Bradley‘s Mishap, Donald’s Resolve Mark Ryder Cup Opening Ceremony
BETHPAGE, NY – September 24, 2025 – A misplaced club and pointed remarks from European captain Luke Donald highlighted the opening ceremony for the 44th Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black today, signaling a tense atmosphere ahead of the competition’s first tee shot. American player Keegan Bradley inadvertently dropped a club while posing for a team photo, a moment quickly seized upon by the fervent home crowd.
The incident, though minor, underscored the high stakes and intense scrutiny surrounding the biennial contest between the united states and Europe.This year’s Ryder Cup carries particular weight as the European team seeks to reclaim the trophy on American soil, following a decisive victory at the Marco Simone Golf and Country Club in Rome last year. the opening ceremony, traditionally a display of sportsmanship, quickly revealed a competitive edge, with Donald subtly acknowledging the American team’s perceived advantage in home-field support.
Donald addressed the enthusiastic, predominantly American audience, noting the presence of European supporters despite being outnumbered. He referenced the spirited “Be, not” chants from European fans responding to the louder “USA, USA” cheers. “Obviously, the battle of the noisiest supporters… risks being won hands down by the Americans,” Donald conceded, but emphasized his team would not be intimidated. He affirmed Luke Donald’s players will not be alone against all of Bethpage.
The ceremony also included a post to X (formerly Twitter) by the official Ryder Cup account, showcasing live footage from bethpage Black. The event was captured in a photograph by Darren Carroll of the PGA of America.
