While there is always huge anticipation ahead of the Ryder Cup, there seems to be something different about the build-up to the 2025 event set to be played in the cauldron that is Bethpage Black.
The Ryder Cup is surely the most intriguing event coming up in 2025. Team USA will start as overwhelming favourites given the dominance of home sides since the turn of the century. However, the PGA of America have really rolled the dice with the decision to appoint Keegan Bradley as captain.
Europe meanwhile, will be led by Luke Donald, who oversaw a masterful win in Rome in 2023. He is looking to become arguably the team’s greatest ever captain in New York. But he will need no reminding of the record defeat Europe suffered the last time the Ryder Cup was played stateside.
There is also an interesting question mark over what role Tiger Woods may play. Woods turned down the captaincy before Bradley got the gig. But he has been a vice-captain previously, and his presence would certainly add to what already promises to be an electric atmosphere.
What Tiger Woods said about the Bethpage Black crowd after the 2002 US Open
Woods also has knowledge of what it takes to win around Bethpage, having clinched the 2002 US Open at the venue. And speaking after his victory 22 years ago, Woods explained what he made of the crowds that week in Farmingdale.
“First of all, no, I’ve never played in front of galleries such as this, I don’t think anyone has, really. This is completely new to all of us, for them to be this excited, from the first tee to the 18th green. They were pretty revved up. But going down the first hole, I was just hoping that the fans wouldn’t cross the line with the comments they would use throughout the day. And to be honest with you, yes, they did,” he said.
“There were fans that crossed the line, but the majority of them didn’t. The majority of them were obviously excited but respectful. And that’s the only thing you can ask is that they don’t cross that line and behave that way. There’s nothing wrong with showing enthusiasm, there’s nothing wrong with that at all, just as long as you’re respectful to the players out there as well as the other fans that are in the galleries.”
How Woods went on to win the 2002 US Open
While it was not the most dominant major win of Woods’ career, he certainly had control of the tournament throughout the week.
Woods led by one after the opening round, and that lead was extended to three at the halfway mark. Padraig Harrington was the only other player who was under par heading into the weekend.
Woods was in the final group with Sergio Garcia on Sunday. And it is fair to say that the Spaniard had a difficult relationship with those on the other side of the ropes that week – hence why Woods was asked about the reaction.
It certainly did not help Garcia, who finished six shots behind Woods on three over par. Woods’ 72 meanwhile, would leave him at three under par and the only player who broke par that week.
It is frightening to think of what the atmosphere could be like at the Ryder Cup – particularly if a certain Sergio Garcia is lining up for Europe.
Perhaps, while it is not entirely out of the question, golf fans can also dream of one last dance for Woods in the event.
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