Tom Watson, a legend of American golf, has apologised to Europe’s Ryder Cup contingent for the behaviour of spectators at Bethpage Black while admitting he was “ashamed” of what played out in the galleries. A dramatic European retention of the trophy, 15-13, was overshadowed by abusive behaviour towards visiting players and their families. Watson’s comments come after Rory McIlroy confirmed his wife, Erica, was hit by a beer thrown by a fan.
“I’d like to congratulate Europe on their victory,” said Watson on X. “Your team play the first few days was sensational. More importantly, I’d like to apologise for the rude and mean-spirited behaviour from our American crowd at Bethpage. As a former player, captain and as an American I am ashamed of what happened.”
“The weeks we spend together are the ones we remember the most and the ones we cherish the most because of the time we get to spend with each other,” he said. “That’s a big part of my captaincy, to create an environment where these guys are having the best weeks of their lives. We’ll always remember this. We’ll always go down in history.
“We talk about all the people that came before us that paved the way for us. Now future generations will talk about this team and what they did and how they were able to overcome one of the toughest environments in all of sport.”
Justin Rose had been the most likely European captain for 2025 and Adare Manor in Ireland. However, Rose’s playing performance here may give him cause to think he could compete again in two years’ time. Francesco Molinari would come into the frame in that circumstance.
It has been widely assumed Tiger Woods will succeed Bradley and lead the US, but the absence of the 15-time major winner from Bethpage raises questions over that scenario.
