Nicolas Colsaerts urges Ryder Cup rule changes after abuse from US fans

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Unfortunately, crowd abuse was a major talking point during the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, where Europe managed to get past the USA.

Several American fans were removed from the course after crossing the line with their treatment of the European players, who left New York not only with some bruises but also as champions.

Rory McIlroy took plenty of heat from the crowd throughout the week, and there was no shortage of hostile energy in what became an intense atmosphere for Team Europe.

READ MORE: Viktor Hovland’s caddie reveals truth behind Ryder Cup neck injury setback

But despite everything thrown at him, McIlroy stood firm and helped Europe secure another away win under Luke Donald’s leadership.

It’s just their fifth Ryder Cup victory on American soil, and it marks consecutive wins for Europe in this tournament.

Fan conduct at Bethpage Black prompts Colsaerts to push for Ryder Cup rule changes

The 2027 Ryder Cup is set for Adare Manor in Ireland, and ahead of the event, former winner Nicolas Colsaerts has called for changes to the rules.

Reflecting on the abuse the Europeans faced before playing at this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, he said: “Well, I think that, again, a Ryder Cup in the US is never easy. If you look at the last couple of ones, whatever, okay, it was hot. Oak Hill was hard. Medinah was hard. Hazeltine was also hard for us; we lost.

“We go to Whistling Straits and we have no fans. And now you’re going to New York and you have to deal with the abuse of the crowds.”

“The first two rounds were absolutely incredible to watch. I’ve looked at it from an eye of how was I able to do this 13 years ago? What they have been able to do, the arena that they had to play in, and the level that they were still able to display I thought was off the charts.”

“I think it’s worse than anybody would have anticipated including myself. But like Rory said yesterday I’m not sure that anyone would be ready actually ready go play a rider cup like that. He added “I think The PGA of America maybe would or could have handled the situation a little bit better at times.”

The host then asked what should be done about this issue moving forward and replied: “I think that you must be extremely strict.”