line.

“It’s the responsibility of the PGA of America to have protocols and a plan in place.

“Keegan and I like to do things the right way, win fairly and squarely. We want the best team to win in a passionate and spirited high energy environment.”

The 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black will get up and running on Friday, September 26.