The stand bends around the back of the first tee (centre) and 18th green (right) at Bethpage Black
The opening tee at the Ryder Cup has long been a focal point of intense observation.
For competitors, the pressure mounts as they execute their initial shots before a throng of passionate supporters.
The vibrant atmosphere renders it a crucial experience for spectators, who arrive before dawn to secure their vantage point, while those arriving later, disappointed at missing out, disperse along the fairway.
The Bethpage Black setup this week is influenced by the course’s terrain. It will hold 5,000 individuals, a slight increase from Rome two years prior, yet less than the 6,500 accommodated by the expansive Paris arrangement in 2018.
Unlike the imposing three-sided horseshoe configuration of the past, this substantial stand “resembles London Stadium more than Upton Park,” according to BBC Sport’s golf correspondent Iain Carter.
From the fairway, it appears as a massive draft excluder, flanking the rear of the tee and the adjacent 18th green.
The horseshoe element has been abandoned; could this diminish the advantage for the home team?
“The current setup positions it slightly further back compared to recent years,” Tommy Fleetwood told BBC Sport.
“However, it remains the first tee at a Ryder Cup, and we will undoubtedly depart this week with anecdotes of first tee anxiety.
“It is something to embrace. I believe it is a remarkable spectacle.”
In 2023, the first tee was a cauldron of intense sound and vibrant color.
Thousands of supporters filled stands that loomed over the players, accompanied by blaring music and European fans serenading each player with unique songs.
While the European players thrived in this environment, it seemed to overwhelm the US team with a claustrophobic start to matches, as they failed to win the first hole in any of the initial 12 contests.
This week does not appear to offer the same level of claustrophobia, though the fans on the practice days have been good-naturedly participating in a ‘phoney war’.
A chorus of theatrical boos reverberated across Bethpage Black as Rory McIlroy approached the first tee for a practice round.
The stand was approximately one-quarter full, but the jeers seemed to dissipate harmlessly around Europe’s top-ranked player, who cheerfully waved in response before heading down the fairway, obligingly signing autographs along the way.
As Fleetwood, 34, observed: “Regardless of preparation, nothing truly prepares you for a Friday morning on the first tee of the Ryder Cup.”
Europe’s sole rookie, Rasmus Hojgaard, anticipates his first tee experience to be the “most nerve-wracking moment” of his career thus far.
American Bryson DeChambeau offered a glimpse of what may ensue, indulging the fans who wished to witness him reach the green 397 yards distant by unleashing a series of tee shots.
Accompanying shouts from the stands included “Rory can’t do that”.
Two-time US Open champion DeChambeau – the only member of the US team to compete on the LIV Golf circuit – is the consummate showman, reveling in the acclaim while urging his followers to amplify the volume further.
Not that the home support necessarily requires encouragement, as history demonstrates.
2025 Ryder Cup
26-28 September
Bethpage Black, New York
Daily live text commentary and in-play clips on BBC Sport website from 11:30 BST. Radio commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds from 12:00. Daily TV highlights on iPlayer from 00:00.
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The European players have stopped short of donning sponge ‘Cheeseheads’ as they did at Whistling Straits four years ago.
Nevertheless, Luke Donald’s team has engaged in a charm offensive in New York.
On Wednesday, the 12 visiting players dedicated time during their practice round to sign numerous autographs and pose for selfies on a predominantly convivial morning at Bethpage.
The underlying strategy, perhaps, is that ingratiating themselves with the locals during this week’s preparations might soften the hostility directed their way over the weekend.
Europe captain Donald is undoubtedly not that naive.
McIlroy experienced firsthand how quickly the crowd could turn when they playfully booed him for not signing autographs as organizers escorted him to the 17th tee. A defiant ‘U-S-A, U-S-A’ chant ensued.
“We will not target the Europeans today – we will wait for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday,” Sean Mateiko, a Long Islander attending Wednesday’s practice day with his two children, told BBC Sport.
“You respect the game – everyone was excited to see Rory. However, once the tournament commences, he becomes the opposition.”
American player Collin Morikawa stated that following a “tame” start to the week, he anticipates “absolute chaos” from the home fans on Friday.
“I am entirely in favor of it,” he added. “It reinforces our identity as players and as a team. We desire it. We intend to leverage it to our advantage.”
Masters champion McIlroy was in the spotlight as the crowd – including a multitude of children, who were admitted free with an adult paying $255 (£190) for a day ticket – competed for his attention on the walks between greens and tees.
En route to the 15th and 17th tee boxes, the well-prepared European players retrieved blue sharpies from their back pockets and commenced signing.
Oversized golf balls and replica 18th green flags – purchased from the shop for $36 (£26) – were the primary items of memorabilia. One middle-aged American man donned a cream dinner jacket, anticipating its defacement as a souvenir.
“We are the visitors,” Donald stated. “Again, we are endeavoring to remain respectful of the crowd and conduct ourselves in the best possible manner while playing our best golf.
“I am fortunate as a captain. This is not a team I have had to forge, but I believe we have a group of solid individuals with strong values.
“They are present to entertain. They are present to play exceptional golf. They comprehend the importance of the fans.”
McIlroy and his European teammates spent several minutes signing autographs during their walks from greens to tees
The prevailing tone from the European team in the lead-up appears carefully calculated: demonstrating a profound respect for the American fans, along with the assertion that a partisan atmosphere is integral to the Ryder Cup experience.
It also seems designed to avoid escalating tensions before the weekend.
Much pre-tournament discussion has revolved around the potential for Bethpage to become a volatile environment, with President Trump’s expected appearance on Friday potentially further inflaming an already partisan crowd.
For fathers like Mateiko and his friend Ryan Hickey, Wednesday’s practice day and the weekend’s events represent distinct entertainment experiences.
“Currently, on the practice day, you are relaxing, watching golf, and observing the stars in action. Then, come Friday, it is hardcore USA – it is game time,” Mateiko added, confirming his return for the main event with his companions.
“Things have escalated since Rory expressed his desire to win on US soil. I anticipate the heckling will increase by 1000%, while remaining within reasonable boundaries. It will be enjoyable – firm, but fair.”
There is a caveat, as Hickey interjects.
“But it is New York, so anything is possible,” he cautioned.
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