FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — Following two days of what’s becoming a challenging event at Bethpage Black, the United States Ryder Cup squad finds itself trailing by 7 points (11.5 to 4.5). This necessitates what would be the greatest comeback in the competition’s history to prevent its most underwhelming showing in 45 stagings of this biennial golf celebration, which began in 1927.
Unless there’s a significant shift (favorable for the Americans) or misfortune (for the Europeans), this Ryder Cup appears decided. Europe has emerged victorious in the tournament just four times on U.S. territory (1987, 1995, 2004, 2012), but a fifth triumph seems highly likely.
Sunday could turn into a six-hour victory lap for Rory McIlroy, Tommy Fleetwood, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Shawn Lowry, captain Luke Donald, and the rest of their visiting contingent.
Sunday’s attendance might decrease as a result; numerous ticket holders departed the grounds early on Saturday after realizing that Europe would continue its performance from the previous three sessions this weekend on Long Island: extending its lead and diminishing the Americans’ morale.
That early departure of fans triggered some playful chants from the European supporters present. One lighthearted jibe — “Is-There-a-Fire-Drill?!” — echoed shortly after 5 p.m. ET, more than an hour before Saturday’s matches officially concluded.
Europe warrants as much commendation as the U.S. deserves criticism for being overwhelmed. The Europeans’ remarkable iron play and putting accuracy have been exceptional, while the Americans have largely underperformed. As Europe consistently sank putts from beyond 15 feet, the U.S. experienced a drought in their short game from similar distances, except for a few instances.
Were it not for the predominance of red, white, and blue — and American accents across the venue — one might assume this Ryder Cup was taking place on European soil. Donald’s team has seemed at ease since sunrise on Friday, because his team understood the task: arrive prepared, not be intimidated by the course, have effective putting, embrace the team concept, rely on each other, and avoid giving the American fans any reason to become energized.
Over the course of two days, Europe has displayed nearly flawless team golf. Fleetwood doesn’t require the “nearly” qualification; the 34-year-old Englishman with distinctive hair is elevating himself to legendary Ryder Cup status. He’s impeccable through four matches — the initial European to achieve a clean sweep in their initial four while participating in a U.S.-based Cup — his 4 points produced in his four foursomes only a half-point fewer than the collective total of all 12 Team USA golfers over two days.
A considerable rout — occurring on State Park land, no less. There’s dominance, and then there’s maintaining a lead for 76 holes across Saturday’s eight matches. The total number of holes that the United States led on Saturday? Six.
Why is there widespread expectation that Sunday is essentially a formality? Because Europe possesses all the momentum after consistently performing from a position of assurance, control, and superiority.
“The Europeans have performed incredibly well,” stated U.S. captain Keegan Bradley. “It’s been genuinely impressive to witness. This is, you know, from my perspective, being in close proximity, I believe it’s one of the finest showings by an away team in any sport. Their performance has been remarkable. They’ve played excellently. Their putting has been even more exceptional.”
Donald remarked: “I hadn’t envisioned this. Each time the Americans threatened, we responded. Their resilience and self-belief are truly remarkable.”
Broader perspective: Europe is delivering and moving toward its most impressive display in a Ryder Cup since the continent gained the eligibility to field a team beginning in 1979. This is a historic event, and its occurrence in New York — where there was firm anticipation that the United States would excel and perform strongly in front of its most enthusiastic fan base — makes it even more astonishing.
Therefore, it’s important not to overlook that element of this Ryder Cup, given how unfavorable it has been for the United States beyond the playing area.
On Friday, as is typical in every session of every Ryder Cup, there was anticipated jeering and verbal abuse. I accompanied Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka for more than half of their four-ball match against Scottie Scheffler and J.J. Spaun, and the Europeans encountered some sharp taunts (primarily related to body weight).
Saturday exceeded acceptable boundaries.
The crowd rapidly deteriorated to the point where New York State Police officers were positioned inside the ropes, almost as numerous as accredited media, mainly while McIlroy and Lowry competed against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young. (Additional officers were assigned to supervise all four matches in the afternoon.)
Intoxicated fans began to verbally harass Mclroy and Lowry: shouting profanities as McIlroy prepared to putt, in addition to making personal insults directed at their appearances and families, according to multiple reporters within earshot. This prompted the presence of at least two dozen officers, which successfully mitigated some of the discourteous behavior. (Recognition to Thomas, particularly, for actively attempting to quiet the crowd in a display of sportsmanship toward his European counterparts.)
McIlroy became so irritated at one juncture during his morning foursomes match — the fans were not only offensive, some shouted during his backswing, a serious breach of golf etiquette (even at the Ryder Cup) — that he physically moved away from his ball on his second shot at No. 16 and exclaimed, “Shut the f— up!”
He then placed his subsequent shot within six feet of the pin.
The more aggressive the fans became, the better McIlroy appeared to perform. As he approached the 15th tee, he noticed on the large videoboard that all four European teams were ahead in their respective matches. He gestured toward the board, looked back at the majority of Americans (with some audibly enthusiastic Euro minority chanting mixed in), and pumped his fist as he approached the tee box.
“When you play an away Ryder Cup, it’s very, very challenging,” McIlroy informed NBC. “It’s not my place to determine — individuals can decide for themselves whether they went too far or not. I’m just proud of us for being able to secure a win today despite what we had to endure.”
The American fans were eager to discover a reason to support their team, to think that this Ryder Cup could be somewhat competitive — or even victorious — for the United States. Instead, the loss of hope for a positive outcome resulted in predictable negativity directed toward the European competitors.
The ruder the crowd behaved, the better Team Europe performed.
“Part of it is our fault,” Bradley admitted. “We aren’t performing to the standards they expect, and they’re angry, as they should be.”
Tempers even rose late on Saturday between the two teams after Justin Rose took exception to the Americans lingering within his field of vision as he was getting ready to putt. This led to some impassioned exchanges — including caddies! — as the groups proceeded toward the 16th tee.
“In sports, golf, it’s amplified into this significant incident,” Bradley stated when questioned about the confrontation. “These situations occur in sports all the time. They appeared to be fine after the round. You know, it’s incredibly passionate out there, especially for — well, for both sides. But from my understanding, everything had been resolved following the round. These kinds of things happen when you’re competing for your country.”
This was anticipated to be among the most tightly contested and vibrant Ryder Cups ever. Instead, we’re witnessing an all-time blowout that has the potential to be historically significant. After all, Europe’s 7-point lead is the largest that the Ryder Cup has seen entering the final 12 matches since the event’s format change in 1979.
Not only have the Euros infiltrated Long Island, but they’re also positioned to assert control over New York as their territory by Sunday afternoon.
