What has now become a block buster event between U.S.A. and Europe has its origins tracing back to 1927. Samuel Ryder, a golf lover and businessman based in England set up a golf tournament between British and American professional golfers – to celebrate good competition, friendship and the spirit of golf. And then presented a beautiful gold trophy as we know it today as the ‘Ryder Cup’. For context, ‘Friendship and Spirit’ are the key operative words here.

Less said about the crowd behaviour the better, with things reaching tipping point on the second session on Saturday. Some have called it passion, I will call it hostile. It is unimaginable that competitors at a sporting event would be subjected to this form of abuse, sickening taunts and attacks on themselves and their family members. Let’s not just blame it on the rowdy New York sports fans. The responsibility for failure sits squarely on the PGA of America.

The organisers even had a rogue emcee who was encouraging the fans to be abusive, additional police had to be brought in making it more of a battle field than a great sporting contest. The U.S.A. players themselves tried to calm the crowds down. Such was the behaviour of the fans that have either paid US$ 750 and more per day to be there or are guests of huge corporations!!!

The U.S.A. team captain stated the meltdown of the fans was likely an outcome of the home team getting thrashed and the crowds being hugely disappointed. Really, Captain Bradley? It took a former legendary captain of the American team to issue a formal public apology to the European team and golf fans world over. I do not believe the PGA of America has apologised for the fiasco as yet. All in, the name of the game suffered, as straight forward as that.

Onwards to the golf itself, the results are known, the Europeans won barely. 15-13 it says on the score sheet but does that even tell the story, how crazy was a complete carnage turning in to a fight back for the ages. What do the Europeans have as that extra gear? United Nations states that Europe is a continent made up of 44 countries and yet their results are better than a team from a single country.

The course set up at the ridiculously difficult Bethpage Black was blamed, sure the course played soft, the brutal roughs were neutered, the greens were not firm and it neither looked not played as it historically has. Did the U.S.A. self sabootage themselves? Were they overconfident and did not prepare well enough, rumour has it they barely put in more than a couple of practice rounds while their opponents flew in to New York 10 days prior to the event in order to acclimatise themselves to the time difference and local weather, and managed to give themselves 8-10 practice rounds and thus were far more effective on the greens. Or was it the U.S.A. team captains arrogant quote “We are going to Bethpage to kick their f**king ass” that were the magical words that set them up for a whooping. Or was it that pride alone is enough incentive for the Europeans versus ‘stipends’ doled out to the American? There are clearly more questions than answers…

Day 3 ofcourse was a completely different story, the tidal wave of wins for the American team was a powerful statement, it literally shook up the Europeans who just barely made it across the finish line, but they did. Was it the awakening of damaged pride for the Americans, was it that they do their best as individuals, or was it that they finally figured out the golf course?

Whilst I have the highest respect for Keegan Bradley who took the higher ground as the team leader to sit himself out as a player, I believe he and his team were underprepared and without a clear plan. As for Luke Donald not only did he invest himself in his role for several months sitting out of events to watch his potential team come together, he undeniably carried the respect and faith of his organisation, his players and former team captains who were on hand to assist without exception. Preparation and team energy is the difference, that makes the difference.

About the Author:

Shivas Nath is a golf industry leader and writer based in India & UAE, currently serving as Country Head — India at Nicklaus Design & TwentyFore7Golf. With roots in golf entrepreneurship and development, he has played a key role in bringing global golf-course design concepts and junior development programs to India. Besides his industry role, Nath contributes as a golf commentator for PGTI, mentor, and writer—bridging business, sport, and storytelling in the golf landscape.