With the second round of the Ryder Cup wrapped up, security at Bethpage Black has been ramped up significantly. The heightened presence comes in response to two highly publicized incidents involving Rory McIlroy. On day one, he was seen flipping the bird, and on day two, he bluntly told fans to “shut the f*** up.” But it wasn’t just McIlroy who faced heckling; players across the course had to contend with rowdy crowds that made their blood boil.

So, given these growing tensions, organizers increased the security force, particularly around McIlroy and his group. Earlier in the day, the Northern Irishman was subjected to personal taunts, prompting his wife, Erica Stoll, to step away from the crowd. Claire Rogers shared an update on security on X, posting two photos that show multiple police officers taking charge at the course.

This heightened security came after things nearly got out of hand—Shane Lowry was restrained by his caddie as he moved toward a disruptive fan, who was later addressed by officials. Even Justin Thomas joined in, helping instruct the crowd to remain silent during play.

Several hecklers have now been ejected, as officials cracked down to protect the players and maintain order at the biennial event.

However, this is not the first time at the Ryder Cup that tensions between rowdy fans and players have escalated to the point where enhanced security was necessary. Previous Ryder Cups have seen fans aggressively heckle players from opposing teams, leading to players visibly reacting or officials stepping in to restore order.

At the 2018 Ryder Cup in Paris, there were multiple reported incidents of hostile fan behavior, especially towards American players, which required intervention by security personnel to maintain decorum. The 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah Country Club also witnessed heated moments where crowd behavior became a talking point, with fans being ejected and security having to increase vigilance as tempers flared on and off the course.

Moreover, the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump attending the 2025 Ryder Cup may have added another layer of heightened security measures.

While these instances reveal one side of the story, there is much more to unpack about the unique pressures and atmosphere shaping the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.

Electric atmosphere and unyielding crowd impact at Bethpage Black

The atmosphere at Bethpage Black during the 2025 Ryder Cup is unlike any other, with passionate crowds playing a pivotal role in shaping the event’s drama and intensity. Additionally, attendance numbers are staggering, with tens of thousands of fans filling the stands and surrounding the course daily, creating an electric environment that amplifies the stakes for every shot taken. These fervent supporters bring both encouragement and immense pressure, particularly for the American team playing on home soil.

Even Keegan Bradley characterized the New York crowd as “extremely passionate,” emphasizing that this passion multiplies when players don their country’s colors and compete on their home course. This energy, he explained, is a unique aspect of Bethpage Black, a public course deeply intertwined with the local golfing community, making the crowd’s presence almost a “piece of New York” itself.

This charged atmosphere also exemplifies the broader essence of the Ryder Cup—more than just a golf tournament, it is a high-stakes clash of cultures and national pride witnessed by some of the most engaged golf audiences in the world. Historically, Ryder Cup players have often referred to the influence of the crowd as being transformative—turning golf from an isolated test of skill into a battle of nerves played out on a highly charged international stage.

The crowd’s energy, with its unpredictable highs and lows, leaves a lasting impact on the players and the unfolding storylines, making the event an unforgettable spectacle beyond the mere tallying of scores.