The opening ceremony of the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black didn’t just bring cheers for Team USA and Europe—it also delivered an uncomfortable moment for New York Governor Kathy Hochul.
While European captain Luke Donald had braced his players for a potentially hostile welcome, it was Hochul who drew the loudest backlash. The 67-year-old governor was booed three separate times by the Long Island crowd on Wednesday.
Introduced by host Carson Daly, Hochul waved an American flag and smiled through the jeers. But the negative reaction only grew louder when Donald mentioned her in his speech, prompting another round of boos. A third wave followed when U.S. captain Keegan Bradley publicly thanked her for supporting the event.
Despite the reception, Hochul maintained composure throughout. She took office in 2021 and currently holds a 54% job approval rating, according to a Siena College poll. Her favorability rating stands at 45%, with 42% of voters viewing her unfavorably.
The moment overshadowed much of the ceremony, which had been moved forward a day due to poor weather forecasts. Captains Bradley and Donald received far warmer welcomes as they rallied their teams ahead of Friday’s first tee shots.
Bradley spoke passionately about his players, telling them:
“You’re bonded in a way I’ve never seen before. I’ve learned so much from you—about life, competition, and leadership. Being your captain is the honor of a lifetime. Now we’re on a quest to reclaim the Ryder Cup. The battle will be fierce, and the pressure will be real.”
Donald struck a similar tone of unity for Europe, reminding the crowd of the pride and resilience that have defined his team’s legacy:
“The Ryder Cup isn’t about prize money or world ranking points—it’s about pride, your flag, and the legacy you leave behind. New York is a place that rewards talent and fighting spirit. We’ll need all of that this week.”
While the focus will soon return to golf, Hochul’s frosty reception was a reminder that politics can still cut through the sporting atmosphere—especially on home soil in New York.
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