Former US Ryder Cup captain tells the PGA Tour never to bring golf events to New York again, ‘I’m embarrassed’

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The American fans threatened to overshadow the dramatic action at the Ryder Cup, where the USA almost staged a late fightback against Europe.

Europe defeated the USA 15-13 at Bethpage Black, where the American fans verbally abused Rory McIlroy and his teammates.

Former US Ryder Cup captain Tom Watson apologised for the American fans following their behaviour, which undoubtedly crossed the line at times throughout the week in New York.

Home favourite Justin Thomas attempted to hush the American fans, but on occasion the raucous crowd was much too hostile towards the visiting players, with state troopers required to try and keep the peace.

Many American fans did indeed show their support in the right way, with the US team producing a fine comeback in the Sunday singles amid heavy backing from those watching on.

Former Ryder Cup captain tells the PGA Tour what to do with golf events in New York

But the narrative around the American fans was largely negative, with former USA Ryder Cup captain Lanny Wadkins now adding his take.

He told Golf Today: “I thought it was disgraceful. I’m embarrassed as an American that that happened over here.

READ MORE: Rory McIlroy told he ‘has to take’ some responsibility for what happened at Bethpage Black as his behavior is analyzed

“I just think it was no class whatsoever. I mean quite honestly, if I’m the PGA or USGA, I don’t ever take another event up to New York again.

“To hell with them. If they’ve got people going to act like that, I don’t think we need to showcase them at all.”

Lanny Wadkins says what his generation of players thought about the Ryder Cup fan abuse

Bethpage Black has previously played host to other major events without such incident, including the US Open in 2002 and 2009.

The 2019 PGA Championship was also played at the New York course, with that event returning to Bethpage Black in 2033.

But when asked if it should be considered moving the tournament away from there, Wadkins replied: “I think after what transpired at the Ryder Cup, I think that would be a wise move on the PGA’s part.

“I was just shocked and appalled, kind of echoing what Tom Watson had said earlier, same thing. Maybe it’s today’s people, but I know a lot of players of my age and generation just can’t believe what went on in our sport there.”

He was then asked the question: “How much is it just a function of modern sports in 2025 versus some specific region or part of the United States?”

Standing firm on his stance, Wadkins responded: “Well, we haven’t seen it anywhere else that bad. That’s all I can say.

“You know, you don’t see it here in Texas, that’s for damn sure. You don’t see it in Virginia, you don’t see it in California, and I haven’t seen any other places that I’ve been. And I dare say that when they play the Presidents Cup in Medinah, it won’t be that bad as well.”

It remains to be seen what action, if any, will be taken going forward in light of the fan abuse and the reaction to it, but it certainly wasn’t a good look for those taking part.

Along with the PGA Championship eight years from now, the 2028 Women’s PGA Championship is also set to take place at Bethpage Black.