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As Ryder Cup Saturday dawned at Bethpage Black, the crowd’s eyes were fixed not on the first tee, but on the pouring bars.
As the clock nudged toward 9 a.m., a large crowd gathered with anticipation in the air in a kind of pre-tee ritual: the countdown.
“10, 9, 8 …” rang out, their voices echoing across the fairways in enthusiastic unison. At precisely 9 a.m., the bars sprang open.
If anyone was worried that Bethpage isn’t rowdy enough already, don’t fret.
— Gabby Herzig (@GabbyHerzig) September 26, 2025
The bars just opened at 9 a.m. on the dot, with a countdown and all. pic.twitter.com/wIXezKBopG
Gabby Herzig, who covers golf for The Athletic, hustled to post a video of the thirsty golf fans and describe the amusing scene in a 9:01 a.m. X post: “The bars just opened at 9 a.m. on the dot, with a countdown and all. If anyone was worried that Bethpage isn’t rowdy enough already, don’t fret.”
Europe’s McIlroy tells hecklers to ‘Shut the f— up!’
Embed from Getty ImagesIt’s a vivid illustration of how this Ryder Cup is a bit different. For the first time ever, the biennial showdown between Team USA and Team Europe is being held on Long Island — at the iconic Bethpage Black. Fans in red, white and blue have brought a level of energy to the course like never before, erupting in cheers, chants and spirited heckling as players pass.
Players have not always been entirely pleased with the volume. For instance, Rory McIlroy with the European squad has been visibly annoyed with the heckling from the American fans — enough so that he dropped an “f-bomb” during play on Saturday morning.
With fans heckling him loudly on the 16th green as he prepared to make an approach shot, the Northern Ireland golfer snapped, “Guys, shut the f*** up!” before delivering a precise shot that rolled three feet from the hole, Golf Digest reported.
Giving peace a chance
Embed from Getty ImagesEarlier on Saturday, McIlroy blew kisses at the crowd on the first tee after they chanted “F–k You, Rory!” and “A–hole.” On Friday, he appeared to give the middle finger to fans amid a days of jeers from the crowd.
It’s not quite a football stadium, but it’s sure getting close.
They’re thirsty: 475,000 beers expected to be sold
Embed from Getty ImagesThe pouring bar tradition plays a significant role here, more than mere refreshment. Patina Group, the sole provider of food and beverage services at the Ryder Cup, has estimated that over the week, more than 475,000 beers may be sold. That doesn’t include the ones sold in the clubhouse or the brews fans chug down on the Long Island Rail Road on the way to the event.
That level of volume confirms what many already suspected — that part of the Ryder Cup’s energy is fueled by spirits as much as support for American-side birdies and eagles.
Of course, this is more than just a big party. The Ryder Cup is golf’s oldest and arguably most intense team event, and the stakes seem higher than ever for the U.S. to reclaim the Cup from Europe.
And if the intense play and the pouring bars weren’t enough to stir the excitement pot, the guest list added extra gravitas. On Friday, President Donald Trump attended the event amid tight security, becoming reportedly the first sitting U.S. President to attend a Ryder Cup.
Trump gets up close
Embed from Getty ImagesHis arrival was met with “USA!” chants and applause, though getting into the event on Friday was an arduous task — fans faced airport-style security checkpoints, road closures, massive traffic and whirling helicopters.
Nonetheless, at Bethpage Black, fan enthusiasm continues to flow as freely as the beer.
Top: Video still from X/@GabbyHerzig
