In the eyes of many, the Ryder Cup is the greatest event in golf, never failing to deliver a myriad of stunning storylines before usually providing that moment during the Sunday singles where it really feels as though the matches could go either way.
Even in Rome last year when the Americans were facing a deficit larger than the one the Europeans came back from in Medinah, there was a period when Zach Johnson’s men seemed to have more than a small chance. Europe got to within half a point of victory from Tyrrell Hatton winning the sixth match, but it would not be until Tommy Fleetwood won match 11 that Luke Donald‘s side actually got across the line.
Because of the drama the Ryder Cup almost always serves up, you can guarantee that the atmosphere is going to be electric – particularly when you consider the dominance home sides have had since the turn of the century. And perhaps no venue could promise to be more highly charged than Bethpage, which is set to host its first Ryder Cup in 2025.
Bethpage Black has hosted three major championships down the years. And the anticipation for what the crowd is going to be like has almost been one of the key subplots already, with many expecting some incredible scenes in Long Island.
Keegan Bradley explains why he labelled Bethpage America’s course
It certainly appears that the PGA of America made their captaincy decision with the course in mind. Keegan Bradley may not have had a long Ryder Cup career, but he definitely made an impression with his passion for the event, so it could be a match made in heaven.
Speaking at the press conference this week, Bradley was asked why he had previously described Bethpage as America’s course.
“What makes Bethpage so special is we play public golf courses on the tour but so often, you know, it’s thousands of dollars to play the course. But here at Bethpage, if you’re a local, it’s very affordable to play,” he said.
“You ask any New Yorker, they are so proud of Bethpage Black. This is their course. We have incredible courses in the area, Winged Foot, Shinnecock, but the real New Yorkers, they talk about Bethpage. They all have a story of playing with their dad, with waiting in line in their car and going out and playing Bethpage Black, and that’s an extremely important thing for our team.
“We love Bethpage Black. We know how important it is to New Yorkers and we are going to go out there and love every second of it.”
A Ryder Cup with all kinds of potential
Results would certainly suggest that home advantage has become so important in winning the Ryder Cup. The US have not won in Europe since 1995, while Medinah saw the only away victory since the turn of the century.
And the crowds certainly play a key part in tipping the scale. It is hard to imagine that Europe’s defeat at Whistling Straits would have been as emphatic had Padraig Harrington’s men had more than a handful of supporters able to make the trip to Wisconsin.
Meanwhile, Brookline in 1999 was perhaps the best example of how intimidating the atmosphere can become. Certainly, a lot of what happened that week appeared to cross a line.
Bradley will know how important the crowd could be in making Bethpage Black as tough as possible for the Europeans. If they get the balance right, it certainly has every chance to go down as one of the all-time great Ryder Cups.
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