Unruly spectators who “cross the line” will be ejected from next September’s Ryder Cup, United States captain Keegan Bradley has warned.
A raucous and partisan crowd is expected at Bethpage Black in New York for the 45th instalment of the biennial contest as the US look to regain the trophy won so convincingly by Europe in Rome last year.
But Bradley is keen to have a “fair place for both teams” and said there will be observers inside the ropes to ensure that happens.Speaking to BBC Sport, the 38-year-old added: “The PGA of America has things in place for each group to monitor the situation and if you act inappropriately you’re going to be asked to leave the tournament.
“I hope and expect the fans will respect what the guys are doing but also at the same time be lively and supporting our team.”
‘New York a tough place for US to play’
Europe skipper Luke Donald, who is looking to become the first captain to win an away match since Jose Maria Olazabal presided over the ‘Miracle at Medinah’ in 2012, is supportive of anything that allows a team to “win in the right way”.
“We’ve all seen Ryder Cups where it has crossed the line,” the Englishman told BBC Sport.
“It’s the responsiblty of the PGA of America to have protocols and a plan in place.
“Keegan and I like to do things the right way, win fairly and squarely. We want the best team to win in a passionate and spirited high energy environment.”
And Bradley conceded that the passion of the home fans could go against his side if Europe get off to a fast start.
“This is a tough place for us to play,” he said. “These New York fans are going to expect us to win and they will let their home team know if they are upset.
“It’s not a concern but something you’re definitely aware of. If you go watch [basketball’s New York] Knicks or [American football’s New York] Giants play, they’re not interested in not winning.
“This is going to be an atmosphere unlike anything you’ve ever seen and it’s going to be fun for both sides.
“The New York fans are going to be super-passionate and cheering us on extremely hard.”
I still have a chance of playing – Bradley
While Bradley has individual bragging rights over Donald, having won both matches they played against each other during the 2012 Ryder Cup, he has yet to taste overall victory, having also been on the losing side at Gleneagles in Scotland in 2014.Almost a decade on, he was overlooked for a third playing appearance at last year’s contest in Italy, despite winning twice on the PGA Tour; his exclusion being documented in the television programme Full Swing and showing fans his passion for the event.
Bradley secured the winning point for the US at last month’s Presidents Cup against the Internationals and the world number 14, who was a surprise choice as captain to many, has made no secret of his desire to qualify for another Ryder Cup as a player.
“I’m going to play just as hard as I would if I wasn’t the captain to make the team,” he said.
“I’m still a full-time player in the prime of my career and I still expect to go out and win big tournaments and if I do that, I still have a chance.
“All the vice-captains [Webb Simpson and Brandt Snedeker] know this is a possibility.”
Arnold Palmer was the last playing captain in the Ryder Cup – leading the US to a 23-9 victory in Atlanta in 1963 – in the days before continental Europe players were added to the British and Irish team.
‘Garcia feels like he could play again’
Donald, who was on the winning side in all four of his Ryder Cup appearances as a player – and as captain in Italy – recalled taking on Bradley at Medinah and added that he will be a “tough” opponent if he does qualify.
The Englishman was paired with Sergio Garcia and Lee Westwood in separate foursomes matches in 2012 but was beaten by Bradley and Phil Mickelson on both occasions. All three of those players have since moved to LIV Golf.
And while Westwood and Mickelson’s paths to Bethpage are hindered by form and age as much as their involvement in the Saudi-funded set-up, Garcia is keen to have another crack at the Ryder Cup.
He returned to form in 2024, winning his first LIV event in July and was twice beaten to a title in a play-off.
“We spoke a couple of weeks ago and he feels like he could play again,” said Donald of the 44-year-old Spaniard who is Europe’s record points scorer with 28½.
Garcia, who missed last year’s 16½-11½ victory at Marco Simone, would have to reapply for membership of the DP World Tour, having resigned in May 2023 after an arbitration panel found in favour of the European-based circuit and ratified its right to fine and suspend players who competed in LIV Golf events without permission.
“He understands what is required and it’s great to have that conversation and he’s thinking about that,” Donald added.
Two other LIV players looking to make the Ryder Cup team are Jon Rahm and Tyrrell Hatton. Both have kept their hopes alive by appealing against against the fines imposed on them by the DP World Tour.
They either had to pay fines or appeal against them to be allowed to play in the DP World Tour events they needed to retain membership of the European-based tour and therefore be eligible for the Ryder Cup.
And when asked if he would like to see those appeals delayed until after the Ryder Cup to avoid any more potential disruption, Donald replied: “It’s nothing to do with me. That’s outside my control and we’ll have to see how that plays out.
“It’s something the DP World Tour are dealing with and they’ll deal with it in the best way possible.”
