The two teams traded barbs at the opening ceremony, while Rory McIlroy was targeted by the US crowd in practice two days before the Ryder Cup officially begins at Bethpage Black in New York.

Collin Morikawa also spoke to the media, imploring the home fans ‘to go crazy’, in order to make the experience as uncomfortable as possible for the Europeans.

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‘IT’S NOT ABOUT PRIZE MONEY’: CAPTAINS’ WAR OF WORDS

Captains Luke Donald and Keegan Bradley voiced respect but took their shots on Wednesday in Ryder Cup opening ceremony comments.

The ceremony, advanced from Thursday due to thunderstorms in the forecast on the eve of Friday’s opening matches at Bethpage Black, had thousands of supporters cheering each team.

Europe captain Donald took the opportunity to stress that unlike US players who are paid to play, European Ryder Cup stars play for their legacy alone.

US captain Keegan Bradley, meanwhile, played up one of Europe’s most bitter Ryder Cup moments as a galvanizing force for himself and the US team.

Since 1999, each US Ryder Cup player had received $200,000 for charities of their choice but that was raised this year to $500,000, $300,000 for charity and $200,000 as a personal stipend to use however each liked.

FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Captain Luke Donald of Team Europe speaks to the crowd during the opening ceremony for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course on September 24, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

In contrast, Europe players told Donald they did not want to be paid to play in the Ryder Cup, some seeing that as Europe players loving the Cup more than their American counterparts.

“The Ryder Cup means so much to each and every one of us. It’s unlike anything else in our sport,” Donald said.

“It’s not about prize money or world ranking points. It’s about pride. It’s about representing your flag, your shirts, and the legacy you leave behind.

“Time and again, we’ve shown that when we come together as one with a shared purpose, we can achieve remarkable things.” Europe captured the Cup in Rome in 2023 and hope to win this week for only the fifth time on US soil.

“Two years ago, we wrote a chapter in Rome. This week in New York, we aim to write history. We didn’t come here just to be a part of the show. We came here to earn our place in Ryder Cup folklore,” Donald said.

“The toughest roads lead to the greatest rewards. We are fueled by something money cannot buy: Purpose, brotherhood, and a responsibility to honor those who came before us, while inspiring those whose time is yet to come.”

Keegan defends decision on Ryder Cup pay | 02:53

– ‘Lit a fire in me’ –

Bradley cited US pride and legacy, saying, “The Ryder Cup doesn’t just test skill. It reveals souls.” Bradley thanked Europe players for “passion (that) elevates this competition” and pal Donald for “quiet strength and undeniable class.” But he also also recalled the 1999 “Battle of Brookline” moment when Americans celebrated a victory by dancing on a green before Jose Maria Olazabal had a long putt to deny a US clinch.

“I’ve never forgotten what it felt like to run on to that green at Brookline, watching a team come together in a way that changed my life,” Bradley said.

“The moment lit a fire in me and this week that same Ryder Cup fire will fuel our team. It will drive us through every match, every moment and every challenge.” Both captains said they were bracing for a raucous but respectful crowd. “We know the atmosphere this weekend will be electric, raucous, and yes, respectful,” Bradley said. “That’s part of what makes the Ryder Cup so special on both sides of the pond.”

FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Captain Keegan Bradley of Team United States acknowledges the crowd during the opening ceremony for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course on September 24, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Donald tried to make the case his side could win over some support. “New York is a place where if you show up with talent and a fighting spirit, the city will get behind you — although maybe not if you’re wearing European blue this week,” he said.

“We know what awaits us. Bethpage isn’t exactly shy. This is New York sports country, passionate, loyal, and ferociously loud, and rightly so.

“Fans here respect effort over ego. You show up for those who grind, for those who fight, and for those who rise to the big occasions. And you make us earn every cheer.

“We may not be your team, but we will give you something to respect, something to admire, and maybe by the end of this week, something to cheer for.”

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FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: (Top L-R) Viktor Hovland, Shane Lowry, Robert MacIntyre, Rory McIlroy, Jon Rahm, Justin Rose, Sepp Straka, vice captain Alex Noren, vice captain Jose Maria Olazabal, (bottom L-R) Captain Luke Donald, Ludvig Aberg, Matt Fitzpatrick, Tommy Fleetwood, Tyrrell Hatton, Rasmus Hojgaard, vice captain Thomas Bjorn, vice captain Edoardo Molinari and vice captain Francesco Molinari of Team Europe take part in the opening ceremony for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course on September 24, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

‘HE HAS THICK SKIN’: RORY READY FOR RAUCOUS CROWDS

Europe’s golfers are ready for world number two Rory McIlroy to become a heckling magnet for raucous United States supporters when the Ryder Cup begins on Friday at Bethpage Black.

McIlroy, who won the Masters in April to complete a career Grand Slam, leads holders Europe into his eighth Cup showdown, the most of any player in this week’s matches.

The five-time major winner from Northern Ireland was greeted with a chorus of boos from spectators at the first tee on Wednesday during a practice round, responding with a wave.

He has aimed some choice remarks at US star Bryson DeChambeau and is known for emotional moves such as cupping his hand to his ear after sinking long putts to silence US crowds in past Cups on American soil.

“Rory is very comfortable with himself. I think he has thick skin. I think that he can handle the blowback of if he says something that he believes and it is not taken in the right way,” England’s Justin Rose said.

FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe reacts during a practice round prior to the Ryder Cup 2025 at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course on September 24, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. Andrew Redington/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Andrew Redington / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP

“He’s happy to see it how he sees it and call it how he sees it. And I think he has the freedom on the golf course to just roll with that.

“What he says I don’t think layers into his golf game, and that’s an amazing talent. He always plays incredibly freely, and I think that’s probably the line where Rory can tiptoe better than most.”

Sweden’s Ludvig Aberg knows fans in New York will be doing their best to unsettle his team.

“There’s always going to be a little bit of chirping going on,” he said.

“You’re going to be hearing a lot of things, which is a part of it.”

Matt Fitzpatrick and Rory McIlroy of Team Europe. Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images

Being partnered with McIlroy, however, is not something European players will shy away from because of heckling, England’s Tommy Fleetwood said.

“Whoever gets to play with Rory this week, what a privilege. What an amazing thing to be able to do,” he said.

“If I’m one of them that gets a chance to play with him, I would love that opportunity.”

Having families face such issues, however, is another matter.

“That energy, that passion and that home team environment is something that plays such a big part in the Ryder Cup, and you have to embrace that,” Fleetwood said.

“We’ve all discussed as a team who feels comfortable, how the family would feel comfortable, what they want to do. It’s just do they want to be out there and support.”

Sometimes family members avoid watching their own relatives.

“The families aren’t just here for you. We’re all part of Team Europe, and whatever that involves and whoever that involves supporting out there, that could be very different,” Fleetwood said.

“It’s something we’ve all discussed, and it’s one of those things. It’ll be very fluid throughout the week. I’m sure it’s all going to be great.”

FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe acknowledges the crowd during a practice round prior to the Ryder Cup 2025 at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course on September 24, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. (Photo by Andrew Redington/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

American Justin Thomas, a two-time major winner, has said family insults is where hecklers must draw the line.

“You definitely hear some stuff. It’s tough,” Thomas said.

“A Ryder Cup, you kind of know what you’re going to get.

“(Where) I think all the players are in the same boat is once it ever gets to a point of being a little bit more personal of families, family members.

“If we’re not playing well and you’re talking trash about us, we probably deserve it, but if you start getting into the loved ones, that’s I think when everybody starts really getting a little bit chippy.

“There’s obviously never in any sport a time to get personal or disrespectful, but at the same time it’s the Ryder Cup, and it’s a home game for a reason. There has been plenty of good, plenty of bad on both ends, and you hope to give them reason to cheer for the good.”

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FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Justin Thomas of Team United States acknowledges the crowd during the opening ceremony for the 2025 Ryder Cup at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course on September 24, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Jared C. Tilton / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP

‘GO CRAZY’: MORIKAWA RILES UP US FANS

Collin Morikawa wants to see New York golf fans bring chaos and craziness when the Ryder Cup begins Friday and hopes teammate Cameron Young fist pumps in a European rival’s face.

World number eight Morikawa, the 2020 PGA Championship and 2021 British Open winner, said Wednesday he has been disappointed with crowd noise the first two practice days at Bethpage Black.

“I think it’s kind of tame so far,” the American said. “I hope Friday is just absolute chaos. I’m all for it. I think it feeds into who we are and the American players. We want it. We want to use that to our advantage.

“We really have to tap into that. I hope they come strong. Watching all these kids, I know they want autographs, but come Friday, I hope they go crazy.” The United States, hoping to bounce back from a 2023 loss to Europe in Rome, also has some quieter players Morikawa hopes get caught up in the emotions of a Ryder Cup showdown.

“I would love to see Cam Young just throw a massive fist pump in someone’s face. I would love it,” Morikawa said.

“He’s a fiery competitor. I’ve known Cam for a long time. He has been very stoic… he wants to whoop some butt.”

FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Collin Morikawa of Team United States signs autographs during a practice round prior to the Ryder Cup 2025 at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course on September 24, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images

Young, a local product who won the 2017 New York Open at Bethpage Black as a 20-year-old amateur, said he could lose his cool this week.

“I think it could happen,” he said. “Especially at this venue in front of this crowd. There’s nothing I would love more than to give myself an opportunity to see what I’m capable of on that front.

“None of that matters unless I have an opportunity to do something that warrants that kind of emotional response.” Cup newcomer Young, a captain’s pick ranked 20th in the world, said he can feel the energy from New York sports fans like himself.

“There’s already a lot of energy, a lot of noise out there, a lot of support for us. Just what you’d expect from a New York crowd,” Young said. “I think they will bring a lot to it come Friday.

“Hoping they are staying on our side but I know they will let us have it, too, if we’re not performing the way they want.

“It’s just a very intense group of people. They love to win. They love their teams when they win. I think that’s what gets a group like this going.”

FARMINGDALE, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 24: Collin Morikawa of Team United States tosses his ball prior to the Ryder Cup 2025 at Black Course at Bethpage State Park Golf Course on September 24, 2025 in Farmingdale, New York. Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Jared C. Tilton / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)Source: AFP- ‘A sour taste’ –

Morikawa says Cup weeks are a “confidence thing” that “just pull out the best in you” and hopes for redemption from Rome.

“There was a sour taste leaving Rome. That was my first team loss I’ve ever had,” Morikawa said. “I wouldn’t say it has haunted me but it definitely woke me up… about what I need to bring to this week.” Young, who won his first US PGA Tour title at August’s Wyndham Championship, has practiced with two-time US Open champion Bryson DeChambeau, who plays in the Saudi-backed LIV Golf League and is popular with spectators in part due to his You Tube videos and emotional high-five hand slapping with fans.

“He’s a tremendously popular player. A huge talent. Big personality,” Young said. “The people love him and I think he’s loving our team as well. It’s fun to see him in his element out there getting the people going.”