The Bethpage Black crowd during the Ryder Cup will be remembered for taking things too far.
While a hostile atmosphere was expected, especially in favour of the home side, there were far too many American fans who went beyond what is considered acceptable.
European players, with Rory McIlroy as a prime example, were on the receiving end of personal abuse, leading to police involvement at one point.
Both Ian Woosnam and Tom Watson spoke out about the behaviour they witnessed from fans at Bethpage Black.
Ian Woosnam and Tom Watson see eye to eye over Bethpage Black crowd
Tom Watson took to social media after the event, expressing his frustration with how some US fans treated the European team.
“I’d like to congratulate Team Europe on their victory. Your team’s play in the first few days was sensational.
“More importantly, I’d like to apologize for the rude and mean-spirited behavior from our American crowd at Bethpage. As a former player, Captain, and American, I am ashamed of what happened.”
Woosnam responded directly to Watson’s message, backing up his take on the situation and showing appreciation for his comments.
“Tom, you have always had the respect and true traditions of the game, and that’s how it should be. Well said.”
What Rory McIlroy said about the atmosphere at Bethpage Black
During the post-tournament press conference, much of the focus shifted from Europe’s win to the behaviour of the crowd throughout the week.
McIlroy addressed those concerns, saying that golf should hold itself to a different standard compared to other sports where heckling is more common.
“Look, I don’t think we should ever accept that in golf. I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week.
“Golf has the ability to unite people. Golf teaches you very good life lessons. It teaches you etiquette. It teaches you how to play by the rules. It teaches you how to respect people.
“Sometimes this week, we didn’t see that. So no, this should not be what is acceptable in the Ryder Cup. But you know, we will be making sure to say to our fans in Ireland in 2027 that what happened here this week is not acceptable.”