The Ryder Cup got off to a controversial start as fans were left fuming with USA Network’s television coverage of the event, as Team Europe made a great start to the event
Graeme McDowell didn’t enjoy the USA Network’s coverage of the Ryder Cup(Image: Getty Images)
The Ryder Cup had barely gotten underway before fans were seething, and not due to polarized opinions about Donald Trump’s attendance or the action on the course.
Rather than witnessing Bryson DeChambeau crushing his opening tee shot before an electric New York audience, home viewers found themselves enduring advertisement after advertisement.
Graeme McDowell, the LIV Golf star from Northern Ireland, joined the vocal chorus that criticized USA Network’s television broadcast of the Ryder Cup. The four-time PGA Tour champion and Ryder Cup hero called out what seemed like never-ending commercial interruptions and missed shots that left viewers frustrated during one of golf’s most eagerly awaited tournaments.
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The drama at Bethpage Black kicked off explosively, with Bryson DeChambeau electrifying the American spectators into a wild celebration, launching his opening tee shot to thunderous cheers. However, just when the spectacle appeared ready to captivate, the broadcast stumbled.
Following Trump’s entrance and barely sixty minutes of live coverage, USA Network continuously switched to commercials, destroying the flow of the telecast and infuriating fans desperate to witness every stroke.
McDowell wrote on X: “This (USA Network) coverage driving me insane already. Think we are on the fifth commercial break. May have to flip on the (Sky Sports) version. Any better?”
USA Network is broadcasting coverage of the Ryder Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Fans shared his frustration, labeling the telecast “comical” after it neglected to broadcast the second hole tee shots of the initial match. “There are two golf balls in play on the entire course, and I still managed to miss shots,” one fan added.
Another added: “There are literally four golf balls in play on the whole course, and we’re watching replays of shots hit already!”
The criticism intensified as viewers drew unfavorable comparisons to CBS’s established agreement with the Masters, where corporate sponsors purchase exclusive rights to reduce commercial interruptions.
“With all the money the Ryder Cup generates, couldn’t the PGA do something similar? These commercial breaks are ridiculous,” one viewer wrote.
Some sought refuge in alternatives like Peacock’s “featured match” streams or Sky Sports’ broadcast, though even these options had their drawbacks.
The broadcasting controversy compounded the frustration of a punishing opening day for Team USA. Europe surged to a commanding early 5.5-2.5 advantage.
Jon Rahm stayed focused despite the hostile crowd, and alongside partner Tyrrell Hatton, they defeated DeChambeau and Justin Thomas 4&3, while Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood demolished Collin Morikawa and Harris English 5&4.
The Americans managed to rescue points through Xander Schauffele and Patrick Cantlay in foursomes, plus Cameron Young and Thomas in fourballs, but it proved insufficient to prevent the title holders from establishing their dominance.
McDowell competed for Team Europe across four Ryder Cup campaigns and posted an individual record of eight victories, five defeats, and two draws in match play. He served as an assistant captain for Team Europe in 2018 and 2021.