Ryder Cup Crowd Behavior

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By Gary C

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  • 17 Replies
  1. Am I the only one embarrassed about how some of the U.S. fans behaved during the Ryder Cup? The last gentlemanly sport deserves better.

    Congratulations to the U.S. team for incredible play and a well deserved win.

    My apologies to the Europeans for the bad/inappropriate behavior of (hopefully) few.

    The level of play (from both sides) truly puts in perspective how incredibly talented these players are. It was an absolute joy to watch.

  2. RR

    RR
    Minnesota

    I agree - I went to it on Friday and could not believe some of the comments, it was embarrassing indeed. The announcers on television mentioned it and said it was all part of the Ryder cut but think it was way overboard and extreme. Hope our players don't get treated the same there. Little playful hazing is okay - I don't think those people played golf
  3. Speedy

    Speedy
    Newmarket, NH

    I'm with you Gary.. if it's true what some of the fans said, yeah it's pretty embarrassing.. No need for that anywhere on the golf course especially with little kids around...
  4. Bomber3

    Bomber3
    Lake St Louis, MO

    Military
    I'm not excusing the behavior, but poor behavior exits on both sides of the Atlantic and the US team will suffer the same kind of verbal abuse in two years. It is unfortunate that a few idiots get associated with all the great & patriotic fans, giving them a poor reputation. I thought the PGA of America did a great job of removing the offenders and making people aware that behavior of that type will not be tolerated.
  5. I agree...
  6. Bob T

    Bob T
    East Otis, MA

    I was surprised also how pumped up and into the event the crowd was. It seemed to be out of hand.
  7. Dwayne N

    Dwayne N
    Island, KY

    yes I agree some were unruly but I did like the support that they gave and better believe in 2 yrs, Our yanks will be on the other end.
  8. Rob H

    Rob H
    Manchester

    European fans have not been perfect in recent years, the atmosphere created by the USA fans was amazing, except for the odd idiot - you get those everywhere at most sports events these days. Thought the USA fans were fantastic though and really liked the way they dressed up and got behind their team.
  9. Jim K

    Jim K
    Bel Air, MD

    It appears that we are in for increasingly boorish behavior in our erstwhile sport for gentleman/gentlewomen. It all seems very childish IMO.
  10. tony k

    tony k
    bradenton, FL

    I've posted before about some of the boorish behavior by American fans and I'm glad others tend to agree. If only we could find a way to eliminate the moronic, "It's in the hole", from each and every televised shot the world would be a better place.
  11. Chuck Z

    Chuck Z
    Mt Pleasant, SC

    Military
    There are hooligans in every sport, unfortunately, golf is not exempt from this type of behavior. Where there is alcohol at sporting events, well what more can I say. I worked the PGA Championships and when the marshal chairs saw people taking pictures with their cell phones they would put a mark on the patrons badge with a sharpie. Two marks and they were off the course. Bad behavior was not tolerated with a zero tolerance policy. Badge was revoked. When the rules are posted and violated, there are consequences. They had plain clothes security walking the course as well.
  12. Hotsauce

    Hotsauce
    Georgetown MA

    While I'm sure there were some off color comments, I think the Ryder Cup is special because of the fans and the atmosphere. Nationalism brings out the crazy in people, but it's so awesome to see such competition in the name of pride in such a capitalistic world.
    In large crowds at almost every sporting event, there's going to be "that guy" . Yes, "that guy" is down right embarrassing, but on the whole, I don't think there's anything wrong with a little smack talk during the Ryder Cup.
    There isn't another setting in professional golf where fans actively route for a guy to miss. Sure you might mentally want someone to miss, but we hardly ever vocalize it.
    I also don't think RM minded one bit. It really seemed to fuel his fire. The moment when PR and him traded birdies and celebrations- then fist bumps really sums it all up.
    The Ryder Cup is like golf with football fans, and like many of the Euros and even Jack Nicklaus said- they aren't all crumpets and tea over on that side of the pond either.
  13. Andrew A

    Andrew A
    Charlotte, NC

    It's sad that the few outliers can make a bigger impression than the majority of fitting fans.
  14. Eric C

    Eric C
    DALLAS CENTER, IA

    If they are going to act like NBA,NFL, and soccer players after a score, you will make certain people judge you on your antics instead of your abilities. Both sides get too caught up in us versus them and fans think they are on the teams. It's a golf exhibition, have some class. I root for USA, but if they lose, THEY lost. I didn't get picked for the team so I didn't win either.
  15. Mike C

    Mike C
    Dallas, TX

    I agree that some of the fans went overboard, but the US has experienced some of the same for some of the matches in Europe in the past. The energy from the fans is a big part of the event and part of what makes the Ryder Cup special.

    I believe you should certainly cheer and pull for your favorite team, but always be respectful of the other team in the process. These are all guys who play with each other on a weekly basis and the friendships on the PGA tour go across the USA/Europe lines and I think we need to keep that in mind and remember the goal is obviously have your team win, but also to have fun for everybody in the process.
  16. Todd T

    Todd T
    San Diego, CA

    Military
    Not that big a deal... The Pros know going in it's going to be a highly contested match. The fans, in particular the US wanted a win badly. The fans pointed out the jerks and the matches went on.

    I think too much is being made of it.
  17. Trevor P

    Trevor P
    Brentwood, Essex

    I traveled over from to UK, along with many others, to support the Europeans and was there from Thurday until Sunday. The crowds were great until lunchtime and then they turned. Our perception was that when the individuals in question had consumed enough beer that was when the derogatory comments started. I must say it was restricted to just a few with the exception of the last day, when the level just increased. We had loads of people coming up to us apologising for the behave of the over passioned fans.
    One thing did sour it for us, when we were leaving, all dressed in our blue and yellow outfits were repeatedly reminded we were losers by many of the crowds. That's not golf, gentleman.
    But I will there in Paris and Whistling Straights all the same, supporting the Europeans and I hope the crowds respect the players and fans alike on which ever team you may support.
  18. Edward K

    Edward K
    Wesley Chapel, FL

    Military
    Not a big deal. My dad went to 2 Ryder Cups in Europe in the 80's, during the "takeover era", as he calls it. He said the fans were awful to the Americans at times, horrible to the players after a victory. It goes both ways........I found it hilarious the Euro's lose this year, now THEY need to modify their process.....LOL

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