The Unconventional Experience of the Ryder Cup
For some individuals, the Ryder Cup has become more than just a golf tournament—it’s an opportunity to take a nap. This year, the legendary Bethpage Black course in Long Island transformed into a makeshift bed for many spectators, who were spotted sleeping on the grass and trees during the event.
Daniel Manzouri, a 39-year-old from Williamsburg, shared his experience at the tournament. He described how he saw a man passed out on a muddy hill as early as 9 a.m. on Friday. Throughout the day, he estimates he saw between 10 and 12 people asleep on the lawn. “People would walk by them and be like, ‘Are you ok buddy?’” he said.
Manzouri had expected the event to be more sophisticated given the high ticket prices, which can reach up to $1,500. However, he found it to be quite the opposite. “It was debaucherous,” he explained. He witnessed people peeing in bottles because they didn’t want to wait in line for porta-potties. Others were seen changing all sorts of crazy things, including profanity. There were even instances of Europeans fighting with American fans, leading to fistfights that required security intervention.
“You would think at an event with a high ticket price you would think people would behave,” he added. “It was kind of a s–t show.”
A Day of Drinking and Debauchery
The tournament offered ample opportunities for drinking, with various bars serving expensive beverages. Michelob Ultra was priced at $15, while Bud Light Selzer cost $16. Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut was available for $22, and William Hill North Coast Chardonnay came in at $14. Four specialty cocktails were also on offer, including the Cherry Fairway Fizz, which featured moonshine made specifically for the Ryder Cup, and a limited-edition Ryder-Cup Rubber Duck. Patrons could also enjoy blood Marys, margaritas, and mules.
Despite the availability of free food, such as cheeseburgers, Italian sausages, and chicken sandwiches, as well as complimentary water and Gatorade, many attendees appeared to be extremely drunk. Manzouri was surprised by this, noting that people must have been drinking on the train, bus, or Uber before arriving. “How else could you get that drunk by 9 a.m.?” he asked.
Mixed Reactions to the Scene
Not everyone was taken aback by the sight of grown men sleeping throughout the day. A 30-something publicist from New York City shared her perspective. She mentioned that she heard the Ryder Cup was a good time and saw two adult males asleep on the grass throughout the day.
“The one I saw in the morning I’m not sure if he was drunk but the afternoon gentleman was 100 percent passed the f–k out,” she said. “They were both on their sides.”
She believes the early morning start, with gates opening at 5 a.m., contributed to the free-for-all sleeping arrangements. Many golf lovers rush inside to secure a good seat in the stadium. Additionally, she noted that people with ground passes didn’t have a perch to rest, so why not take to the grass? (They might not know about or care about Long Island’s tick problem.)
As she put it, “I figured it was par for the course.”
