The biennial event Ryder Cup is back after being postponed for a year due to the covid-19 outbreak. The event is to take place in Lake Michigan this year. US captain, Steve Stricker does not want a repeat of the Hazeltine incident in this year’s Ryder Cup. In the last Ryder Cup event that took place in 2016, Rory McIlroy was verbally abused by a US supporter. The incident happened on the eighth hole during a fourballs match. The incident had to force Rory to ask the authorities to remove the individual from the stands.
Steve has requested the US fans to respect the British players and not use derogatory terms and obscene gestures to target the players.
But Steve pointed it out that it is good to have such support from the fans, but yes sometimes they take it too far.
“It’s going to be rowdy. It’s going to be loud and pro-USA, obviously so we’re looking forward to that. We need that backing. Hazeltine crossed the line at times, which we don’t want to see. “
He mentioned that he understands that these fans are excited because it is the biggest golf event of the year. Since the event is taking place a year later than it was supposed to, fans are even more excited this year.
“It’s a Ryder Cup. These fans have been pent up for a long time and they’re going to come out and get behind their team. It’s going to be loud, and we expect it to be loud, but again, we ask for people not to cross that line and be respectful of both sides.” [H/T BBC]
England is rooting for Ian Poulter to bring home victory at Ryder Cup
Ian Poulter, the European golfer has stated that the American fans have been pretty respectful so far during his practice sessions.
“They’re wishing me well. Not too well, but they’re wishing me well, which is quite nice. That hasn’t always been the case.”
Although the US captain, Steve thinks that it is essential to have the home support, European captain Padraig Harrington thinks having the home support and the ability to choose and design the golf course plays a significant role in turning the tables in favor of the nation.
