Ryder Cup crowds in New York expected to run hot, players say

Bethpage Black on Long Island is bracing for a Ryder Cup that organizers say could be among the most intense in recent memory, with New York crowds expected to be especially vocal. Former Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz and Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry, both accustomed to performing on big New York stages, say the energy will challenge players on both teams.

Crowd energy at Bethpage has a storied history, with past PGA events drawing loud, energetic galleries. The U.S. Open in 2002 and 2009, The Barclays in 2012 and 2016, and the PGA Championship in 2019 are frequently cited in discussions of the course’s environment. European captain Luke Donald has taken an extra step to prep his squad by giving every member a VR headset to help simulate the noise.

Cruz offered simple advice for the players: stay calm when the roar grows. He noted that handling the atmosphere is part of competing on the sport’s biggest stages, a point echoed by Lowry, who stressed preparation and focus amid the noise.

Action is set to begin Friday, with Team Europe and Team USA vying for the Ryder Cup on Bethpage Black. The long-standing tradition of New York fans bringing high energy to major golf events has prompted organizers to lean into the environment, hoping players can navigate the pressure while staying within themselves.

Organizers have emphasized that the combination of VR-driven crowd simulations, historical context of Bethpage’s crowds, and players’ preparation aims to help teams manage what could be an unprecedented level of energy on the grounds.