Memorable Moments at the Ryder Cup
Late Monday afternoon, I found myself near the practice green, where Bryson DeChambeau was also present. Alone, he was happily signing autographs for a small group on the other side of the barriers. One woman, a bottle blonde in her late middle age, leaned in close, her tight white dress contrasting with her loud enthusiasm as she shouted, “We love you Bryson! We love you for everything you’ve done for the Donald!”
Reflecting on that strange week, the vivid experiences overshadow the actual golf. I wish I could recall more about Scottie Scheffler’s impressive 180-yard approach at the 10th or Rory McIlroy’s spectacular 40-foot putt on the 6th. Instead, what stands out are the peculiar encounters I had.
I remember the first person I met on the course, sporting a T-shirt featuring images of Hillary Clinton and Kamala Harris paired with the slogan, “It’s Official – Trump Beats Women.” I also recall talking to a fan wearing a shirt that read, “Alex Jones did nothing wrong.”
Then there was the New York governor, Democrat Kathy Hochul, smiling broadly despite being heckled by thousands during the opening ceremony. Additionally, I encountered a police officer in the parking lot who requested my ID after I politely greeted him.
Other memories include a yard sign proclaiming, “We are all Charlie Kirk now,” and a heated argument between middle-aged golf fans and a young girl on the train after she refused to move her large cardboard box. The tension escalated as one man loudly confronted her, claiming “This is the Long Island Rail Road, bitch, and I’m sitting on your shit!”
That opening morning saw shuttle buses trapped in gridlock, forcing everyone to walk to the course. I witnessed reckless individuals racing across a crossing just as a train approached, while the train driver yelled at them. Long lines, closed roads, and overworked concession staff added to the chaotic atmosphere.
The striking image of Air Force One flying low over the first tee, the presidential limousine, and a brief view of Trump’s familiar hairstyle made an impression. It was a wild mix of fans double-fisting cheeseburgers at dawn and comedians starting the day with enthusiastic shouts at the first tee, setting a peculiar tone for an unforgettable event.
