Bethpage first tee under spotlight as Ryder Cup nerves rise at Bethpage Black

The Ryder Cup opener at Bethpage Black in New York is shaping up to be defined by the opening tee as much as the golf that follows. A grandstand built into the course's topography will accommodate about 5,000 spectators behind the first tee and along the 18th green, giving the venue a theatre-like edge as matches begin. Tommy Fleetwood described the scene as a cool scene and noted that first-tee nerves are a universal part of Ryder Cup week for players who face thousands from the moment they walk to the tee.

Bethpage's layout has been shaped by the course itself rather than a fixed stand. The capacity sits between the Paris 2018 layout (about 6,500) and smaller setups used in some recent events. The stand’s configuration removes the three-sided horseshoe of years past and, as analysts have noted, shifts the balance toward the home scoreline while still preserving the energy of the crowd. The first tee has long been a nerve-testing focal point. In 2023 it was a cauldron of noise and color; the European players fed off the atmosphere, but the United States team did not win the first hole in any of the opening 12 matches. The current week’s atmosphere on practice days has been boisterous yet more spread out, with fans and players still building the electric feel that Ryder Cups rely on but without the claustrophobic intensity of a few past editions.

On Wednesday, Europe’s players have used the tune-up sessions to balance crowds and camaraderie. The 12 visiting players signed hundreds of autographs and posed for selfies on a largely convivial morning session as they prepared for the weekend. Europe captain Luke Donald has stressed the need to respect the home fans while keeping the mood upbeat. Rory McIlroy drew attention during his walks between greens and tees, with fans cheering and giving him attention as they would during a major, while some spectators played along with the tournament’s festive atmosphere. Rookie Rasmus Hojgaard indicated his first Ryder Cup tee experience could be the week’s most nerve-wracking moment, underscoring the personal pressure each debutant carries. Collin Morikawa said he wants Friday to feel chaotic in a way that heightens the energy and helps his team capitalize on the home support.

On the course, American fans have embraced the moment as well. Bryson DeChambeau already gave the crowd plenty to cheer by blasting several drives on the practice range, and his interactions with fans—some chants directed at him, others at opponents—have become part of the build-up. The home crowd’s energy is seen as both a boost and a test for the visiting team, with players acknowledging that the environment will shape the weekend’s play even before the first ball is struck on Friday.

Politics have loomed over the week, with some discussion centered on the potential appearance of President Donald Trump on Friday and how that could influence the atmosphere in the Long Island venue. Spectators like Mateiko and Hickey say they aim to enjoy the tournament as entertainment first, even as the roar of the crowd grows louder. Things have ramped up since Rory said he wants to win on US soil, Mateiko said, adding that the heckling will be intense but not out of bounds. It’s New York, so you never know. Europe’s team, meanwhile, continues to emphasize a mix of respect for fans and determination to perform well on the course.

BBC Sport will provide daily live text commentary and in-play clips on the website beginning at 11:30 BST, with radio coverage on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds from 12:00. Daily TV highlights will be available on iPlayer from midnight, as the 2025 Ryder Cup runs from September 26 through 28 at Bethpage Black. The coverage plan reflects the tournament’s blend of sport and spectacle, with a schedule designed to reach fans around the world as players chase a title that has long shaped golf’s annual calendar.