Ryder Cup security on the agenda as McIlroy warns of New York crowd, Trump attendance looms

Bethpage Black in New York is three days from the 45th Ryder Cup, and Rory McIlroy has warned that the home crowd could produce a moment that shocks even seasoned golf spectators. In an interview with Guardian reporter Ewan Murray, McIlroy said it is inevitable something will happen in New York over the course of the five- or six-day competition, whether directed at him or the European team as a whole. He stressed the need for players to manage the environment and support one another as they navigate a charged atmosphere at Bethpage.

Ryder Cup Championship Director Bryan Karns pushed back on that line of thinking when speaking with The Post, saying the opposite outcome is far more likely. “I sort of welcome the opportunity to hear some of that chatter, knowing that what they’re going to see is going to be quite the opposite,” Karns said. “The best thing we can do is go out and just break that narrative. When I hear that [there will be bad behavior], it’s coming from someone that doesn’t understand this market, someone maybe doesn’t appreciate these fans for who they are. There are yahoos at every Ryder Cup, and the fact is we’ll deal with them very quickly — there’s really zero tolerance. I think sports fans in New York self-police very well. It’s maybe the most underrated part about this city in my opinion.”

Karns estimated that 50,000 to 55,000 fans will pack the grounds from Thursday through Sunday. He declined to reveal the exact number of New York state police officers who will be deployed, saying the group has been asked not to share operational details publicly, but he stressed that the security plan is comprehensive and requires an all-hands-on-deck effort from law enforcement and event staff. “This is obviously a big task for New York State Police and it’s an all-hands-on-deck situation,” he said. Karns, a native of Oklahoma who has spent three years in New York preparing for this Ryder Cup, said he has immersed himself in the city’s sports culture, attending Yankees and Mets games, and Premier League and NHL events, to better understand the environment. He said the experience has not frightened him but reinforced his belief that New York fans are exceptionally capable of channeling their passion toward supporting their team.

“I think New York sports fans are incredibly smart,” Karns added. “What’s going to shock people is that it’s going to be less about anything directed at the other team and more about cheering on their own team.”

The logistical challenge overlies a separate and potentially more delicate question: President Donald Trump has announced plans to attend the Ryder Cup on Friday, a development that could complicate access for spectators during morning and perhaps afternoon sessions beginning at 7:10 a.m. local time. Karns would not confirm or deny Trump’s attendance or the timing of his appearance, but he acknowledged that the PGA of America has discussed with Secret Service the most efficient way to stage the event without disrupting play or security.

“We’re still finalizing all that,” Karns said. “I think [Trump] more than anything wants to ensure that the disruption is minimal and that he doesn’t do anything to detract from the event.” The former U.S. Open tennis final in New York—where security and entrance lines were tightened for a high-profile visitor—has been cited as part of the backdrop for these Ryder Cup security discussions. Karns emphasized that the Ryder Cup’s success depends on a seamless blend of pageantry and logistics, with safety always the top priority.

U.S. captain Keegan Bradley said he’s “deeply honored” that Trump plans to attend, adding that such a visit underscores the Ryder Cup’s significance as a national stage. “When you’re representing your country at a place like Bethpage Black in New York, having the president there to support you is something that is just absolutely incredible,” Bradley said. European captain Luke Donald echoed that sentiment, describing the prospect of a presidential appearance as a mark of respect for the competition and its competitors. “You’ve got to see that as a sign of how big the Ryder Cup is,” Donald said, noting that many players have personal connections to the presidency. “He knows a lot of the players.”

Among the players who have publicly acknowledged a potential presidential moment is Scottie Scheffler, the current world No. 1. “I get a call or text from him sometimes after wins,” Scheffler said with a light touch of humor during a recent media gathering. “The president is kind of funny. He loves the game of golf. He’s one of those guys when you’re around him he does such a good job of feeding confidence into everybody around him. I don’t think he has any plans to address us as a team, but I’m sure if things go well [for the U.S. team], we’ll hear from him this week.”

The breadth of the event’s footprint was highlighted by Karns, who noted Bethpage Black’s proximity to New York’s major sports venues and its own storied history as a demanding course that tests players’ shot-making and mental tenacity. He stressed that while McIlroy’s concerns are not dismissed out of hand, the overall tone this week will be focused on support for both teams rather than antagonism. “The market is different, the fans are different, and the expectations are high,” Karns said. “But I think we’ll see a celebration of the sport and a respect for the competition.”

Adding to the atmosphere will be the tournament’s practical realities. The Ryder Cup’s organizers are balancing a twofold objective: create a raucous but respectful environment for competition while ensuring the event proceeds on schedule amid a city famed for its security-conscious posture. As McIlroy himself has suggested, the challenge for players is to stay centered for hours at a stretch across multiple days, while managing a potential onslaught of noise, chants and crowd engagement that can ramp up quickly in a venue like Bethpage Black.

Despite the anxieties raised by McIlroy’s warning, Karns and the tournament’s leadership appeared resolved to let the fans define the week on their own terms—within the boundaries of a strict security protocol and an emphasis on fair play. The players’ ability to stay together and support one another could be as essential as any swing the players will take on the grounds this week.

As the event unfolds, the public will be watching how the crowd’s energy translates into a unique Ryder Cup experience. The contrast between a city known for ebullient sports fandom and golfers who thrive under pressure will likely shape the week’s narrative, even before the first ball is struck on Thursday.

The pages of this week’s story are still being written, but the tone from the organizers is clear: the aim is to let the fans celebrate the event while keeping the focus on top-tier golf and safe, smooth operations for players and spectators alike. If McIlroy’s prediction has stirred conversation, the response from Karns and the security plan suggests a deliberate attempt to steer the week toward a memorable, competitive showcase rather than a confrontation.