In 1999, American fans at Brookline created one of golf’s most controversial moments when they rushed the green before José María Olazábal could finish his putt. The incident sparked outrage and damaged golf’s reputation for sportsmanship. Fast forward 26 years, and another American captain finds himself defending equally problematic fan behavior.

Keegan Bradley stood by his supporters Saturday night despite watching his own players try to silence them throughout the day. The Team USA captain’s unwavering defense came after Scottie Scheffler and Justin Thomas spent their afternoon managing crowds that had crossed every line of acceptable behavior.

Bradley’s post-round comments revealed a striking disconnect from reality. “Oh, I mean, we’ve got passionate fans out here,” he told reporters near the 18th green. “Their fans are loud, too. You can hear them right now. It’s an honor to play in front of the New York fans.”

Meanwhile, his players painted a different picture on the course. Scheffler was caught on video making shushing gestures to quiet American supporters. Social media captured the embarrassing moment, with Kyle Stuck posting on X: “Scottie having to ssshhh the crowd, there is not a good look #RyderCup.”

Thomas faced an even more uncomfortable situation on the 6th hole. He repeatedly raised his hands and gestured for silence as Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry endured persistent harassment. Bob Harig documented the severity, writing on X: “Looks like some poor fan behavior has crossed the line more than once, causing Justin Thomas to intervene on the sixth hole. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry are the subjects of the abuse.”

The Irish duo became primary targets throughout Saturday’s matches. McIlroy stepped away from putts twice, refusing to proceed until the crowds quieted. “I’m not putting until they shut up,” he declared during one particularly heated exchange. Lowry reached his breaking point on the 12th hole, lunging toward a heckler before his caddie restrained him.

Bradley’s defense became even more problematic considering the personal attacks. Fans hurled body-shaming comments at Lowry and made inappropriate remarks about McIlroy’s family. Security personnel ejected multiple spectators, yet Bradley maintained his supportive stance throughout.

The captain’s final comment revealed his true priorities. When asked about Sunday’s singles matches, Bradley referenced the Patriots’ historic Super Bowl comeback: “28-3. I was at that Super Bowl. I watched it. What a cool thing to have witnessed live in person.” His focus remained on inspiration rather than addressing the conduct crisis surrounding his team.

Ryder Cup crowd controversies span decades

This latest controversy is part of a troubling pattern in golf’s premier team competition. Bethpage Black has earned its reputation as golf’s most hostile environment, with observers consistently warning about the intensity European players would face.

The 1999 Brookline precedent loomed large over Saturday’s events. That tournament saw European players subjected to systematic harassment and the infamous green invasion. The recent Phoenix Open chaos offered another parallel, resulting in 54 arrests and 211 ejections in 2024.

Saturday’s scenes surpassed even those controversial moments. The PGA of America responded by deploying significant additional security, including New York State Police, around all matches. This action occurred as Lowry and others pointed out hecklers to security personnel, leading to multiple fan ejections.

Law enforcement presence significantly increased, with more than 30 officers visibly surrounding sure matches and including agencies such as the NYPD and Secret Service.

Video boards displayed behavior warnings throughout the course, though crowds booed these messages. The unprecedented security response highlighted just how severe the situation had become at America’s most notorious golf venue.

Bradley’s defense creates a troubling precedent for future competitions. His public support undermines his players’ efforts to maintain competitive integrity. The disconnect between the captain and the team raises serious questions about leadership effectiveness.

When players feel compelled to police their own supporters, a fundamental breakdown has occurred. Sunday’s singles matches will reveal whether this internal tension affects American performance in their crucial comeback attempt.