Lanny Wadkins embarrassed after Ryder Cup | Golf News

American Ryder Cup supporters crossed the road with European gamers, leaving former US captain Lanny Wadkins feeling “embarrassed as an American” due to their conduct at the New York venue. The 2025 Ryder Cup, which Europe finally claimed after keeping off a Sunday rally from the Americans, was marred by drama following extreme heckling of European rivals by some spectators.

Wadkins, who prior to the match labeled European gamers “wusses” unable to stand up to stress from the Bethpage crowd, was left shocked.

“I thought it was disgraceful. I’m embarrassed as an American that that happened over here,” Wadkins told Golf Channel.

“I just think it was no class whatsoever. I mean quite honestly, if I’m the PGA or USGA, I don’t ever take another event up to New York again.”

The Ryder Cup wasn’t the inaugural major championship staged at Bethpage Black. Brooks Koepka claimed his second PGA Championship at the venue in 2019, while Tiger Woods captured the U.S. Open there in 2002, besting Phil Mickelson.

The 2028 KPMG Women’s PGA Championship and 2033 PGA Championship are also scheduled for the placement, though Wadkins believes these tournaments ought to be relocated due to spectator misconduct.

“I think after what transpired at the Ryder Cup, I think that would be a wise move on the PGA’s part.

“I used to be just shocked and appalled, form of echoing what Tom Watson had said earlier, same factor. Maybe it is today’s people, but I do know a lot of gamers of my age and technology just cannot imagine what went on in our sport there,” said Wadkins. Wadkins also pointed out that no other state has experienced fan issues like New York has.

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“You know, you do not see it right here in Texas, that’s for rattling sure. You do not see it in Virginia, you do not see it in California, and I have never seen any other locations that I’ve been. And I dare say that when they play the Presidents Cup in Medinah, it will not be that dangerous as effectively.”

Wadkins competed in eight U.S. Ryder Cup teams and later became captain in 1995. Tom Watson, who led the U.S. Ryder Cup squads in 1993 and 2014, also offered an apology for the spectator conduct.

“As a former participant, Captain and as an American, I’m ashamed of what occurred,” said Watson.

Rory McIlroy was among the golfers who endured the harshest verbal abuse from American spectators during the Ryder Cup, where Europe ultimately secured victory.

“I do not suppose we should always ever settle for that in golf,” said McIlroy. Watson boasts 5 Open Championship victories and eight major championships.

His Ryder Cup legacy spans many years, having competed as a participant 4 instances and serving as the triumphant captain of the United States squad in 1993 and the defeated captain in 2014.