THE Ryder Cup course was flooded just 24 hours before the first tee shot takes place.
And it could force the teams to cancel their final practice sessions.
SunSportThe weather caused havoc on the eve of the Ryder Cup[/caption]
SunSportThe 18th green at Bethpage Black was waterlogged on Thursday[/caption]
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms in New York brought a deluge on the Bethpage Black course.
And that made for dramatic scenes on Thursday morning.
The 18th green had large amounts of standing water while various pathways and grass areas were waterlogged, as was one of the practice putting greens.
The massive puddles made for grim viewing ahead of tomorrow’s 7am (12pm UK) start.
Giant screens also issued a weather warning to spectators inside the grounds.
Although thankfully the forecast is better for Friday through Sunday, more rain is expected on Thursday, which could cause havoc for the final preparations.
The US and Europe were both set to play nine holes.
But a Ryder Cup media update at 9am suggested Europe were still planning to go out for a few holes – however the US would do “potential practice on all practice facilities”.
The US were also forced to do their team photoshoot inside a giant tennis bubble – rather than out on the course like Europe did earlier in the week.
Speaking to the media at 8am, Viktor Hovland said: “Hopefully I can practice for a little bit and maybe go out there and play four or five holes, at least.
“I’d like to see how what I’m doing on the range will hold up on the golf course and just get a bit more comfortable.
“Hopefully it stays clear a little bit and also for the remainder of the week. You don’t want the course to be too soggy.
“It’s not ideal. But it wouldn’t be the last time something like that has happened.
“I’d like to think I’m a professional and can handle situations like this. We’ll figure it out.”
The final day of the Junior Ryder Cup was moved to another course nearby.
How to watch the 2025 Ryder Cup
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THE 45th Ryder Cup takes place from September 26-28 with the US team desperate to wrestle back the crown from Europe.
Scottie Scheffler and the American side will battle Rory McIlroy’s European team in New York.
The infamous Bethpage Black course will be the venue for the latest edition of the pulsating golf tournament.
NBC will broadcast the competition in it’s entirety in the United States.
Friday’s foursomes and fourballs will be live on USA Network from 7 am ET to 6 pm ET.
Saturday’s action will take place during the same hours live on NBC.
And Sunday’s singles will also be on NBC from 12 pm ET to 6 pm ET.
Fans can sign up to Fubo TV by CLICKING HERE and watch the Ryder Cup through NBC’s channels.
And the opening ceremony took place on Wednesday instead of Thursday because of the horrendous forecast.
But it did not go well for US captain Keegan Bradley who made a number of blunders.
The biggest was when he referenced the 1999 US Ryder Cup win over Europe at Brookline.
But instead of mentioning Justin Leonard who hit the crucial winning putt, he said “Justin Rose” – prompting confusion and sniggering among Rose and his European team-mates as well as fans watching at home.
One said: “Bradley referencing Justin Rose’s miracle putt on the 17th in 1999 as his inspiration… Europe 1up already.”
Another wrote: “Living in their heads rent-free, Justin.”
A third joked: “Mega brainfart.”
And a final user quipped: “Hope Keegan Bradley has prepared his team better than he prepared his speech.”
PAStanding water was spotted on various parts of the course[/caption] Creator – [#item_custom_dc:creator]
