BETHPAGE BLACK, NEW YORK – A raucous atmosphere at Bethpage Black boiled over Saturday as the Ryder Cup intensified, culminating in a physical altercation between fans amidst a dominant performance by team Europe and emotional displays from players like Rory McIlroy. Police were called to remove two fans who began fighting as McIlroy and Shane Lowry celebrated a crucial victory on the 18th green, capping a day marked by heated competition and escalating tensions.
Team Europe seized a commanding 11-4 lead after the second day of play, putting the United States on the brink of defeat. This marks Europe’s highest score after two days in Ryder Cup history, requiring only 2.5 points from Sunday’s 12 singles matches to retain the cup. The day’s events, however, were as much about the volatile atmosphere as the golf itself, raising questions about crowd control and the pressures surrounding the biennial competition.
McIlroy and Lowry secured a vital point against Brooks Koepka and Justin Thomas, a match punctuated by McIlroy’s visible frustration and animated reactions. “It was mostly good for us,” McIlroy said after the win. “We are just so happy to get a blue point on the board. I’m realy happy that I’m able to walk inside the ropes with this man and he was there for me today. All of the credit for this win goes to Shane. It was a really challenging day. I am going to sleep well tonight.”
Elsewhere, Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose defeated Bryson DeChambeau and Scottie Scheffler, while JJ Spaun and Xander Schauffele earned a point for the US against Jon Rahm and Sepp Straka. Tyrrell Hatton and Matt Fitzpatrick closed out the day with a win over Sam Burns and Patrick Cantlay, further solidifying Europe’s advantage.
The intensity of the competition extended beyond the course, as evidenced by the fan altercation. Police intervened to separate and escort the individuals involved, bringing an abrupt end to the celebratory scene. The incident underscored the passionate – and sometimes unruly – nature of the Ryder Cup, where national pride and high stakes can fuel volatile emotions.
