FARMINGDALE, NY (AP) — With just two days to go until the first tee, Ryder Cup competition began Wednesday with European captain Luke Donald taking a subtle swipe at pay-for-play during his opening ceremony speech. “We’re driven by something that money can’t buy,” Donald said. Europe, 1 up. U.S. captain Keegan Bradley made the first blunder of these matches when he recalled a pivotal moment in Ryder Cup history in 1999, mistakenly naming Justin Rose instead of Justin Leonard as the scorer of a 45-foot putt. Europe, 2 up.
The real golf doesn't begin until Friday morning at bustling Bethpage Black. More than 5,000 fans attending the ceremony made their presence felt with constant chants of "USA!" and some boos directed at the Europeans. The loudest boos were heard when both captains thanked New York Governor Kathy Hochul, who was in attendance. Former President Donald Trump was expected to attend Friday's opening session.
Donald becomes the first European to captain consecutive Ryder Cups since Bernard Gallacher (1991-95). In Rome, he displayed his elegance, speaking in perfect Italian in a brief message to the fans, and this time he made clear the significance of the week.
European trust and legacy
Since 1979, Europe has dominated the Ryder Cup, building a legacy that gives its team supreme confidence. "The American team is proud of its heritage, but so are we," Donald emphasized. "Our European legacy is built on resilience, unity, and proving that we can achieve extraordinary things together."
Donald was quick to mention money, stating that the Ryder Cup “isn’t about prize money or world ranking points. It’s about pride.” Since 1999, Americans have received $200,000 to donate to charity, and this year the amount rises to $300,000, in addition to a $200,000 stipend. The American players have stated from the outset that they would donate the $500,000 to charities in their communities.
This served as an argument for the Europeans to claim that they did not need compensation to compete for a 17-inch gold trophy, suggesting that the Ryder Cup meant more to them than to the Americans.
A personal story for Bradley
Europe has triumphed in 10 of the last 14 matches against American teams, which, on paper, often appear stronger in terms of world rankings and major championships. Now they're looking to win for the fifth time on American soil, while the Americans haven't won in Europe in 32 years. "We didn't come here just to be part of the spectacle. We came to earn our place in Ryder Cup history," Donald commented. "We're not just playing to win, we're playing for every young golfer back home who dreams of representing Team Europe. We know it won't be easy. Winning away never is," he added.
Bradley, who had to wait for the chants to subside, spoke primarily about his history as the son of a PGA professional in New England. His aunt, Pat Bradley, is an LPGA Tour legend in the World Golf Hall of Fame. He recalled how in 1999, at age 13, he watched from his father's shoulders as Justin Rose sank a miracle putt on the 17th hole and how his father let him join in the celebration when the match ended on the 18th hole. "That was the moment golf stopped being a game and became a calling," Bradley said.
"That day changed my life."
Expectations at Bethpage Black
Bradley considered becoming the first player-captain since Arnold Palmer in 1963, but ultimately decided his role was to be captain, which demonstrated his commitment to bringing the Ryder Cup home from Bethpage Black. He and the rest of the Americans have the support of the crowd. Bethpage Black has hosted two US Opens, a PGA Championship, and two FedEx Cup playoff events on the PGA Tour. The atmosphere is known for its intense nature, with fans voicing their opinions. Sergio Garcia, for example, showed his frustration by pointing his finger.
However, there are now flags in a confrontation that has been charged with emotion from the start.
“Bethpage Black is known as the People’s Country Club. It’s been called New York’s home course,” Bradley said. “But this week, with their passion and energy, they’ll make it America’s home course.” The opening ceremony, normally held Thursday afternoon, was moved up a day due to rain forecasts, giving the players an extra day before Donald and Bradley unveil the lineups. It’s been two long years since Europe beat the Americans in Rome, and now they’re looking forward to Friday.
