The crowd at Bethpage Black has been almost as much a star of the Ryder Cup as Team Europe, despite the tremendous dominance shown by Luke Donald’s group. However, the fans have not exactly stood out for their commendable behavior.
Shouting, insults and offensive remarks toward European players have been reported during the first two days of the event, and even before that. Objects have even been thrown onto the course, with a drink reportedly thrown at Erica Stoll, Rory McIlroy’s wife.
This behavior by fans has had a major impact on social media, with numerous users denouncing it as inappropriate.
On Sunday, MLB Hall of Famer and Atlanta Braves legend Chipper Jones joined the debate, using his X account to give a hot opinion on the matter. His take focused on highlighting the recklessness of European players bringing their families to Bethpage Black.
“I played in NY 12-15 times every yr for 20 yrs and multiple times in the postseason,” he posted on X. “AT NO TIME in 2 decades was my family EVER allowed to go to a game in NY. What do u expect to happen? Is it right? No! But when u are public enemy #1….expect to be treated harshly. No way that I expose my wife or kids to that. It’s unfair, but it’s reality in NY! PS…..in response to the NY crowd…..epic performance by Euro team!”
Several fans reacted to this post, arguing that there was a lack of condemnation of the inappropriate behavior.
“The behaviour of those fans needs to be called out and condemned. Nobody should accept bad behaviour just because it’s New York. Call it out for what it is, unacceptable,” the user @IainM58 said.
“That’s weak (expletive). Stand up and condemn the behavior without saying to accept it ‘because it’s New York.’ It’s a f**ing golf match,” the user @SotoSocial added.
“What a bizarre take from someone you’d think would know better. So…Rory should have expected this treatment, and shouldn’t have brought his family to the event. So what does he expect. Hmmm. Sure,” the user @CiDeely posyed.
Jones responded to some of these comments by saying that he does consider the fans’ behavior at Bethpage Black to be wrong, but maintaining the idea that nothing else could be expected.
The wives of Ryder Cup players have been an unofficial part of the event for more than 75 years. According to Marca (in Spanish), this tradition began in 1949 and has only grown since then.
The wives and girlfriends of the players have a very active role at the Ryder Cup these days. They wear matching outfits, walk the course cheering on the players, participate in ceremonies, and generally bring the family touch that is so characteristic of this sport.
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