The fallout from Team Europe’s Ryder Cup triumph at Bethpage Black shows no sign of easing, after eagle-eyed fans in the United States have called for an investigation into a controversial detail spotted during the trophy presentation.
On Sunday evening, Luke Donald’s side sealed a dramatic 15–13 victory over Team USA to retain the famous gold trophy on American soil. But as the European players celebrated wildly with their captain, slow-motion footage of the presentation has sparked anger among US supporters online.
Clips circulating on social media appear to show a breach of protocol during the handover of the trophy, with questions raised about whether all procedures were properly followed by Ryder Cup officials. Some fans claimed that the handoff looked rushed and disorganized, while others pointed out an unusual marking or handling of the trophy that “didn’t look right.”
The PGA of America and Ryder Cup Europe have so far remained silent on the matter, though US fans have urged officials to review the footage. One American supporter posted: *“If roles were reversed, this would be investigated instantly. The Ryder Cup is too prestigious for any slip-ups.”* Another added: *“This is supposed to be the pinnacle of golf. We need clarity on what happened in that moment.”*
The controversy comes at the end of a fiery week at Bethpage Black, where tensions ran high both on the course and among the New York crowds. European stars including Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry, and Tyrrell Hatton were subjected to heckling from sections of the home support, while US captain Keegan Bradley openly clashed with officials over rulings and rules he believes need to change.
While the “trophy lift detail” may ultimately prove to be nothing more than a minor irregularity, its rapid spread online shows how emotionally charged this Ryder Cup has been. For Team Europe, however, the noise will not drown out the significance of their victory — a win that secured their second consecutive Ryder Cup and reaffirmed their dominance in golf’s greatest team contest.
Whether or not any official inquiry is launched, the incident has already added another chapter to a Ryder Cup week that will be remembered as much for its drama and controversy as for its golf.
