One of the reasons home advantage has proved to be so crucial in the Ryder Cup, particularly over the last three decades, is the role that the crowd can play in inspiring their team across the line.
There is expected to be an electric atmosphere at Bethpage Black when the 2025 Ryder Cup gets going. There has been so much excitement and anticipation since the iconic course was named as the venue for the event back in 2013.
The Ryder Cup is the most unique experience in the current game. Obviously, most of the players involved will rarely feature as part of a team. Meanwhile, the away side will have to contend with an intense amount of pressure, emanating from those stood outside the ropes.
The large majority of those in attendance will be desperate to enjoy the greatest event in golf. However, there is always the potential for one or two to cross the line in such a cauldron.
Tommy Fleetwood speaks about the fans at Bethpage Black ahead of the Ryder Cup
The Europeans are preparing for their mistakes to be cheered, and their moments of magic to be met with silence.
How they handle that will go a long way to deciding how successful Luke Donald‘s men will be. And speaking to the media ahead of Friday’s opening, Tommy Fleetwood explained how concerned the visitors are with their families watching on.
“I think first and foremost, for us this week, it’s an away crowd. But I do say that the home crowd are a big part of what makes the Ryder Cup so special, so unique to us,” he said.
“As individuals, you obviously don’t get to play in front of a home or team atmosphere, if you like. It’s always kind of crowd supporting individuals.
“But I think that energy, that passion and that home team environment is something that plays such a big part in the Ryder Cup, and I think you have to embrace that, enjoy it, and look forward to it, even when you’re the away team. Kind of looking forward to that.
“We’ve all discussed as a team who feels comfortable, how the family would feel comfortable, what they want to do. I don’t necessarily think the away crowd is like a reason for that either. It’s just do they want to be out there and support; do they want to spend the whole 18 holes; do they want to follow someone else?
“When the families are here, the families aren’t just here for you. We’re all part of Team Europe, and whatever that involves and whoever that involves supporting out there, that could be very, very different.
“I think it’s something that we’ve all discussed, and it’s one of those things, it’ll be very fluid throughout the week. I’m sure it’s all going to be great.”
Team Europe went on something of a charm offensive earlier in the week. They were seen signing autographs and interacting with the fans in attendance for the practice days.
And Fleetwood suggested that he really enjoyed getting those moments with the fans before the tension ramps up later in the week.
“Yeah, everybody was amazing yesterday. Like I say, look, the sort of job of the home crowd is to support the home team. You wouldn’t hold anything against anybody in that way,” he said.
“But yesterday they were amazing. They were very supportive of us, and it’s important. The Ryder Cup, first as golfers, it’s the biggest showcase of the sport that we get, comes along every two years. And all of those — I look back at my favorite Ryder Cup moments and shots that I might have hit or you look back down the years, crowds — without the crowds, it’s not quite the same. It just doesn’t feel the same. That’s such a huge part of that.
“To engage with them here is really important. It’s great. It’s great to soak up that atmosphere, whether it’s home or away. Like I say, they were all amazing yesterday. I loved interacting with them. I loved signing stuff, seeing the kids and all of that. I thought that was great.
“Yeah, it’s different when it’s go time, like when it’s time to play. I think that’s like every other tournament except this one is hyped up. When it’s time to play, I’ve always felt like I really just want to focus on my game, focus on each shot, try and get into my bubble as much as possible, especially when I’m coming in to play my shots.
“That’s no different in the Ryder Cup; it’s just it’s an extreme atmosphere. It’s the most extreme atmosphere that we get. But crowd is such a huge part of the Ryder Cup.”
Tommy Fleetwood expresses his hope to play alongside Rory McIlroy in New York
There will be plenty of European supporters hoping to see Fleetwood reunited with Rory McIlroy. The pair won both of their matches in the two foursomes sessions in Rome in 2023.
It would not be a surprise if the pair played together on Friday morning. And the Englishman explained how special it is to team up with McIlroy.
“As to Rory, I think whoever gets to play with Rory this week, like what a privilege. What an amazing thing to be able to do, to stand next to him on the golf course and play alongside him. He’s one of if not the greatest players of our generation,” he said.
“Yeah, like the energy that I think he has, that he brings to your team, that he brings to the Ryder Cup, I think is amazing. I think it’s great.
“If I’m one of them that gets a chance to play with him, I would love that opportunity. And whatever energy he decides to bring, I’ll be there to support him and be a good partner for him.”
With McIlroy winning The Masters earlier this year and Fleetwood securing his maiden PGA Tour victory at the Tour Championship, there will be plenty of pressure on their shoulders to get Donald’s men off to a good start.
They will certainly be a formidable partnership.
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