Ryder Cup spectacle thrives on overblown war metaphors

The golf tournament doesn't involve South Africa or all global golfers, but it is without question a gripping - if rowdy - spectacle of sporting rivalry. By Craig Ray

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Above: Rory McIlroy of Team Europe tosses his ball at the Bethpage Black Course on Long Island, N.Y., in 2019. Right: Spectators crowd at this weekend's Ryder Cup. LEFT: Justin Thomas.

That started out as a friendly but competitive golfing event between American and British players almost a century ago has become a sporting phenomenon.

The Ryder Cup changed in 1979 with an expanded European team taking on the US, which was a result of the rise of the great Spaniard Seve Ballesteros. Although the addition of European players made the event much more even, the consequence of a higher level of competitiveness is that the Ryder Cup became more aggressive both inside and outside the ropes - and still is.

This year's event takes place at the famed Bethpage Black Golf Course on Long Island in New York from 26 to 28 September.

Hostile

In Trump's America, the recent rowdiness of crowds could spill over into something uglier. Golf in the US in general and the Ryder Cup in particular has become synonymous with military phrases and jingoistic scenes. The word “hostile” is used liberally when describing the atmosphere.

Many PGA events honour the US military, which is not necessarily a bad thing. There will be 35 military veterans working at the 2025 Ryder Cup as part of the PGA HOPE charity, which supports veterans, and the event has set aside tickets and other benefits for ex-soldiers.

At a Ryder Cup played in America at a time of heightened political tension in the country, the line between support for the military and viewing the US team as an extension of the army might be blurred by beer-fuelled fans. President Donald Trump, an avid golf fan, will attend at some stage, adding to security issues and the possibility of increased heckling.