Tom Watson, a revered figure in American golf, has publicly apologized for the poor conduct displayed by US spectators during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. Watson expressed his shame over the behavior of the American crowd, which marred what should have been a memorable event for the sport. He also extended his apology directly to the European team for the “rude and mean-spirited” actions that overshadowed the competition.
The Ryder Cup itself saw Europe retain the trophy with a 15-13 win, but the victory was overshadowed by incidents involving abusive behavior toward European players and their families. Rory McIlroy confirmed that his wife, Erica, was struck by a beer thrown by a fan, a disturbing act that led to heightened concerns about the crowd’s behavior. McIlroy, who endured harsh abuse throughout the competition, was vocal in condemning the actions of the spectators, stating that such behavior should never be accepted in the sport of golf.
Watson, who has been involved in five Ryder Cups and captained the US team in 2014, took to social media to express his regret. “As a former player, captain, and as an American, I am ashamed of what happened,” Watson said, acknowledging Europe’s superior performance on the course and offering his heartfelt congratulations.
In contrast to Watson’s heartfelt apology, US captain Keegan Bradley refrained from condemning the actions of the crowd, and Collin Morikawa even encouraged fans to create “chaos” during the matches. The incident at Bethpage was particularly disturbing given the typically respectful atmosphere surrounding golf, where spectators are expected to maintain quiet during play.
Luke Donald’s leadership of the European team was widely praised, as his squad claimed a historic victory on US soil for the first time since 2012. Donald, who drew on the advice of tennis legend Ivan Lendl to handle the rowdy New York crowd, emphasized the importance of creating a positive environment for his players.
Despite the distractions, the European team’s unity and determination shone through. Shane Lowry, celebrating the victory, acknowledged that the European team’s resilience in overcoming one of the most hostile environments in sport would be remembered for generations to come. The incident has sparked discussions about the future of golf’s leadership, with names like Justin Rose and Francesco Molinari being considered as potential captains for future Ryder Cups. Meanwhile, Tiger Woods’ absence from the event has raised questions about his potential involvement as the next US team captain.
