Azinger: Pressure on U.S. at Ryder Cup; crowd energy could tip Bethpage showdown

Former United States Ryder Cup captain Paul Azinger says the pressure lies with the home team as the United States heads to Bethpage Black for this year’s Ryder Cup, with New York crowds expected to play a pivotal role. He told Post columnist Steve Serby that decorum remains essential, but the crowd’s energy could swing momentum in the Americans’ favor. "The pressure’s to get off to a good start the first morning," Azinger said, framing the challenge for Keegan Bradley’s squad.

Azinger noted that Europe’s side last time exploited three-hole, money-match formats to force a fast start and keep the pressure on the Americans, who were coming off extended breaks. He warned Bradley that the crowd on Long Island will be a force to contend with, and that the U.S. must seize the moment early. "Keegan can’t lose the crowd. The Americans need to jump ’em the first day," Azinger said, describing the dynamic of a first tee that can set the tone for the weekend. He added that Europe’s leadership, including Luke Donald, had prepared accordingly, and the Americans should expect a similar test to start the event.

Azinger recalled some of the loudest Ryder Cup moments he’s witnessed, underscoring the psychological dimension of match play. "Our 2008 Ryder Cup was crazy-great in Louisville, Kentucky," he said, but he also pointed to Brookline’s 1999 comeback as a benchmark for intensity. He reflected that the most intense crowds glide from enthusiasm to pressure, and the emotional swing can influence performance. "There’s an element of gamesmanship in match play — psychological warfare, that’s a little deep for what they’re trying to do. It’s kinda fun to chat and talk at your guy sometimes," he said, noting that the race to relax quickly can determine outcomes.

Azinger also offered a candid assessment of why the U.S. has felt under more pressure at times. "I feel like they have to always win at home, and they were dominated by the same group of players that are coming back, which is very rare in a Ryder Cup. I feel like the New York crowd can be hard, too. The pressure’s to get off to a good start the first morning." He framed the matchup as Europe holding an experience advantage, with 11 of 12 players returning, and warned that even a single misstep could be costly when the crowd is jacked up and the energy is high.

Beyond the crowd, Azinger spoke at length about the chess-like planning behind a winning Ryder Cup team. He described his own pod system from 2008, in which he formed three three-man groups and used Myers-Briggs-derived personality types to assemble pairs. "I had three three-man teams made, and I was using the Myers-Briggs, the green light, caution light, red light personality types," he explained. The goal was to create chemistry through structured small groups rather than relying on friendships or longstanding relationships. He highlighted how the players could rally around ownership of their pods and how that ownership translated into trust and performance.

Azinger gave insight into his use of a Navy SEAL-inspired approach, which emphasized preparation and a calm, collected demeanor. He said, however, that the model was not about military speeches or gimmicks but about consistent, deliberate preparation and the belief that the team’s success depended on meticulous planning. He recalled how Anthony Kim, a rookie at the time, started off strong against Sergio García, a decision he described as strategic and beneficial for the team’s emotional leadership, especially as Kim was the youngest member.

The former captain recalled a trip to the Muhammad Ali Museum and a conversation with Ali that helped crystallize his leadership philosophy. He described Ali’s influence as a catalyst for mental focus and resilience, noting that the experience reinforced the importance of staying calm under pressure and maintaining confidence in teammates. He also discussed his personal battle with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, describing the illness as a challenging period that taught him about perseverance and the value of leadership during tough times.

Azinger offered a scouting report on the American roster, praising Scottie Scheffler as a dynamic presence and highlighting the mix of steady veterans and dynamic talents. He singled out Bryson DeChambeau as a figure who could anchor a lineup or be deployed in key early matches, though he also warned that DeChambeau’s on-course persona could be managed to maximize team cohesion. He described Cantlay, Morikawa, Schauffele, and others as players whose consistency and competitive drive would be pivotal across multiple sessions.

If he were giving a pep talk, Azinger said he would remind the players of their abilities rather than fire off a motivational speech. He emphasized that the 12 players selected are the nation’s best, and the focus should be on preparation—creating a shared purpose that isn’t about hoping for victory but about outworking the opposition. Bradley’s leadership in cultivating team chemistry was praised, with attention paid to the emotional management of players and the need to keep the squad unified when the competition grows tense.

In looking back at his own Ryder Cup journey, Azinger recalled a sense that the Ryder Cup is unlike most sports in its fervor and spectacle. He spoke of a desire for the event to be more visible and assertive in the broader sports landscape, but underscored that golf’s etiquette and tradition remain essential in maintaining the sport’s integrity while still harnessing the energy of a passionate crowd. He reminded readers that the Ryder Cup’s magic comes from both the on-course drama and the camaraderie that forms among teammates and fans alike.

As the kickoff to the matches approaches, Azinger stressed the importance of the home-course advantage and the unique atmosphere Bethpage Black offers. He described the course as a monster that demands power and precision from both teams, and he argued that both sides feature players capable of handling the test. The veteran captain warned that the first tee on Friday could be a defining moment, saying that the U.S. team must use the crowd’s energy rather than be overwhelmed by it. His advice to the U.S. squad centered on staying composed, focusing on process, and leveraging a strong start to shape momentum across the weekend.

Azinger saved his most pointed message for the New York crowd: recognize yourselves as a vital part of the competition. He recalled telling a previous crowd that they could cheer when the Americans miss, and that the fans should be identified as the 13th Man. While he acknowledged the potential for colorful chants on both sides, he urged the home fans to own the atmosphere and to help the U.S. elevate its level of play through sustained support.

The former captain closed with a reminder that Ryder Cup drama can be immense, but that preparation, unity, and confidence in each other are the keys to success. He indicated that if Bradley’s team can start strong and maintain focus, the U.S. has a credible shot at upsetting a Europe squad that has historically benefited from experience and cohesion on this stage. In the end, Azinger’s message was straightforward: embrace the energy of Bethpage, stay disciplined, and outwork the competition when the horn sounds Friday morning.

What awaits fans in Long Island should reflect Azinger’s emphasis on preparation, leadership, and the power of a dedicated crowd. With a week of matches ahead and a course that tests every facet of a player’s game, the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black is shaping up as a high-stakes, high-energy confrontation in which the 13th Man may prove the deciding factor for the United States.