Bethpage First Tee: Intimidating Europe’s Elite
The Bethpage first tee at the 2025 Ryder Cup, set for September 26-28 at Bethpage Black, New York, is a psychological battlefield. With 5,000 fans fueling the U.S.-Europe clash, this iconic tee tests nerves. Will its open design lessen intimidation for Europe, or will New York’s energy tilt the scales for Team USA?
Evolution of the Bethpage First Tee
The Ryder Cup’s first tee is a pressure cooker where players face roaring crowds and national pride. Past venues like Paris 2018 (6,500 fans in a tight horseshoe) and Rome 2023 (multi-tiered stands with anthems) overwhelmed opponents. Bethpage’s 5,000-seat open stand, akin to London Stadium per BBC’s Iain Carter, feels less claustrophobic. Tommy Fleetwood told BBC Sport: “It’s further back, but it’s still the Ryder Cup first tee—nerves don’t vanish.”
Lessons from Rome’s Cauldron
Rome 2023’s first tee, with deafening anthems, rattled Americans, who lost the first hole in all 12 opening matches. Bethpage’s practice rounds show fans trading aggression for wit, but Fleetwood warns: “Nothing readies you for Friday.” Rookie Rasmus Hojgaard calls it his “most nervous moment.” Rory McIlroy faced mock boos, responding with grins and autographs, turning tension into respect.
Bryson DeChambeau’s American Flair
Team USA’s Bryson DeChambeau electrifies the Bethpage first tee, launching six massive drives in practice, sparking “Rory can’t do that!” jeers. His fist-pumping showmanship fuels patriotic roars, leveraging home-crowd energy. History shows such fervor gives hosts early edges.
Europe’s Strategic Charm
Captain Luke Donald’s squad counters with diplomacy. McIlroy and Fleetwood sign autographs, softening New York’s edge. Donald: “We’re respectful visitors, focused on great golf.” This charm preserves energy for the Bethpage first tee’s battles.
Fan Views: Building to the Climax
Long Island’s Sean Mateiko told BBC Sport: “We’re holding back—heat’s for Friday.” Collin Morikawa thrives on chaos: “It fuels us.” Trump’s rumored visit could ignite the Bethpage first tee further. Fan Ryan Hickey: “It’s New York—expect the unexpected.” McIlroy’s vow to win fuels spirited barbs.
The Bethpage first tee, with 5,000 voices, remains a nerve-shredding stage. Its tales will echo long after, defining the 2025 Ryder Cup.
