Ryder Cup: New York is boiling - boos, spikes and a Bradley slip of the tongue

Long before the first ball was hit, the psychological duel at the 2025 Ryder Cup in New York had begun. Wednesday's early opening ceremony at the infamous Bethpage Black Golf Course was a fiery foretaste of what awaits the teams in the coming days: a loud, passionate and unforgiving backdrop.

Luke Donald teases ahead of the Ryder Cup

The arrival of the European team led by captain Luke Donald was accompanied by a deafening whistle from the New York fans. But even this backdrop paled in comparison to the reception given by the Governor of New York, Kathy Hochul, whose speech was drowned out by a storm of boos. Carson Daly, the master of ceremonies, dryly commented on the scene with the words: "That went well."

Donald did not let the hostile atmosphere upset him. Instead, he used the stage for an initial verbal exchange, subtly addressing the issue of the US team's pay. "It's not about prize money or world ranking points. It's about pride," Donald said. He later added: "We're driven by something you can't buy." This clear point in the direction of the Americans, who each receive a five-figure sum for their participation, underlined what Team Europe stands for in this tournament: the honor of representing their continent and Traditions.

Keegan Bradley delivers an unintentional laugh

US captain Keegan Bradley, a native New Englander who went to school in New York, tried to connect with fans by emphasizing his local ties. He spoke about his personal memories of the 1999 Ryder Cup and how the event turned him into a golfer. But his speech contained an amusing slip of the tongue: he mixed up the 1999 hero, Justin Leonard, who scored the decisive point for the USA, and instead talked about the "winning Putt" by Justin Rose - an active player on the opposing European team. The small mistake caused laughter, especially on the European side of the stage. Nevertheless, Bradley concluded with a challenge to the vociferous fans: "Bethpage Black is known as the 'People's Country Club'. But this week you're going to make it America's home court."

With the initial teasing, the emotional quotes and the unique atmosphere, the stage is set for the 2025 Ryder Cup. The ceremony made it clear that this duel is about more than just golf.