Morikawa urges 'absolute chaos' from Ryder Cup crowds at Bethpage Black

Collin Morikawa has urged U.S. Ryder Cup fans at Bethpage Black to create what he called 'absolute chaos' when play begins on Friday. The two-time major winner said the energy surrounding the event had been too subdued so far and that a raucous New York atmosphere could swing momentum in favor of Team USA.

He contrasted this week with Whistling Straits in 2021, when COVID restrictions limited crowds, saying he expected a much bigger reception in New York. 'I'll be honest, I think it's kind of tame so far, Tuesday and Wednesday. I hope Friday is just absolute chaos. I'm all for it. I think it feeds into who we are and the American players and the American Team,' Morikawa said. 'I think every sport uses their home crowd to their advantage, and just because we don't play in a setting like this doesn't mean the craziness of New York and the rest of the country that people are traveling in from, it doesn't mean that we can't use that to our advantage.'

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Morikawa, who has long been regarded as a steady figure on tour, also highlighted the team's strategy off the course, noting Luke Donald’s players have been signing autographs to win over local fans. 'I think we really have to tap into that. I hope they come strong. Watching all these kids, I know they want autographs, but come Friday, I hope they go crazy.'

Looking ahead to his fellow American Cam Young, Morikawa said he would love to see his friend snap into a livelier mood on the course. 'I would love to see Cam Young just throw a massive fist pump in someone's face. I would love it. I mean, it’s his home state, home crowd, red, white and blue, played on the Junior Ryder Cup. He's a fiery competitor. I've known Cam for a long time. He's been very stoic, right. We're deep competitors. Whether you see that or through the TV or through watching us play, he wants to whoop some butt. I would love to see a nice little putter raise, undercut, fist-pump.'

Morikawa's remarks arrive as Ryder Cup week at Bethpage Black advances toward Friday's opening matches, with Team USA seeking to translate home-field energy into on-course advantage.