Keegan Bradley Defends US Ryder Cup Fans Amid Heated European Player Abuse

During the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, Team USA captain Keegan Bradley refrained from condemning the hostile and abusive behavior exhibited by some American fans towards European players, particularly Rory McIlroy. Despite the tense and at times violent atmosphere, Bradley described the fans as passionate and suggested that their frustration stemmed from Team USA's poor performance, which had led to a significant lead by the European team. He acknowledged that while a few fans crossed the line, overall, the New York crowd had been "pretty good." Bradley also rejected the notion that American players' conduct had contributed to the crowd's behavior, emphasizing the honor of playing in front of such passionate supporters. This stance contrasted with European captain Luke Donald's view, who acknowledged that some fan conduct had been unacceptable, including personal insults and distractions during play. The Ryder Cup atmosphere was marked by intense exchanges and police presence, reflecting the high emotions and rivalry between the teams and their supporters.