The crowds at a golf tournament have never been talked about as much as they have been – and will continue to be – for the 2025 Ryder Cup. Already the most contentious event in the sport, tossing New York fans into the mix promises to make things extra spicy.
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While Team Europe used VR headsets simulating what they’ll experience this week, nothing can really prepare you for dealing with this. Heck, I saw Michael Strahan, a NEW YORK Giants legend, even get heckled on Wednesday after hitting a bad shot in the celebrity Ryder Cup match.
FULL GOLF DIGEST RYDER CUP COVERAGE HERE
But one player from Team Europe seems best equipped to handle being in enemy territory best. And that’s because of the hilarious – but relatable – answer he gave when asked about playing with (most of) the crowd rooting against you. Take it away, Viktor Hovland!
“I think you’ve just got to stick to your game, and if you play well, you know, there’s going to be some comments here and there,” Hovland said. “They won’t really come close to the thoughts that I have in my own head. So I think I’ll just laugh it off for the most part.”
"There's going to be some comments here and there. They won't really come close to the thoughts that I have in my own head."
— Golf Digest (@GolfDigest) September 25, 2025
Viktor Hovland on being heckled by the crowd at Bethpage. pic.twitter.com/zgm9jNG3wS
Nailed it. As every golfer knows, we’re all battling demons on the inside. Hovland just happens to be one of the most open about that struggle, which is a big reason why he’s so popular.
Even when he won the Valspar Championship in March, he seemed genuinely surprised that he was able to overcome “a lot of disgusting shots” and his victory Instagram post was simply captioned: “Stupid, stupid game.”
“You know, just try to smile it off and make a few birdies,” Hovland added on Thursday. “That usually seems to do the trick.”
So, good luck to Viktor this week. And good luck to those trying to heckle Viktor this week.
