The 2025 Ryder Cup delivered excitement on the fairways, with Team USA mounting a spirited comeback that led to a nail-biting conclusion on Sunday night – however, off-course incidents deteriorated throughout the weekend, leaving course personnel bearing the brunt of widespread condemnation.
Tournament officials ejected numerous spectators – some upon player requests – after situations escalated beyond control, with fans shouting offensive remarks at competitors during their swings. Warning messages appeared on Bethpage Black’s display screens cautioning attendees about their conduct, while Rory McIlroy found himself responding to hecklers as he tried to compete.
Europe’s captain, Luke Donald, even utilized virtual reality technology to prepare his squad for the hostile crowd atmosphere before their arrival.
The PGA of America issued various statements after the tournament concluded, with PGA of America president Don Rea – who sparked debate with his remarks during the trophy ceremony – appearing to defend the spectators.
“Well, you have 50,000 people there that are really excited and – heck – you can go to a youth soccer game and get some people who say the wrong things,” Rea said.
“It happened when we were in Rome on the other side, and Rory understands… things like that are going to happen, and I don’t know what was said. But all I know is golf, the engine of good.”
Rea has since walked back some of his remarks, but that proved too little, too late for certain critics, with Sports Illustrated’s Bob Harig blasting the organization on the 5 Clubs Podcast.
“I’m amazed how reactive they were instead of proactive,” Harig said. “We have known for 10 years what it was going to be like at Bethpage. It has been one of the talking points ever since it was awarded. To think that they were not more prepared for what was coming is disappointing.
“Even doubling down on it over the weekend after a horrible Saturday afternoon.
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“I know they don’t want to kick people out but when something is happening on the sixth hole and you know that group is then going to the seventh hole, don’t you get word to the seventh hole?’Hey look it’s been really bad back here we need to be prepared up there.
“Because there is such lulls in play you could even make an announcement at the greens. You could make an announcement on the tee to the fans. You can give them the no tolerance spiel right there and why they were afraid to do that I don’t understand.”
During certain moments of the Ryder Cup, state troopers and law enforcement officers were positioned along the ropes in an effort to manage the spectators.
The upcoming major tournament at Bethpage Black will be the 2028 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, followed by the 2033 PGA Championship.
