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U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley is well aware of the reputation of New York sports fans. They cheer for their team and love to heckle players on the opposing team. He’s warning fans that behavior will not be tolerated at the 2025 Ryder Cup.
Keegan Bradley Urges Ryder Cup Fans to Behave
U.S. Ryder Cup captain Keegan Bradley played college golf at St. John’s University in Queens. So he’s quite familiar with how hostile and rowdy New York sports fans can be. As such, Bradley issued a friendly warning ahead of the 2025 Ryder Cup to be held at the famous Bethpage Black golf course located in suburban Long Island. Expect an army of security personnel to be keeping a close eye on the crowd. Hecklers risk a quick escort out of the event and will not be welcomed back.
Bradley and European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald held a press conference in Manhattan. Bradley’s remarks included this comment directed at fans. “I completely trust New York fans to cheer for their team with pride and enthusiasm, but I also want to make sure they don’t cross the line or do anything that could affect the game. It’s going to be a tough atmosphere for both teams.” Security will be “keeping an eye on things” to ensure the fans don’t get out of hand.
Bradley continued, “No one on either team wants things to get uncomfortable. But hey, when you play at Yankee Stadium or Madison Square Garden, it’s tough. Luke and his guys know what they’re up against. The PGA of America will make sure everything runs smoothly.”
Bethpage Black Hosting First Ryder Cup
Bethpage Black is no stranger to hosting major golf events. In 2002, the venue became the first public golf course to host a major championship. Tiger Woods won the 2002 U.S. Open. Massive crowds broke attendance records and the 17th hole drew comparisons to the boisterous atmosphere at the famous 16th hole at the Waste Management Open in Phoenix.
Mickelson Says US Ryder Cup Team Will Have ‘A Big Advantage’
Bethpage Black also hosted the 2009 U.S. Open won by Lucas Glover. One of the most memorable moments was Phil Mickelson’s tee shot on the aforementioned 17th hole. The enthusiastic New York crowd yelled “Let’s Go!” as he approached the green. Afterward, Mickelson commented that if a Ryder Cup were to be held at Bethpage, the US team would have “a big advantage.”
Sergio Garcia Reacts To Hostile Bethpage Crowd
As supportive as the New York crowd is to its home teams and favorite players, it can be brutal to opposing players. Sergio Garcia discovered this first-hand at the 2002 US Open. Known for waggling for extended periods before taking a shot, the crowd razzed the Spaniard when he misfired on a shot from the 16th fairway. Garcia responded by flipping his middle finger at the crowd. That’s the kind of situation Bradley is trying to prevent from happening at next year’s Ryder Cup.
Let’s be honest, the crowd will be rooting for the US. Yet we can hope the fans display sportsmanship and refrain from heckling the visiting European team. Bethpage Black is famous for the sign on the first tee stating simply: “WARNING: The Black Course Is An Extremely Difficult Course Which We Recommend Only For Highly Skilled Golfers.”
Bradley issued a fair warning that the notoriously rowdy New York fans should refrain from their normal routine of heckling opposing players. The atmosphere should be full of excitement. Can the US team end its Ryder Cup drought? Will the New York fans behave? Those questions will be answered next fall.
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