Masters chief weighs in on Ryder Cup controversy
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Fred Ridley, the chairman of the iconic Augusta National, has had his say on what transpired at Bethpage…
Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley has weighed in on the hostilities at the Ryder Cup.
The antics of the home crowd was one of the big talking points in New York. Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, in particular, were targeted for a torrent of abuse, while the Masters champion’s wife, Erica, had beer thrown over her during the Saturday afternoon fourballs. Tyrrell Hatton and Matt Fitzpatrick also reported personal attacks from the American galleries at Bethpage.
And if you’re worried about that sort of behavior seeping into Augusta National at next year’s Masters, Ridley is here to ease your concerns.
As reported by Golf Digest‘s Evin Priest, Ridley is at the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Dubai – where a spot is up for grabs in the 2026 Masters field – and was asked for his thoughts on the Ryder Cup.
“I don’t think anyone was particularly happy with what happened this year,” he replied. “It reminds us, as custodians of the game, the responsibility we have to perpetuate underlying values.”
Try as the fans did, however, Luke Donald’s side survived to claim a momentous 15-13 victory and score a rare away victory in the contest.
In the European team’s post-victory press conference, McIlroy admitted what happened to his wife was “unacceptable” and should be “off-limits” before expressing his hope that the Irish fans provide a far better competitive environment at Adare Manor in 2027.
“Golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week,” he continued. “Golf has the ability to unite people. Golf teaches you good life lessons. It teaches you etiquette. It teaches you how to play by the rules. It teaches you how to respect people.
“Sometimes this week we didn’t see that. So no, this should not be acceptable in the Ryder Cup. We will be making sure to say to our fans in Ireland in 2027 that what happened here this week is not acceptable.”
TG‘s Alex Perry and Rob Jerram were on the ground to witness what happened during McIlroy and Lowry’s match against Justin Thomas and Cameron Young.
Eight-time major winner and former Ryder Cup player and captain Tom Watson also felt the need to apologize on behalf of his nation for what transpired.
Watson write: “I’d like to congratulate Ryder Cup Europe on their victory. Your team play the first few days was sensational.
“More importantly, I’d like to apologize for the rude and mean-spirited behavior from our American crowd at Bethpage. As a former player, Captain and as an American, I am ashamed of what happened.”
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Fred Ridley will welcome Rory McIlroy back to Augusta as the reigning Masters champion.
