DeChambeau crowd swarms Ryder Cup practice at Bethpage Black as barricade buckles

Bryson DeChambeau drew a massive crowd at Bethpage Black during Tuesday's Ryder Cup practice rounds, prompting security and staff to prop up a barricade that began to buckle as fans pressed in for autographs.

The scene unfolded at a cordoned practice area, with Ryder Cup staffers in a powder-blue sweater vest and security holding the barrier as fans — many kids — shouted and waved signs. DeChambeau signed autographs along the line, and even paused to sign the staffer’s blue sweater vest after realizing the effort being put in to keep the gate up. Video from DeChambeau’s work on the driving range showed large crowds chanting 'U-S-A' and cheering after he hit heavy-sounding shots off the tee. On one hole, he drove a ball reportedly 200 mph off the tee, prompting a fan to shout, 'Rory can’t do that, Bryson!'

IMAGE: Bryson DeChambeau autographs crowd

Tuesday marked the first day fans were allowed on the course at Bethpage State Park, and the scene underscored the heightened attention around DeChambeau as Team USA prepared for competition. Keegan Bradley, Team USA captain, offered a contrasting view, saying DeChambeau had gone to great lengths to fit in with teammates, traveling to Napa and Atlanta and making the extra effort to connect with players outside the match-play schedule. Bradley added that DeChambeau had been "incredible in the team room" and had shown a willingness to balance his individual schedule with team commitments.

Analyst Brandel Chamblee criticized DeChambeau in the hours before practice, labeling him a 'captain’s nightmare' as part of a broader discussion about team dynamics and public perception. The remarks added to a social-media and fan fervor surrounding DeChambeau, who has long been a focal point of debate within the sport.

The Ryder Cup, staged at Bethpage Black, drew spirited crowds, including many younger fans who carried signs and memorabilia seeking autographs from DeChambeau and other U.S. players. Officials acknowledged the crowd, noting Tuesday was the event's first day with open access to the course, and emphasized ongoing coordination between security teams and volunteers to manage the flow while preserving fan engagement.

Ryder Cup organizers and security officials said they would review crowd-control measures in light of Tuesday's scene, though the immediate priority remained ensuring safety while allowing fans access for practice ahead of competition. The competition will continue with additional practice rounds and events in the coming days.

IMAGE: Incredible scene at Bethpage Black during Ryder Cup practice