Ryder Cup at Bethpage: Officials' chant lesson backfires as U.S. fans boo; McIlroy responds

The Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black opened Saturday with an awkward scene that highlighted the challenge facing Team USA: officials on the ground tried to teach the crowd the words to pre-approved chants in an effort to boost the atmosphere, and the plan appeared to backfire almost immediately.

As dawn broke over Long Island, thousands of spectators who had paid premium prices to be on site were subjected to a staged lesson from tournament officials with microphones. In one circulating clip, a woman can be heard listing cue lines: “Slow down, slow down... you guys all took Adderall this morning. Slow down. One, two, clap, one, two, clap.” The instruction then moved to a chant set to the rhythm of Queen’s “We Will Rock You,” with the voiceover directing, “Here come the lyrics... Scottie, Scottie, Scheffler!”

The attempt to script the crowd did not land. Boos rang around Bethpage as officials pressed for more discipline from the stands. A second voice, identified as part of the crew, attempted to reset the moment: “Alright, hold on,” before a man who appeared to be dressed as a Founding Father joined the scene, adding, “We’re going to try this one more time, and if it doesn’t we’re going to try the DeChambeau one.” The result was a chorus of disapproval that grew louder as the fans’ timing and enthusiasm diverged from the script.

When play finally arrived at the first tee, the crowd went with a different version entirely. Rather than the pre-approved lines, they settled on a crude chant directed at Rory McIlroy: “F*** you, Rory.” McIlroy acknowledged the moment by blowing kisses toward the stands, while teammate Tommy Fleetwood helped Europe secure a point in the foursomes.

The moment set the tone for a day that would see tensions rise between some U.S. supporters and Europe’s players. McIlroy, who has been among Europe’s most trusted performers this week, entered the day with a record of strong results in recent Ryder Cup matches, and his response to the crowd would become a focal point of the morning’s action. He later channeled that energy into a dominant showing in the foursomes, pairing with Fleetwood to win the point and extend Europe’s momentum.

The incident underscored a broader narrative of the tournament so far: a U.S. squad striving for an identity and fans eager to be part of the spectacle, even as passions flare. The production of day two began with Europe holding a substantial lead so far in the event. By the close of play on Friday, Europe had surged to a commanding position with an 8.5-3.5 edge heading into the final session of the day. The opening days had already seen McIlroy’s form stand out; he has not lost in any of his three completed Ryder Cup matches, tallying two wins and one half alongside Shane Lowry in the Friday Four-Balls.

The crowd’s outburst against McIlroy and the broader dynamic around the chants reflected a tournament that has long lived on its tension between pageantry and raw emotion. In the immediate aftermath, officials suggested there would be a review of crowd engagement strategies. The exchange also raised questions about whether the league’s event staff could maintain a positive atmosphere while still allowing players to respond authentically to provocation from the stands.

For fans, the day’s events highlighted a complicated balance: the desire to be part of the action versus the risk of crossing lines that might undermine the sport’s conduct guidelines. Several participants and observers noted that the energy of Ryder Cup week thrives on raucous support, but the line between spirited support and personal jabs can be fine, and the Bethpage moment offered a stark reminder of that divide.

As play moved into the afternoon Four-Balls, Europe’s lead remained substantial, and the mood around the course shifted from the uneasy mood of the morning to a more competitive atmosphere on the greens. Freer, more organic moments from the galleries—builds of rhythm, chants, and signage—continued to define the experience, even as some fans preferred to let their applause speak for itself rather than follow a scripted script.

The day’s results further shaped the complexion of the competition. While McIlroy and Fleetwood secured a favorable outcome for Europe in the morning session, the U.S. team would need to regroup quickly if it hoped to mount a comeback. The afternoon’s schedule included more Four-Balls, with teams eager to convert opportunities and supporters hoping for a fresh surge of momentum. Whether the misstep at the second day’s start would influence the players’ focus is something that both sides will be parsing as the Ryder Cup progresses.

Ultimately, the Bethpage moment will likely join the ongoing conversation about fan engagement in major golf events. It serves as a reminder that while the Ryder Cup thrives on partisan energy, it is also a tightly regulated event where crowd conduct and on-site programming can shape the flow of play. For now, Europe holds a lead, McIlroy maintains his unbeaten record in this Ryder Cup stretch, and the broader narrative centers on how both participants and spectators navigate the delicate balance between enthusiasm and decorum on the world stage of team golf.