Ryder Cup opens amid rowdy crowd as Europe faces hostile New York atmosphere

The Ryder Cup opened at Bethpage Black amid a chorus of boos and taunts directed at Team Europe as players prepared for a weekend of high-stakes matches against the United States. The atmosphere around the course was loud and charged, a reminder that this biennial event often transcends golf and becomes a showcase for national pride and rivalries. Europe is aiming to become only the fifth team to win the Ryder Cup on American soil, a feat last achieved when the Europeans prevailed in Rome two years ago.

Gates opened to the public on Tuesday as the teams began practice rounds, and the galleries were animated from the outset. Masters champion Rory McIlroy was among the first Europeans to arrive at the first tee, waving to travelling supporters as the crowd reacted with a mix of cheers and chants. Jon Rahm, a two-time major winner, followed and was met with a wave of noise. One of the first vocal taunts directed at Rahm involved a reference to Ozempic, underscoring how modern crowd banter has become a regular feature of major team events in the United States. The scene underscored the challenge ahead for Europe, not just of the golf course but of enduring the home crowd’s energy as competition looms.

Team Europe captain Luke Donald has framed the event as a test of mental resilience in a deliberately hostile environment. He has described his approach as one of thorough preparation, including exercises designed to acclimate players to potential distractions. Donald reportedly used headsets during practice sessions that played insulting messages and even enlisted paid actors to replicate heckling as part of a broader strategy to normalize responses under pressure. In his view, preparing for every possible scenario helps his players stay focused on the process rather than the noise. He also noted that the squad includes a mix of seasoned veterans and Ryder Cup newcomers, a combination he believes can adapt to the environment while maintaining composure on the course.

Ian Poulter, a seven-time Ryder Cup participant and former teammate of Donald, offered a stark reminder of the atmosphere Europe’s players can face in America. He described the crowd as unlike anything European players typically encounter, calling the overall experience “complete and utter embarrassing stupidity.” Poulter recalled previous moments from Ryder Cup trips abroad and emphasized that the energy of the home crowd can become a critical factor for both sides as the matches begin. He said Europe’s players have learned to cope with away crowds and remain committed to a respectful, competitive spirit, while also acknowledging that the experience is markedly different from the European fan environment. Poulter’s reflections highlight the tension between enthusiasm and decorum that has characterized some recent Ryder Cups in the U.S., and they underscore the broader challenge facing Europe this weekend.

Ahead of the first ball, organizers and team leaders have also addressed the broader, non-golf aspects of the event. The WAGs of Europe’s stars were advised to stay away from Bethpage Black amid fears of abuse, while Luke Donald’s staff prepared a multifaceted plan to keep the team anchored to golf. The United States, meanwhile, fields a formidable roster featuring major contenders such as Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Xander Schauffele, all of whom could benefit from the home support and the energy that a large, vocal crowd can generate. The matchup promises to test both teams’ skill and nerve as the opening rounds unfold.

The Ryder Cup’s format—comprising five four-ball matches and five foursomes tests, followed by 12 singles—means momentum can swing quickly, dependent on early success and crowd reaction. Europe will rely on its leadership, experience, and top-level talent to respond to the environment in New York, while the Americans aim to leverage their depth and the home-field advantage to gain early advantages. As spectators settle in and players prepare for the first tee shots, the weekend’s narrative is clear: a high-stakes golf competition that doubles as a cultural event with emotional currents that can shape every hole. Whether Europe can manage the noise and translate talent into rounds won remains to be seen, but the opening chapters already suggest a Ryder Cup defined as much by atmosphere as by score.