Fans tuning into the build-up to the Ryder Cup on Sky Sports were treated to an unexpected moment on Thursday evening when a cheeky spectator hijacked the live broadcast with an impromptu display in the background.
With broadcasters already set up at Bethpage State Park Golf Course ahead of Friday’s eagerly anticipated opening foursomes, viewers were watching a segment featuring Brandel Chamblee discussing the layout of the Black Course when the incident occurred.
As Chamblee analysed how the famously difficult New York track might suit or hinder both sides, cameras briefly cut to a wide shot of the set.
Behind the Sky Sports pundits, a man appeared to notice the live camera and began clowning around, first doffing his hat before lifting his shirt and shaking his stomach for the viewers at home.
The antics escalated quickly, with the man seemingly about to take things further by reaching towards his waistband. Producers acted immediately, cutting back to the studio feed to avoid broadcasting anything more explicit.
The interruption provided an unusual moment of levity before what promises to be one of the most fiercely contested Ryder Cups in recent memory.
More than 50,000 fans are expected to descend on Bethpage each day, creating one of the most partisan atmospheres the competition has ever seen.
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Fans tuning into the build-up to the Ryder Cup on Sky Sports were treated to an unexpected moment on Thursday evening when a cheeky spectator hijacked the live broadcast with an impromptu display in the background
|SKYSPORTS
While the pitch invader-style antics stole attention momentarily, Chamblee’s analysis continued to focus on the US team’s chances – and in particular, the inclusion of Bryson DeChambeau.
The 2020 US Open champion is one of the most divisive figures in golf and will play a key role for Keegan Bradley’s side this week.
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The Ryder Cup fan couldn't resist the chance to clown around at Bethpage Black
|SKYSPORTS
“No doubt he’s one hell of a golfer. No doubt he has his moments of generosity with fans; I have heard about them,” Chamblee said.
“But he’s an odd duck when he’s trying to blend in with the team, and he has so many potential bulletin-board mistakes. I think he would be a captain’s nightmare.”
DeChambeau will partner Justin Thomas in Friday’s opening foursomes session, with the pair set to go head-to-head with Spain’s Jon Rahm and England’s Tyrrell Hatton in the first match of the day.
The highly charged fixture will tee off at 7.10am Eastern Time (12.10pm UK).
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Team Europe and Team USA are preparing for battle at the Ryder Cup
| GETTYLuke Donald’s European side are looking to defend the trophy they won so convincingly in Rome two years ago, but history is against them.
Europe have not triumphed on US soil since the Miracle at Medinah in 2012.
The Black Course is known as one of the toughest layouts in golf, with narrow fairways, deep rough and raucous crowds likely to add to the drama.
Security around the venue has been stepped up significantly given the presence of US President Donald Trump, who is expected to attend on Friday morning.
Organisers have already issued warnings to spectators to expect airport-style screening and longer wait times on arrival.
The Ryder Cup runs until Sunday evening, with points awarded across foursomes, fourballs and singles play to decide whether Europe retain the trophy or Team USA reclaim it in front of their home fans.