It is a shame that one of the biggest talking points to come from the 2025 Ryder Cup was the behaviour of sections of the crowd at Bethpage Black.
The Ryder Cup is the greatest event in the game, with 24 of the world’s best players battling it out for their respective teams. It brings a side out of those players that fans rarely see most weeks on tour.
Unfortunately, this year’s event was overshadowed by a hostile atmosphere which saw plenty of spectators cross the line with some of their actions towards the European players.
Rory McIlroy seemed to take the brunt of the abuse, particularly when he was alongside Shane Lowry. But the likes of Justin Rose and Tommy Fleetwood also received a lot of criticism.
Xander Schauffele comments on the fan behaviour at the Ryder Cup
It put the American players in a difficult position. Justin Thomas could be seen on several occasions on Saturday afternoon trying to calm the crowds down in his match with McIlroy and Lowry.
And of course, it is no surprise to hear some of the members of Keegan Bradley‘s team get asked about what went on behind the ropes in the weeks following the Ryder Cup.
Ahead of the Baycurrent Classic this week, Xander Schauffele has issued his verdict on the behaviour.
“It’s a tough thing. I’ve heard several things about a few of the things that were said. The guys I played with, Hovland and Bob the first day, or against, sorry, and then Jon and Sepp, I played Jon in individuals and then Jon and Tyrrell again I believe,” he said.
“Yeah, there were some unsavory things said at certain times. You know, I really wish we could have played better to have them cheer for us a bit more. New York’s a tough place to play for anyone. I even got a few comments to play better. I’m not taking much personally when it comes to sort of what fans say.”
What Xander Schauffele is hoping to find within his game heading into 2026
Big things were expected of Schauffele in 2025 after he won two majors last year.
Unfortunately, injury prevented him finding his best form in the first few months of the year. And he ended up registering just three top 10 finishes across the season. Schauffele did not even make it to the Tour Championship.
And he was asked what he is looking to figure out over the next couple of months before the 2026 season arrives.
“I think trying to gain a little bit of confidence would be the biggest thing. I think it was a tricky year with injury and sort of lack of starts early on. Gaining some confidence, that would probably be the number one thing. Gaining a little bit going into the new year and trying to get back into good form,” he said.
His win over Jon Rahm in the Sunday singles at Bethpage was a small reminder that Schauffele remains one of the best players on the planet.
So it is clearly far too soon to write him off after one frustrating year.
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