Fan disruptions reach the Ryder Cup

Europe won a Ryder Cup plagued by violence, intimidation, and a complete disregard for the spirit of golf.

“'We're going to celebrate like there is no tomorrow': Team Europe win Ryder Cup.” Sky News, 29 September 2025, https://news.sky.com/story/team-europe-retain-ryder-cup-in-nail-biting-finale-13440308. Accessed 3 October 2025.

The Ryder Cup—first established in 1927, named after its founder, Samuel Ryder—features a team of the top 12 European golfers against 12 of the best players from the United States in a three-day match that started on Friday, September 26, and concluded Sunday, September 28. It is held every 2 years, and the course alternates locations between the US and Europe. This year, it took place at the Bethpage Black Course at Bethpage State Park in Farmingdale, Long Island, New York. 

The first two days feature the players competing as pairs in two different formats: foursomes and four-balls. In foursomes, teammates share a ball and alternate shots. On the other hand, in four balls, each of the four players involved plays their own ball, but only the lowest score in each hole is counted. The third day features 12 singles matches.

If the scores are the same, each team receives half a point. In total, the three days consist of 28 total matches, and the first team to surpass 14 total points earns the win. If the overall match ends in a tie, the team that won the trophy in the last tournament retains it. In other tournaments, the players can play one additional hole to break the tie, but not in the Ryder Cup. The Europeans have won 11 of the past 15 Ryder Cups. The final score for this year was the closest the Ryder Cup has seen since 2012. 

Europe had a two-day lead, winning the first four sessions. The US didn't find its game. For example, on Friday and Saturday, Scottie Scheffler, the world’s top-ranked player, lost all four of his matches. On Sunday, the Americans won six of the 12 singles matches and tied the other, a major comeback that surprised everyone. 

Throughout the weekend, Europeans had to battle passionate U.S crowds. Unlike in other locations, fans shouted offensive remarks during players’ backswings or as they were putting. Golf has always been a sport that values respect for the players by the opposing team and their supporters. This Ryder Cup was completely different; they definitely crossed the line. For example, when Rory McIlroy ended his round, the shouting of fans culminated with one throwing a beer at her wife, Erica. 

McCarthy, Kelly. “Rory McIlroy responds to 'abusive' crowd behavior after historic Ryder Cup win.” ABC News, 29 September 2025, https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/ryder-cup-team-europe-win-rory-mcilroy-crowd-behavior/story?id=126032154. Accessed 3 October 2025.

In the end, Shane Lowry, an Irish player, holed an incredible 6-foot birdie putt that earned the half-point Europe needed to win the Ryder Cup. Tyrrell Hatton scored the other half point in the penultimate match, achieving Europe's 15-13 victory.