The upcoming Ryder Cup at Beth Page Black, taking place over three days, has raised concerns about fan behavior.
One of the most prominent figures voicing these concerns is Rory McIlroy, who recently hinted at potential issues in an interview.
“I think there will be something,” McIlroy told Ewan Murray from the Guardian. “It might not involve me directly, but just like last time in Rome, it feels inevitable.”
He expressed that being surrounded by a rowdy crowd for hours every day could lead to tensions. “We need to manage it well, supporting one another,” he advised.
Meanwhile, Brian Kernes, the Director of the Ryder Cup, downplayed McIlroy’s worries during a chat with the Post.
“We’re aware of those concerns, but I think people may not fully grasp the nature of this event,” Kernes remarked. “Every Ryder Cup has its moments, but things usually settle down quickly. Fans in New York self-regulate quite well.”
Kernes expects around 50,000 to 55,000 attendees from Thursday to Sunday.
However, he didn’t disclose the number of NY State Police set to be present, emphasizing that a robust security plan is in place.
Kernes, originally from Oklahoma, has immersed himself in New York sports over the last three years. From Yankees games to Knicks matches, he believes New York fans are quite discerning.
On the logistics front, former President Trump is reportedly attending the Friday session, which might complicate entry for the public, especially given the early start time of 7:10 AM.
During the US Open Tennis Final last month, Trump’s presence caused delays for fans attempting to enter due to heightened security.
Kernes, while not confirming specifics, hinted that attending on Friday afternoon could be more manageable.
“We want everything to run smoothly,” he said about potential disruptions from Trump’s visit.
US Captain Keegan Bradley expressed respect for Trump attending, highlighting the significance of the Ryder Cup in such a context.
European Captain Luke Donald noted that a sitting president’s attendance underscores the event’s stature.
World number one player Scotty Scheffler shared that he occasionally receives messages from Trump. “He loves golf and encourages everyone around him. I don’t think he plans to address our team, but we’ll see how it unfolds this week,” Scheffler mentioned.
