Golf legend Tom Watson, former U.S. Ryder Cup captain and multiple major champion, made waves after Europe’s dramatic 15-13 victory by publicly apologizing for the conduct of U.S. fans at Bethpage Black. He congratulated Team Europe while calling parts of the crowd’s behavior “rude and mean-spirited,” and said as an American he was “ashamed” of what occurred
Watson’s remarks cut through what had largely been a muted response from U.S. leadership. By owning the misstep, he drew a sharp line between the spectacle of competition and the ugliness of disrespect. In his view, the Ryder Cup should be about fierce rivalry, but never crossing the boundary into abusive conduct.
What Crossed the Line
The 2025 Ryder Cup in New York saw an intensity of partisan support, but some fans went beyond cheering. European golfers–especially Rory McIlroy–were targeted with expletives, chants timed to interrupt shots, and even thrown objects. His wife, Erica, was reportedly brushed by a beer thrown in the direction of the players.
McIlroy himself paused play when the crowd got too loud, refusing to putt until conditions calmed. He later labeled some of the language “unacceptable and abusive.” These actions underscored how the crowd sometimes became part of the match, rather than a backdrop. When leaders on the American side stayed quiet about it, Watson’s statement stood out as unusually blunt.
Watson vs. the Establishment
Watson’s position as former captain and veteran gives his words extra weight. He isn’t just commenting; he’s speaking from inside the tradition and responsibility of U.S. golf. For many, that lends a corrective authority that younger or current figures may not carry.
By contrast, some on Team USA and within the PGA of America avoided strong condemnations. Ultimately, the silence from certain quarters and the boldness of Watson’s voice will be part of how this Ryder Cup is remembered–not just for Europe’s win, but for what unfolded off the course.
Woosnam Weighs In: Agreement From a Ryder Cup Peer
Shortly after Watson’s remarks, Welsh golf legend Ian Woosnam publicly responded, backing Watson’s criticism of crowd behavior while emphasizing that the line had been crossed. Woosnam agreed that parts of the Bethpage Black crowd had gone beyond passion and into inappropriate territory.
“Tom, you have always had the respect and true traditions of the game, and that’s how it should be,” Woosnam said. “Well said.”
Although Woosnam’s statement wasn’t as emotionally charged, he too has experienced the intensity of hostile crowds in Ryder Cup competition. His acknowledgment adds another layer of legitimacy to Watson’s position: this isn’t just one former captain’s view, but shared concern among those who have competed at the highest level.
The Fallout and What’s Next
Watson’s statement opens the door to deeper reflection. Can future Ryder Cups safeguard fan passion without permitting abuse? Will captains or organizers institute clearer codes of behavior, enforcement, or education? The scandal of Bethpage may force structural changes in how crowd conduct is monitored and policed in elite golf events.
For Europe, Watson’s apology adds a moral victory to their hard-earned title. It frames the win not just as a result of scoring, but of dignity under pressure. For U.S. golf, it poses a question: what does it take to represent the home side when parts of the crowd betray the game’s ideals?