The story of when Tiger Woods slated USA’s fans at the Ryder Cup as history risks repeating itself at Bethpage Black in 2025

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The 1999 Ryder Cup at Brookline will go down as one of the most fiercely contested sporting battles in history.

Before the event at The Country Club had even started, US players threatened to boycott over a long-standing payment row.

However, once the Ryder Cup began, the fans in Boston made the headlines. European players had to deal with intense abuse throughout, with Colin Montgomerie facing the brunt.

Furthermore, the American team invaded the 17th green after Justin Leonard made his winning putt, just before Jose María Olazábal had finished the hole, which many coined as bad sportsmanship.

Sam Torrance claimed the behaviour from fans was “disgusting”, and Mark James called Brookline a “bearpit”. Woods, who played against Montgomerie in the singles, finally spoke of his disgust at what happened at Brookline before the 2001 PGA Championship at Atlanta Athletic Club.

What Tiger Woods hated about 1999 Ryder Cup

Looking back at Woods’ quotes, the 15-time major winner was less than impressed with the abuse thrown at Montgomerie, in particular.

“I hope at The Belfry we get well away from the atmosphere that we saw at Brookline because, as far as I am concerned, it wasn’t a golf tournament at the end,” Woods said.

“I played against Colin Montgomerie one day, and the things that the crowd were saying to him, that’s just downright wrong. In our sport, you just don’t do that. Hell, in general, you just don’t do that.”

2025 Ryder Cup could face crowd issue

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The 2025 event at Bethpage Black could also prove hostile for the European team. After the ridicule of Patrick Cantlay in Rome, US fans will undoubtedly think about payback.

Of course, a little abuse is to be expected, but there will be some who take it too far. Keegan Bradley anticipates a raucous atmosphere from the New York crowds, and measures must be taken to prevent a repeat of Brookline.

The USA captain has also revealed those who “cross the line” will be asked to leave the venue.

“The PGA of America has things in place for each group to monitor the situation, and if you act inappropriately, you’re going to be asked to leave the tournament,” he told BBC Sport.

“I hope and expect the fans will respect what the guys are doing but also at the same time be lively and supporting our team.”

European captain Luke Donald has also placed responsibility on the PGA of America to ensure things don’t get out of hand.

“We’ve all seen Ryder Cups where it has crossed the line,” Donald said. “It’s the responsibility of the PGA of America to have protocols and a plan in place.”