The countdown to the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black has begun as Luke Donald’s Europe eye their first win on US soil in 12 years.
The ‘Miracle at Medinah’ was the last time Europe tasted victory in the US. Justin Rose, Rory McIlroy and Ian Poulter starred as José María Olazábal’s side staged a stunning comeback.
Now, an electric Bethpage Black will welcome Donald’s 12-man team – and the famous Long Island course could prove a hostile arena.
USA captain Keegan Bradley anticipates a ‘crazy’ atmosphere, and YouTube golf star Peter Finch is concerned the crowds could spill out of control.
Peter Finch’s two main concerns at the 2025 Ryder Cup
Speaking on the latest episode of the Rough Cut Podcast, Finch detailed his two main worries ahead of the event next September.
“I am concerned about two things about the Ryder Cup,” said Finch. “Bethpage is notoriously one of the hardest courses in the world, but the US team always make the courses as easy as possible and cut the rough as short as possible, so their bigger hitters, their bigger players, can just bomb it everywhere and gouge it on to the green.”
“They have done this consistently within the last few years. The European team have done the opposite. They have made the course really tight and thickened up the rough. It’s kind of a thing.”
Finch continued: “I kind of feel they are going to take Bethpage and rip its teeth out a bit. I’m also worried about the crowds; it might go a bit OTT.”
Patrick Cantlay 2023 incident will add fuel to the fire at Bethpage Black
Europe are always greeted with hostility on US soil, but 2025 could have an added edge.
During the 2023 edition in Rome, Patrick Cantlay was ridiculed by European fans after refusing to wear his hat for the entire event.
Cantlay was believed to be protesting about playing the Ryder Cup for free, something the 32-year-old denies. USA teammate Brian Harman called the incident ‘ridiculous’.
European fans didn’t hold back, and those Stateside will be desperate to return the favour on Long Island.
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