Former Tour pro claims Ryder Cup crowd trouble inevitable: "Vile beyond belief"
Former European Tour golfer Tony Johnstone reckons it is inevitable there will be vile abuse from the home fans at the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black.
Former European Tour golfer Tony Johnstone appeared to take a dim view of the PGA of America's plan to handle unruly spectators at the 2025 Ryder Cup.
A raucous home crowd is expected at Bethpage Black in New York next September where Keegan Bradley's Team USA will take on Luke Donald's Europe.
Earlier in the week Bradley outlined how the PGA of America 'has things in place' to make sure spectators don't cross the line.
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"I hope and expect the fans will respect what the guys are doing but also at the same time be lively and supporting our team," Bradley, 38, said.
Donald stressed the captains were keen to make sure the winners of the Cup 'win fairly and squarely'.
But the Englishman reiterated that the responsibility is on the governing body to ensure things don't get out of hand.
The former World No.1 has been part of Ryder Cups where it has 'crossed the line', he said.
The aforementioned Johnstone, 68, reckons it's inevitable players will be subjected to abuse.
Writing on X, he claimed that the 2017 Presidents Cup at Liberty National was an 'embarrassment to New York'.
"Inevitable," the Sky Sports commentator wrote on X of potential crowd trouble.
He added: "The 2017 Presidents Cup at Liberty National was an embarrassment to New York.
"Crowd behaviour (especially when the booze kicked in) was appalling.
"Several players had American wives and the treatment they got was vile beyond belief. Put me off ever going there again."
What did Luke Donald and Keegan Bradley say about crowd trouble?
Both captains took part in a joint news conference earlier in the week teasing the 45th instalment of the Ryder Cup.
Bradley outlined how he still hopes to qualify for the team as a player and confirmed Phil Mickelson has no desire to be one of his vice captains.
Donald confirmed Sergio Garcia is looking to resurrect his Ryder Cup career for one last hurrah.
The Spaniard then told us in an exclusive interview that concessions will need to be made by the DP World Tour in order for that to happen.
Of crowd trouble, Donald said: "We've all seen Ryder Cups where it has crossed the line.
"It's the responsibly of the PGA of America to have protocols and a plan in place.
"Keegan and I like to do things the right way, win fairly and squarely.
"We want the best team to win in a passionate and spirited high energy environment."
Bradley added: "This is a tough place for us to play.
"These New York fans are going to expect us to win and they will let their home team know if they are upset.
"It's not a concern but something you're definitely aware of.
"If you go watch Knicks or Giants play, they're not interested in not winning.
"This is going to be an atmosphere unlike anything you've ever seen and it's going to be fun for both sides.
"The New York fans are going to be super-passionate and cheering us on extremely hard."
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