Fan trouble at the 2025 Ryder Cup spiraled well beyond passionate support last week and the unsavory scenes could have big repercussions for Bethpage Black going forward.
In the aftermath of the Ryder Cup there has been speculation that the 2033 PGA Championship, currently slated for Bethpage Black, could be moved elsewhere. During a conversation on the Golf Channel, golf reporter Brendan Porath said: “I do think they should consider it. I don’t think they will actually make the maneuver to move it away.”
Golfweek’s Eamon Lynch added: “Everyone kind of expected this. It happens every event at Bethpage. It’s happened at the PGA. It’s happened at two U.S. Opens.”
At this stage there is no suggestion that U.S. golfing authorities are formally considering a new venue for the 2033 tournament. Bethpage is a truly elite course and with eight years to go there is plenty of time to implement the required changes, but it serves to show how seriously the golf world is taking the ugly scenes from last week.
What was the fan trouble at the Ryder Cup?
Throughout the competition at Bethpage Black, European players- especially Rory McIlroy – were hounded by jeers and insults. European captain Luke Donald openly warned that U.S. fans had crossed a line, citing personal attacks and noise during players’ backswings. Organizers responded by upping security, deploying state troopers and ejecting several spectators.
McIlroy later decried the behavior as unacceptable and abusive, arguing golf must hold itself to a higher standard. Two-time U.S. Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson even issued an apology on behalf of American fans, calling the hostile scenes rude and mean-spirited.
The ugliness left a stain on what was otherwise a thrilling competition. While it was only a minority of bad actors who caused the disruption, their actions threatened to overshadow the incredible drama unfolding on the course.
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