Home advantage is a common factor in sport, but there is no denying the expected influence of the Ryder Cup crowds at Bethpage Black has been the source of much pre-event discussion.
The gates to Bethpage – one of the United States’ most renowned public golf courses – opened on Tuesday, with at least 50,000 fans expected daily once play begins on Friday.
For some experts, the way Team Europe handles the 13th person – in this case the New York crowds – over the three-day event could prove decisive to their hopes of retaining the Ryder Cup and claiming just a fifth win on U.S. soil.
For the United States’ Keegan Bradley-led side, the backing of a passionate home faithful on Long Island should be a source of immense belief.
But, as Justin Thomas has alluded to, things could turn against the hosts if Europe put blue on the board early in proceedings.
“I think it’s something that will be unique about New York maybe versus other home Ryder Cups, if you will, is they expect us to play well and they want us to play well, and if we don’t, they’re going to be upset with us and disappointed with us and rightfully so,” he said.
“I think New York….they like their championships. They want to win. It’s no different for the Ryder Cup.
“That’s what we’re going to try to do for them and give them a reason to cheer even more.
“But I’ve said it all year and all along, I’m happy to have them on my side, that’s for sure.”
Taunts are inevitable, but for the most part, heckling has been in good taste so far this week.
Numerous European players have gone as far as praising the crowds, while Luke Donald’s charges have sought to regularly stop to sign autographs down fairways, off tees and behind greens.
Speaking earlier this week, Donald said: “We’re the visitors, we’re trying to just be respectful to the crowd and just do whatever we can to be our best selves and play our best golf.”
Donald, who led Europe to victory in Rome two years ago and is bidding to become the first back-to-back winning skipper since Tony Jacklin, has left no stone unturned in ensuring his side are prepared for the worst.
Among an array of tactics, the European team were equipped with virtual reality headsets with crowd noise and insults to simulate the expected raucous atmosphere.
But, while helpful, Jon Rahm – who is set for his fourth Ryder Cup appearance – is conscious there are some things you just can’t prepare for and, instead, have to embrace.
FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 25: Jon Rahm of Team Europe talks with reporters prior to the Ryder Cup 2025 at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course on September 25, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)“The good thing about this week is New York fans are so passionate, and luckily for me, that’s something I can relate to,” said the Spaniard.
“But they have ability to be incredibly creative, which we can all appreciate, right. We have all been in a home game trying to say some things about the away team, right, but some people come up with some things that I would never in a million years come up with, and it’s a lot of fun to be a part of.
“They understand sports, and in a weird sense, from what I’ve experienced in New York, when you’re playing good and you’re performing well, they also respect that.”
Ultimately, the overall atmosphere is in part what makes the Ryder Cup so special.
After experiencing a chastening defeat for Europe at Whistling Straits in 2021, Shane Lowry was on the other side in Rome two years ago and is relishing the challenge in front of him.
“I’m looking forward to it. This is what I practice for. This is what I live for. I’ve wanted this, you know, since we finished on the 18th green in Rome, that evening,” Lowry said.
“I feel like I’m ready to deal with anything that’s given to me over the next few days.”
The Irishman believes the energy the home crowds will provide may add fuel to Europe’s bid to retain the trophy.
“I think the New York fans have been great this week so far,” he added.
“Obviously it’s practice days and it’s a little bit more light-hearted. It is what it is. I [have] played an away Ryder Cup and a home Ryder Cup, and I’m pretty sure Rome wasn’t much fun for the Americans, either.
“You know, I think you have to be yourself, do your own thing, try and use it as best you can. You know, allow it to help you as opposed to let it hinder you.
“I think we are all ready for it and we are all mentally prepared for it. We’ll see.”
In Rory McIlroy, the on-course leader of the European team, the visitors have a so-called “chirper-in-chief” – apparently a self-appointed role that fellow Ryder Cup veteran Justin Rose believes is one he’ll be able to use to his advantage.
“What he says I don’t think layers into his golf game, and that’s an amazing talent that he has,” the Englishman said.
“I think he always plays incredibly freely, and I think that’s probably the line where Rory can tiptoe better than most.”
The home team has won 11 of the last 13 Ryder Cups, highlighting just why McIlroy has outlined why another away win – something he achieved in 2012 at Medinah – would rank as one of his greatest career accomplishments.
One player hoping to stop McIlroy and the rest of the European team’s quest is Collin Morikawa, who describe the crowds as “kind of tame” when he spoke to the media.
“I hope Friday is just absolute chaos,” he added.
“I’m all for it. I think it feeds into who we are and the American players and the American Team. We want it. Like we want to use that to our advantage.”
Well, the time has almost come, after all the discussion in the build-up, to see just how influential the home crowds will be.