The Ryder Cup, a biennial golf tournament pitting teams from Europe and the United States against each other, is always a spectacle. The 45th edition, held at the formidable Bethpage Black course, was no exception, drawing massive crowds of passionate fans.

This year, with Team USA enjoying the home-course advantage, the atmosphere at Bethpage Black was electric. American spectators, known for their unwavering support, turned out in droves to cheer on their team, creating a boisterous and partisan environment.

The enthusiasm of the American fans was palpable, their presence a clear demonstration of their dedication to Team USA. This home-field advantage undoubtedly played a role in boosting the morale of the American players.

However, the enthusiastic support for the home team often translated into a less-than-warm reception for the European team. As the European players approached the tee boxes, they were frequently met with a chorus of boos and jeers, a common, though somewhat unsavory, aspect of the Ryder Cup.

Beyond the usual cheers and boos, golf tournaments, including the Ryder Cup, are often punctuated by a variety of unexpected and sometimes bizarre shouts from the gallery. One such peculiar heckle that has gained considerable traction in recent years is the seemingly random phrase: "Mashed Potatoes!"

While the traditional golf shout of "Get in the hole!" as a player's ball soars through the air remains a staple, the emergence of "Mashed Potatoes!" has added a strange and often humorous dimension to the spectator experience.

The origin of this unusual heckle can be traced back to the 2010 PGA Championship. During the tournament, a fan spontaneously shouted "Mashed Potatoes!" after a player's shot, and the moment was captured on video.

The clip of this unexpected outburst quickly went viral, spreading across the internet and capturing the attention of golf fans worldwide. From that point forward, "Mashed Potatoes!" began to appear with increasing frequency at major golf tournaments.

The phenomenon continued to grow, and in 2011, an American fan named Andrew Widmar famously shouted "Mashed Potatoes!" after another tee shot at the Chevron World Challenge.

Widmar later revealed that his intention behind the shout was to gain recognition on television. He hoped that his mother, watching from home, would be able to spot him in the crowd amidst the sea of faces.

Despite the lack of any official explanation or logical connection to the sport, "Mashed Potatoes!" has become an incredibly popular and surprisingly enduring heckle, frequently heard at the biggest and most prestigious golf competitions around the globe.

While the fans have largely embraced the "Mashed Potatoes!" cry with amusement, the players themselves have often been less enthusiastic about this unusual form of spectator participation. Some players have expressed annoyance and frustration with the heckle.

In one notable incident, golfer Justin Thomas openly criticized the behavior of certain fans and even had one particularly loud and disruptive spectator ejected from the tournament.

Reflecting on the incident, Thomas stated, "I was like, OK, I’ve had enough," indicating his growing exasperation with the constant stream of heckles, including the ubiquitous "Mashed Potatoes!" shout.

The Ryder Cup is always a keenly contested event. Team Europe arrived on American soil to defend their crown. They have dominated the prestigious competition in the 21st century, winning eight of the 11 meetings since 2002.

However, Europe's dominance hasn't been as pronounced on American soil. Only two of those victories have occurred in the United States. Team USA, meanwhile, secured wins in both the 2021 and 2016 competitions.

In fact, since their victory in 2004, Team Europe has only managed to win one of the four Ryder Cups held in the US, that win came in 2012. Entering this year's competition, Team USA was favored by bookmakers.

The intensity and passion surrounding the Ryder Cup extend beyond the competition itself. The event often sparks discussions, debates, and even controversies, both on and off the course.

For example, discussions around topics such as Ryder Cup 2025 betting tips, free bets and latest odds, or even what Scheffler reveals what he’ll do with $500k Ryder Cup payment are not uncommon.

The Ryder Cup is more than just a golf tournament; it's a cultural phenomenon that captures the attention of sports fans worldwide. The event's unique blend of athletic competition, national pride, and passionate fan involvement creates a spectacle unlike any other.

Sometimes the drama extends beyond the course, for example, Brooklyn Beckham humiliated in Ryder Cup All-Star game or when the Matches forced to move due to severe weather.

And lastly, you know the entry fee is worth it when Fans get free food and drink… as part of $750 entry fee, or even when McIlroy reignites DeChambeau feud days before Ryder Cup and EXCL – I played the brutal course and embarrassed myself