Morikawa Encourages Wild Crowd for Thrilling Ryder Cup Opening
As the anticipation builds for the start of the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black on October 6, 2023, U.S. team member Collin Morikawa expressed his desire for an electric atmosphere from the crowd. After three days of practice rounds, Morikawa described the current crowds as “tame” and declared he hopes for “absolute chaos” on the first day of competition.
Morikawa stated, “I’m all for it. We want it. We want to use that to our advantage.” Fans have been allowed access to the grounds over the last two days, where players from both teams have been finalizing their preparations for the early start on Friday morning. This marks Morikawa’s third appearance in the Ryder Cup, with his previous experience on home soil coming during the 2021 event at Whistling Straits. However, he noted that the COVID-19 pandemic limited attendance and dampened the usual first-tee excitement.
The crowd’s significance cannot be understated in the Ryder Cup, especially given the historical trend of host teams winning the last six tournaments. The last time an away team triumphed was in 2012 when Europe claimed victory at Medinah Country Club in Illinois. Morikawa believes that the intensity of the New York crowd could provide a crucial advantage for the U.S. team. “I think we really have to tap into that,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for a robust turnout as fans travel from across the country.
With the crowd gradually increasing in size, Morikawa also observed that younger fans are eager for autographs from players. “Watching all these kids, I know they want autographs,” he said, underscoring the excitement surrounding the event. As the start of the Ryder Cup approaches, Morikawa’s hopes for a fervent and passionate audience reflect the spirit of this storied tournament, where the support of the home crowd can make all the difference.
The energy of the event is expected to reach its peak as thousands of fans gather at Bethpage Black, adding to the excitement of the competition. The combination of Morikawa’s experience and the anticipated support from the crowd could be pivotal for the U.S. team’s performance in the days to come.
