Tom Watson expresses shame over Ryder Cup behaviour and acknowledges what Keegan Bradley didn't

Team Europe successfully fended off a determined fightback from Team USA and a barrage of hostility from American spectators to keep hold of their Ryder Cup crown at Bethpage Black. The weekend was tainted by episodes of supporter heckling aimed at European golfers, which upset Rory McIlroy, Luke Donald, and numerous former professionals.

American skipper Keegan Bradley didn't believe the hostility was excessive, describing the New York crowd as "pretty good". This occurred before Justin Rose and Shane Lowry felt obliged to intervene after learning what McIlroy's spouse had endured. Amongst the retired golfers who spoke out was eight-time major winner Tom Watson, reports the Mirror US.

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The former Team USA Ryder Cup skipper condemned the American supporters, whilst organisers faced calls to take action after spectators were "horrified" by what they witnessed being said to McIlroy.

"I'd like to congratulate [Team Europe] on their victory," Watson tweeted.

"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."

Watson, 76, was a playing victor at the 1977, 1981, and 1983 tournaments before leading Team USA to triumph in 1993.

Supporters bombarded European golfers with what they characterised as "personal" assaults throughout the weekend.

On certain occasions, Americans instructed fellow supporters to cease. Photographers were targeted with water bottles, and event organisers had to threaten to eject rowdy fans.

McIlroy's wife, Erica Stoll, was hit by a beer can.

"Erica is fine. She's a strong woman," McIlroy reassured. "She handled everything this week with class and poise and dignity like she always has. I love her and we're going to have a good time celebrating [this win].

"Golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week. There was a lot of language that was unacceptable and abusive behaviour... it's a minority of the crowd. It's not the majority."

In one instance, McIlroy responded by blowing a kiss.

However, ahead of Sunday's final day, Bradley offered a slightly different perspective. While he admitted that some of the comments crossed the line, he recalled the unruly atmosphere at the 2023 Ryder Cup in Rome and refused to criticise their behaviour.

"I thought the fans were passionate," Bradley commented. "I mean, their home team is getting beat badly. They are passionate fans. I wasn't in Rome, but I heard a lot of stories that Rome was pretty violent as well.

"But the fans of New York, from what I have seen, have been pretty good. You're always going to have a few people that cross the line, and that's unfortunate. I was happy to see our players trying to quieten down some people that were like that."

Justin Thomas shared similar views on the matter. "I don't think anyone's safety was necessarily in danger," he said.

"There was definitely some nasty things said, but I don't think anybody was necessarily fearing for their life or in any kind of situation where they were going to get hurt."