It is fair to say that many have been expecting Bethpage Black to provide an atmosphere at the 2025 Ryder Cup which is like nothing else the event has ever seen before.
Ever since the PGA of America announced in 2013 that the Ryder Cup 12 years later would be heading to New York, one of the major talking points was what kind of atmosphere would be created at the iconic golf course.
Of course, home teams tend to thrive at the Ryder Cup. Team USA won by a record margin at Whistling Straits four years ago.
But perhaps those hoping to feed off the energy created by those behind the ropes have been a little underwhelmed by what they have experienced so far.
Collin Morikawa admits the crowd at Bethpage have been tame ahead of the Ryder Cup
Speaking to the media ahead of Friday’s opening session, Collin Morikawa admitted that he is hoping for a lot more from the galleries over the coming days after such a build-up to the event.
“Yeah, Whistling Straits, there was still a little bit of COVID. We had a crowd but it wasn’t as big as what they say it’s going to be here,” he said.
“I’ll be honest, I think it’s kind of tame so far, Tuesday and Wednesday. I know tomorrow is going to be pretty bad but I hope Friday is just absolute chaos. I’m all for it. I think it feeds into who we are and the American players and the American team. We want it. Like we want to use that to our advantage.
“I think every sport uses their home crowd to their advantage, and just because we don’t play in a setting like this doesn’t mean the craziness of New York and the rest of the country that people are traveling in from, it doesn’t mean that we can’t use that to our advantage. I think we really have to tap into that. I hope they come strong.
“Watching all these kids, I know they want autographs, but come Friday, I hope they go crazy.”
Meanwhile, Cameron Young suggested that he has high expectations for the fans who show up once the event gets going.
“Yesterday was the first day with fans on Tuesday, and it’s about the most people I’ve ever seen out on a golf course. So there’s already a lot of energy, a lot of noise out there. You know, Tuesday, Wednesday, a lot of support for us,” he said.
“Just what you’d expect from a New York crowd. I think they will bring a lot to it come Friday. You know, just knowing the personality up here of the fans, I think they will bring a lot to it. I think, you know, hoping they are staying on our side but I know they will let us have it, too, if we’re not performing the way they want.”
Collin Morikawa’s comments will be music to Luke Donald’s ears
Of course, the atmosphere on the practice days will be very different to what the first tee will be like on Friday morning when the opening pairings arrive to kick things off.
But perhaps Luke Donald will take some encouragement from Morikawa’s comments.
Europe have got such a huge task on their hands. They are looking to become the first away team to win the Ryder Cup since Medinah in 2012.
They have been on a charm offensive; making sure that they sign all of the autographs and interact with the fans in attendance.
Obviously, they will still be preparing for a hostile reception on Friday. Their bad shots will be cheered, and there is always a danger that things could cross the line at the Ryder Cup.
But Morikawa’s comments about a tame atmosphere potentially speak to the idea that Europe may have succeeded – for now, at least.
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