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We’re still days away from the official start of the Ryder Cup, but it appears that no one told that to the U.S. faithful at Bethpage Black. Braving the Long Island Rail Road and/or Farmingdale parking, U.S. zealots have already locked in on their rooting interests … which mostly appear to be yelling fore and chanting U-S-A after botched shots by any and all Europeans. No surprises there.
It’s going to be a long week for anyone on the away side, and we’re more than certain that World No. 2 Rory McIlroy will be getting the brunt of it, especially after his Bryson comments last weekend. That’s what happens when you’re the best player (and reigning Masters champ) operating in enemy territory, but at least he’s getting used to it before the event begins?
@mattpetry_15 Rory shank. Let’s go USA #rory #rydercup #winningaway #USA #expertsonly ♬ original sound – Mattpetry15
After a bladed wedge over the green on the first hole, McIlroy immediately heard about it from the predominantly American crowd. The Northern Irishman kept his head down and moved on, which was probably for the best. You don’t want to add any extra fuel to the fire, especially this early.
“He’s mentally engaged, there is absolutely no doubt. No concerns whatsoever,” former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley said about McIlroy heading into the cup. And it appears that McIlroy is getting his misses out of the way now.
Every golf publication, ours included, has written about potential rowdiness at this week’s Ryder Cup. But this is what everyone wants—some jeers, some chants and some begrudging respect between the two sides. The fact that the Americans are trying to get into McIlroy’s head so early shows just how much they fear him. And if we’re already getting some well-behaved rowdiness in days before the event, things are about to get very, very fun.
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Main Image: Michael Reaves/PGA of America
