Ryder Cup Shocker: Parents Skip Abusive Fans
The Ryder Cup, golf’s most thrilling team showdown, ignites fierce national pride, drawing fans from both sides of the Atlantic to Bethpage Black, New York, for the 2025 showdown from September 26-28. However, for European star Matt Fitzpatrick, the event carries a personal shadow. His parents, Russell and Susan, have chosen to skip the tournament, haunted by the abusive fans they faced at the 2021 Ryder Cup in Whistling Straits. This decision highlights the volatile fan culture that can turn the Ryder Cup’s passionate energy into hostility. Fitzpatrick’s story humanizes the players, sparking a reflection on how the tournament’s intense atmosphere affects everyone involved, from athletes to their families.
The Shadow of Whistling Straits
In 2021, Whistling Straits in Wisconsin hosted a Ryder Cup where Europe fell 19-9 to a dominant U.S. team. Amid the roaring cheers, a darker side emerged: relentless verbal abuse aimed at European players and their supporters. Matt Fitzpatrick, now 31 and a 2022 U.S. Open champion, shared the toll in a candid interview with The Times. His parents, who crossed the ocean to support him, were left shaken by the insults. “They didn’t have a great experience at Whistling Straits,” Fitzpatrick said during a Thursday press conference at Bethpage Black.
While the abuse isn’t the sole reason for their absence, it’s a significant factor. Scheduling conflicts also play a part—Russell and Susan will join Matt for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship at St. Andrews, a cherished family tradition. “There’s a little bit of the previous abuse, but they didn’t want to ruin that Dunhill experience,” Fitzpatrick explained. His wife, Katherine, will cheer him on, but their absence stings. “I’ll miss them this week, for sure,” he admitted. “But they’re doing what’s best for them.” This choice underscores the emotional weight of the Ryder Cup’s high-pressure environment, where team formats—foursomes, fourballs, and singles over three days—amplify rivalries unlike any individual event.
Fan Behavior: Passion vs. Toxicity
The Ryder Cup thrives on its raw energy, but recent years have sparked debates about crowd conduct. Bethpage Black, with its challenging fairways and boisterous New York fans, promises a spectacle. Practice rounds have been welcoming, with free entry for kids under 15 with a paying adult ($255 ticket), creating a family-friendly vibe. Yet, players know the real test begins Friday. American Collin Morikawa anticipates “absolute chaos” from home fans, fueling team spirit. “That chaos fuels us as a team and nation,” he said.
Ireland’s Shane Lowry, scarred by 2021 when his wife faced derogatory shouts, remains pragmatic. “My first away Ryder Cup was unexpected,” he said. “But when you’re ready, it’s not as bad. New York fans have been great so far in practice—more lighthearted.” Lowry’s mindset—using noise as motivation—aligns with Europe’s strategy under captain Luke Donald. “You use it to help, not hinder,” Lowry added. The 2023 Rome Ryder Cup, where Europe won 16.5-11.5, wasn’t fun for Americans either, showing both sides face crowd challenges.
What to Expect from Bethpage’s Crowds
When matches begin, Bethpage’s galleries will erupt. American fans, known for bold support, may pressure Europe’s defending champions. Local Sean Mateiko, at Wednesday’s practice with his kids, said: “We’re holding back—heat’s for Friday through Sunday.” Another fan, in a Statue of Liberty outfit, offered balance: “New Yorkers are rowdy but respectful.” Past Ryder Cups saw flashpoints—1999 Brookline’s green invasion and 2016 Hazeltine heckling—but the PGA of America counters with enhanced security, fan education, and inclusivity efforts to avoid Whistling Straits’ mistakes.
Europe’s Luke Donald emphasizes diplomacy. Players like Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood signed autographs during practice, softening New York’s edge. “We’re respectful visitors, focused on great golf,” Donald said. For Fitzpatrick, a clutch performer with precise irons, the crowd is another hurdle. His parents’ absence may fuel his drive as Europe seeks to retain the title against a U.S. team chasing a home win since 2016.
The Ryder Cup’s Enduring Magic
The Ryder Cup blends skill, strategy, and fervor into a magnetic spectacle. Fitzpatrick’s family’s decision reveals its sharper edges, yet resilience shines. Rookies like Rasmus Hojgaard brace for first-tee nerves, while U.S. star Bryson DeChambeau’s massive practice drives spark “Rory can’t do that!” chants. As battles unfold, the tournament remains golf’s pinnacle, balancing passion with respect. Fans can follow the drama at Bethpage Black and join the conversation!
