Fitzpatrick's parents skip Ryder Cup after 'bad experience' at Whistling Straits

Matt Fitzpatrick said his parents will not travel to Bethpage for the Ryder Cup this week, citing a prior “bad experience” at Whistling Straits and a plan to play the Dunhill Links Championship at St Andrews with his wife next week. The Englishman, making his fourth Ryder Cup appearance, said the decision was about their well‑being and enjoying a special trip rather than a buildup to the biennial event unfolding in New York.

Fitzpatrick explained that his parents, Russell and Susan, chose not to attend because of lingering memories from the last U.S.-hosted Ryder Cup four years ago, when he and his European teammates faced intense partisan crowds. “There is, obviously, a little bit of [the previous abuse]; they didn't have a great experience in Whistling Straits,” he said on Thursday at Bethpage. “But the other thing is they didn't really want to ruin that experience [of playing the Dunhill] because that's obviously special to have that.” He added: “There is no denying they had a bad experience in the past, but there's no reason why it has to be like that this time.”

Fitzpatrick continued: “Obviously I'll miss them this week, for sure. But I know that they are doing what's best for them and that's what's important.” His wife is expected to be in the Bethpage galleries to support him as Europe seeks to rebound after a heavy loss at Whistling Straits in 2021. The personal note has highlighted, rather than overshadowed, the team’s approach to the week as players prepare to face a charged home crowd.

The atmosphere around the practice rounds has been notably family‑friendly, with a policy that children under 15 can enter free when accompanied by an adult with a ticket priced at $255 (£190). Collin Morikawa, one of the U.S. players in the mix, described the lead‑up as “tame” and said he hoped Friday would bring the expected home‑court drama, calling for “absolute chaos” on the day the match begins.

Europe’s captain and players have previously faced controversy on American soil, with Shane Lowry acknowledging the intensity of the Ryder Cup scene in the past. Lowry, whose wife was among those who faced abusive comments during the 2021 event at Whistling Straits, again refused to inflame tensions and praised the New York crowds so far. “That was my first Ryder Cup experience, and obviously my first away one, so it was unexpected going over there,” Lowry said. “But when you're ready for something, it's never as bad. I think the New York fans have been great this week so far. You have to be yourself, do your own thing, try and use it as best you can.” He noted that past experiences are part of the event's challenge, not its sole defining feature.

Fans outside the ropes have offered mixed signals about how this Ryder Cup could unfold. One Long Island attendee said the crowd would not attack the visitors on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, while another spectator dressed as the Statue of Liberty urged resilience with a belief that New Yorkers can be both rowdy and respectful. The mood at practice days has thus far suggested a more subdued prelude than some feared, even as players prepare for a weekend that could test nerves on both sides.

As the event shifts from practice to competition, Europe’s objective remains clear: to reverse the recent deficit and regain momentum on foreign soil. Fitzpatrick’s family decision adds a personal dimension to a week already filled with strategic and emotional considerations. With his wife watching from the galleries and the Dunhill Links looming on the horizon, the English golfer underscored that personal well‑being and family moments have a place in a tournament long defined by national rivalries. The Ryder Cup at Bethpage promises a mixture of intense golf and the kind of atmosphere that has historically defined the event—one that players, caddies, and fans will navigate together through Friday’s opening matches and into the weekend.