The Ryder Cup, one of the most prestigious tournaments, is no stranger to the noise, crowd, and passion. But in Bethpage Black, a new conversation, one that goes beyond the venue. In his fourth Ryder Cup appearance, Tommy Fleetwood addressed the New York crowd and explained how they are expected to be one of the rowdiest and loudest among the golf fans. His concern is towards the wives and girlfriends of Team Europe, as they were cautioned by the Ryder Cup officials about the environment they might face on Friday.
Tommy Fleetwood, in the media conference, when asked about the crowd, said,” Well, I think first and foremost, I think the — for us this week, it’s an away crowd. But I do say that the home crowd are a big part of what makes the Ryder Cup so special, so unique to us.” He also spoke on Team Europe’s family members and how they would not follow everyone to every hole, but instead could choose what they want to do and what makes them comfortable, keeping in mind the hostile environment.
“We’ve all discussed as a team who feels comfortable, how the family would feel comfortable, what they want to do,” Fleetwood said to the media. “When the families are here, they’re not just here for you. We’re all part of Team Europe. Whatever that involves and whoever that involves supporting, that could be very, very different.”. He emphasized how their families, like the players themselves, are considered an extension of the European team and how they get to experience the same ups and downs that the players go through.
The concerns about the crowd and the atmosphere come from previous events held in New York. There were many times in the PGA tournament where fans engaged in ruthless chats towards Rory McIlroy, and there were instances where they were booing Bryson DeChambeau.
Combine this with the home team’s loss at Rome in 2023, and things might get even fiery and hectic this coming Friday. While the tournament organizers and both captains have stressed respect, Fleetwood and his teammates have prepared for an intense environment that is part of the Ryder Cup’s atmosphere.
Team Europe’s logistics have also taken extra measures to make sure the families of the players are safe and are given the freedom to make sure that they can experience the Ryder Cup to the fullest. They were made cautious about confrontations by the New York crowd, but Fleetwood’s comments made it clear on the united approach of Team Europe amidst the fiery crowd.
Tommy Fleetwood looks forward to the atmosphere and the challenge that the crowd is anticipated to bring. “That energy, that passion, and that home team environment is something that plays such a big part in the Ryder Cup. You have to embrace that, enjoy it, and look forward to it, even when you’re the away team,” He stressed about the safety and comfort of the European team’s family, but he didn’t generalize the U.S crowd in a negative way whatsoever.
Europe’s Tommy Fleetwood braces for the fire and passion of New York fans
Tommy Fleetwood talked about how amazing the New York fans were when he had a few practice rounds in the venue. But he also knows that the atmosphere will be different when the tournament begins, “It’s different when it’s go time,” he explained. “When it’s time to play, I’ve always felt like I just want to focus on my game, focus on each shot, try and get into my bubble. That’s no different in the Ryder Cup—it’s just an extreme atmosphere.”
Europe’s captain, Luke Donald, also spoke on the crowd dynamics and highlighted the pressure that Team US might face at home. He talked about the stipend that the US players receive, with half of it going to charity, adding that the US crowd will hold the players accountable if they were to underperform, “If the U.S. players are getting paid a stipend … and they aren’t performing, the New Yorkers could make them know about it,” he said. This adds a new element to the already chaotic atmosphere; these expectations, combined with the Ryder Cup atmosphere, might result in the fans turning against the home side if momentum comes Team Europe’s way.
Fleetwood also adds on the aspect of victories and defeats in this prestigious tournament. Europe’s heavy loss at Whistling Straits in 2021, which he described as a “hammering,” remains a source of motivation. “Watching the other team celebrate when you know you didn’t give yourselves justice … that’s one of the most motivating things you can have,” he recalled. That defeat motivated Team Europe’s victory in Rome in 2023, and they are hoping to carry that momentum at Bethpage this weekend.
Whether it is family safety, the nerves of playing in the Ryder Cup, or the weight of expectations that come with it. Fleetwood said that it’s all a part of what it takes to play for Team Europe. “Being part of a team is really beautiful … it drives you to be the absolute best version of yourself,” he said. For Fleetwood, security concerns are inseparable from embracing the unity, resilience, and pressure that come when playing for Team Europe at one of the most prestigious tournaments in the golf world.