The Ryder Cup was always going to be dominated by fan discourse but on a tense and rowdy Saturday at Bethpage Black, things definitely got a touch out of hand.
As Europe once again raced in front of the Americans in the hunt to win the Ryder Cup, things boiled over on more than one occasion.
Rory McIlroy was among those to suffer heavy abuse, while Keegan Bradley was forced to answer questions on the home crowd’s behaviour as well.
With the Sunday Singles set to get underway and Europe in pole position, we could see a much tamer crowd, especially if the deal is sealed early.
However, that doesn’t mean the American fans have been acceptable in their behaviour and former Ryder Cup winner Nicolas Colsaerts has waded into the discussion.
American fans told they went too far during day two of the Ryder Cup
Nobody has a problem with crowds being passionate and when it comes to a Ryder Cup, there’s an expectation of more fan involvement.
Luke Donald has done his best to play things down but ultimately, things did boil over on day two.
Indeed, 2012 Ryder Cup winner Nicolas Colsaerts has now said that in the end, things crossed a line.
“For most people that saw the broadcast yesterday, the behaviour of certain American fans was clearly over the line. We understand that when you go and play over in America, you are going to be exposed to a certain level of criticism from the crowd,” Colsaerts told Sky Sports.
“But when it starts to be directed at players and it’s clearly insulting, that’s a line you have to be careful with. There is a certain level of responsibility from not only American golf, but the world of golf, to make sure that it’s a healthy atmosphere – which was not really the case yesterday. A few questions definitely need to be answered.”
Nicolas Colsaerts shocked by Scottie Scheffler’s performance
For Team America, it’s been a tournament of their biggest and best stars simply not producing, while some of their rookies have struggled as well.
One of the big shocks has been Scottie Scheffler not winning a single match in four. The world number one has just not been at it and it’s shown.
Indeed, speaking on Scheffler’s shocking performance, Colsaerts admitted to being as surprised as anyone.
“It’s been really surprising to see the best player in the world not being able to deliver what he usually does,” Colsaerts added.
“When you have a commanding lead like Europe has right now, there is always going to be a few guys on the other side who have been properly tackled. It’s just very surprising that Scheffler is one of those, and he’s not been the Scottie Scheffler we know at this Ryder Cup.”
With Scheffler facing off against Rory McIlroy in the fourth singles bout, we could see a more than hot crowd around Bethpage.
Hopefully, though, things remain civil this time and in the end, respect wins out.
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