The Ryder Cup is back, and with it comes the familiar clash of passion, pressure, and a little bit of chaos.
As Europe prepares to face Team USA at Bethpage Black this weekend, the atmosphere is already electric — and, for some European players, a little intimidating.
Ian Poulter Jokes About Dealing with Heckling
Ryder Cup veteran Ian Poulter, who has represented Europe seven times, has had plenty of experience handling raucous crowds across the pond.
But this year, he admits the heckling has reached new levels.
Reflecting on his experiences, the 49-year-old called some of the abuse “complete and utter embarrassing stupidity.”
Poulter recalled being targeted with everything from bizarre chants to personal jibes.
Asked how he deals with the madness, Poulter joked with SportBible: “I actually just want to borrow the taser from the security guard, just to get one go per hole — that’d be amazing. Right between the eyes, have it!”
He added, “It’s not heckling, it’s complete and utter embarrassing stupidity.
You don’t get that at the Open Championship. You don’t get it anywhere. It’s only in America the stupidness comes out.”
European Stars in the Firing Line
This year, the European team features big names like Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Matt Fitzpatrick.
McIlroy has already drawn the home crowd’s ire, being loudly booed during practice, while Rahm was taunted with a shout of, “hey Rahmbo, where’s the Ozempic?” before teeing off.
Former British golfing legend Dame Laura Davies also commented on the situation, reflecting on the hostile environment at Whistling Straits in 2021, where European players and their families faced relentless abuse.
She hopes New York fans don’t go over the top again but isn’t ruling it out.
Ryder Cup Festivities in the Big Apple
For fans, the Ryder Cup is more than just a competition.
The event has taken over New York City, with a unique mini-golf experience on the rooftop of the Peninsula Hotel in Midtown.
Visitors can enjoy nine-hole mini-golf alongside cocktails from PGA Tour partners Bushmills Irish Whiskey and Maestro Dobel Tequila, offering incredible city views.
The rooftop course runs daily from September 17 to October 4, from 5pm to 10pm, giving fans a fun way to soak in the Ryder Cup excitement.
Europe Aims to Make History
Europe will be aiming to become only the fifth team in history to win the Ryder Cup on American soil, following their victory in Rome two years ago.
It will be no easy task, however, with Team USA boasting top-tier talent including Scottie Scheffler, Bryson DeChambeau, and Xander Schauffele.
As competitive action gets underway, all eyes will be on Bethpage Black, where intense golf and passionate crowds are sure to create a weekend to remember — for better or worse.