Ian Woosnam responds to Tom Watson’s comments on the crowd at Bethpage Black for the Ryder Cup

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The crowd at Bethpage Black for the Ryder Cup will always be remembered for going over the top.

The atmosphere at Ryder Cups is supposed to be difficult for the away team, but too many American fans crossed the line.

The European players, especially Rory McIlroy, received personal insults throughout the week, and the police even had to be called in.

Ryder Cup legends Ian Woosnam and Tom Watson both shared the same thoughts on the fans at Bethpage Black.

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Ian Woosnam and Tom Watson agree on Bethpage Black crowd

Tom Watson tweeted after the Ryder Cup finished that he was disappointed to see the United States fans abuse the European players.

“I’d like to congratulate Team Europe on their victory,” Watson posted. “Your team’s play in the first few days was sensational.

“More importantly, I’d like to apologize for the rude and mean-spirited behavior from our American crowd at Bethpage. As a former player, Captain, and American, I am ashamed of what happened.”

Ian Woosnam then replied to Watson in full agreement about the crowd, with praise for the US legend’s classy message.

“Tom, you have always had the respect and true traditions of the game, and that’s how it should be,” he replied. “Well said.”

What Rory McIlroy said about the atmosphere at Bethpage Black

Unfortunately, Rory McIlroy was asked about the crowd as much as the golf in Europe’s press conference after winning the Ryder Cup.

McIlroy explained that golf should be held to a higher standard than other sports, where heckles are more commonplace.

“Look, I don’t think we should ever accept that in golf,” he said. “I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week.

“Golf has the ability to unite people. Golf teaches you very good life lessons. It teaches you etiquette. It teaches you how to play by the rules. It teaches you how to respect people.

“Sometimes this week, we didn’t see that. So no, this should not be what is acceptable in the Ryder Cup. But you know, we will be making sure to say to our fans in Ireland in 2027 that what happened here this week is not acceptable.”