A New Era of Energy at the Ryder Cup
As the sun rose on Saturday at Bethpage Black, the atmosphere was electric. While many might have expected the crowd’s attention to be focused on the first tee, instead, their eyes were on the pouring bars. The anticipation was palpable as fans gathered in a pre-tee ritual that felt almost like a celebration.
At 9 a.m., the countdown began: “10, 9, 8…” The voices echoed across the fairways, filled with excitement and eagerness. At precisely 9 a.m., the bars sprang open, and the energy in the air was undeniable. Gabby Herzig, who covers golf for The Athletic, captured the moment with a video she posted on X at 9:01 a.m., describing the scene as “The bars just opened at 9 a.m. on the dot, with a countdown and all.”
This event is more than just a golf tournament; it’s a spectacle that has drawn an unprecedented level of enthusiasm from the fans. For the first time ever, the biennial showdown between Team USA and Team Europe is being held on Long Island at the iconic Bethpage Black. Fans in red, white, and blue have brought a level of energy to the course that is unlike anything seen before, with cheers, chants, and spirited heckling echoing through the fairways.
Controversial Moments and Strong Reactions
Not all players are pleased with the volume of the crowd. Rory McIlroy, a member of the European squad, has been visibly annoyed with the heckling from American fans. On Saturday morning, during play on the 16th green, he snapped at the crowd, saying, “Guys, shut the f*** up!” before delivering a precise shot that rolled three feet from the hole.
Earlier on Saturday, McIlroy had also responded to the crowd’s jeers by blowing kisses after they chanted “F–k You, Rory!” and “A–hole.” On Friday, he appeared to give the middle finger to fans amid a days of jeers from the crowd. While it’s not quite a football stadium, the energy at Bethpage Black is getting close.
A Party Like No Other
The pouring bar tradition plays a significant role at the event. Patina Group, the sole provider of food and beverage services at the Ryder Cup, has estimated that over the week, more than 475,000 beers may be sold. This doesn’t include the ones sold in the clubhouse or the brews fans chug down on the Long Island Rail Road on the way to the event.
This level of volume confirms what many already suspected — that part of the Ryder Cup’s energy is fueled by spirits as much as support for American-side birdies and eagles. The event is not just about golf; it’s a big party that draws in fans from all over.
High-Profile Guests and Extra Excitement
Of course, this is more than just a big party. The Ryder Cup is golf’s oldest and arguably most intense team event, and the stakes seem higher than ever for the U.S. to reclaim the Cup from Europe.
If the intense play and the pouring bars weren’t enough to stir the excitement pot, the guest list added extra gravitas. On Friday, President Donald Trump attended the event amid tight security, becoming reportedly the first sitting U.S. President to attend a Ryder Cup. His arrival was met with “USA!” chants and applause, though getting into the event on Friday was an arduous task — fans faced airport-style security checkpoints, road closures, massive traffic, and whirling helicopters.
Despite the challenges, fan enthusiasm continues to flow as freely as the beer at Bethpage Black.
