Collin Morikawa defended himself after critics linked his “absolute chaos” comments to the unruly behavior of some American fans during the 2025 Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black. Team Europe beat Team USA 15–13 in a fiery contest at Bethpage Black, with the crowd’s behavior dominating headlines and prompting organizers to call in extra security on the final day.
Morikawa’s Comments Taken Too Far By Fans
Morikawa had urged U.S. supporters ahead of the tournament to “bring the chaos” and make Bethpage a loud, intimidating environment for Team Europe. The 28-year-old said he wanted to see the kind of passionate support that could lift Team USA’s spirits and make the home advantage count. But it appeared that the fans took his words too far as the Ryder Cup unfolded.
Several European players, including Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, faced heckling and verbal abuse from sections of the New York crowd. McIlroy shouted back at some fans and refused to putt until the heckling stopped. Security officials later escorted several spectators off the course for inappropriate behavior.
Since the Ryder Cup ended, many have questioned whether Morikawa’s “chaos” call helped fuel the hostile atmosphere. But speaking before the Baycurrent Classic in Japan, the Californian made it clear he did not believe he had incited the crowd.
Morikawa Says American Fans Crossed The Line
Despite the criticism, the American star insists that people misunderstood his words and that he never meant to encourage the hostility that marred parts of the competition.
“I think we’ve taken what I said a little out of context,” the 28-year-old said. “I think Ryder Cups are meant to have a lot of energy, right, and I think me saying the word ‘chaos’, I didn’t mean for them to be rude, right? So like that’s not on me, I believe for me to take credit for people being rude. I think what I meant was like I wanted energy, right? You wanted people to be proud of the country, the countries they’re rooting for. So I don’t think me saying one word, everyone listened and then – I don’t think I have the power to do that amongst people.”
McIlroy’s wife, Erica, reportedly had a drink thrown at her in the car park, and European captain Luke Donald said American fans “crossed the line” — a sentiment Morikawa agreed with. “I think fans can do and say what they want sometimes. It probably crossed a line out there. It wasn’t in my groups, but definitely what people were hearing.”
Morikawa lost two and halved one of his three matches at the tournament. American great Tom Watson, who captained the U.S. in 1993 and 2014, said last month that he was “ashamed” of the unruly scenes.
In the end, Morikawa stood by his belief that people took his comments out of context. He maintained that passion should never cross the line into disrespect and that the Ryder Cup’s spirit should be about competition, not chaos.
Main Photo Credit:
