Quote:
Originally Posted by John_W
In the post match interviews, European Captain Padraig Harrington said the crowds were great, the people of Wisconsin were really nice. Whoever complained that these crowds were bad, you must of never watched the Ryder Cup before, or especially from Europe. The golf crowds at those events are just like soccer crowds in Europe, they very rowdy. The US crowds were very respectful, almost too much at times. Here, see the 2018 Cup in Europe.
Ryder Cup Crowd 2018 - YouTube |
I think the U.S. crowds at the Ryder Cup feel they have a certain standard of golf hooliganism to uphold
They set the tone at the 1999 Ryder Cup at Brookline MA when one of the most epic comebacks in golf occurred. But all anyone wanted to talk about afterwards was the rowdy, uncivilized fans. The Euro players were disgusted by the fans, but more so by the players themselves for their dreadful behavior as well breaches of golf etiquette, especially the infamous, premature celebration on the green at the 17th hole when Justin Leonard tied it. Ben Crenshaw was their fiery captain and all agreed he motivated them to turn things around when they were down 10-6.
Even though there were loud complaints about the boorish behavior by European players and also U.S. golf officials and some media, that game was a watershed in professional golf and for the PGA. It ushered in a new era of excitement (the Tiger years) and unprecedented interest in the game which expanded its appeal worldwide. Along with that came a new attitude and approach as players exhibited more emotion on the course and felt comfortable expressing their individuality, perhaps at the expense of hallowed traditions and expected behavior in regards to good sportsmanship.