One would think that by now, the buzz around the Ryder Cup team announcement would have died down, but no. The picks have generated quite a backlash, and accusations of favoritism and social bias are flowing in. Now, a tweet from Hank Haney, the former coach of Tiger Woods, has started a conversation around the topic.
To ignite the already blazing fire, Colt Knost, a former PGA Tour player, has responded to Haney, contradicting his statement and thus igniting yet another debate in the comments section of the Twitter post!
Tiger Woods’ ex-coach, Hank Haney, expresses disapproval of Ryder Cup picks
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When the highly anticipated Ryder Cup US team’s captain’s picks dropped, all eyes gathered around the list. Many found it disappointing to see that the roster skipped players who had experience and had performed well in the past two years. This is especially true with Keegan Bradley.
Hence, it wasn’t surprising that the majority of the controversy surrounding the picks revolved around Justin Thomas being picked over Bradley, which in turn has dismayed many fans. Considering these developments and controversies surrounding the matter, Hank Haney, under whom Tiger Woods once flourished, tweeted: “It didn’t matter who Zach Johnson picked the USA team will be heavily favored but those picks confirm it’s the Boys Club.”
While many in the golf world would perhaps have agreed with the coach, one former PGA Tour pro, Colt Knost, didn’t. Responding to the post, he wrote, “But Europe is so successful in the Ryder Cup bc of their “team camaraderie!” Or “boys club” as some might call it!!“
But Europe is so successful in the Ryder Cup bc of their “team camaraderie!” Or “boys club” as some might call it!! pic.twitter.com/0USFOAEQIU
— Colt Knost (@ColtKnost) August 29, 2023
As per Haney’s tweet, while there are multiple strong alternatives to compete for spots on the team, finding talented players is not really an issue here. According to him, there was no dire necessity to skip more experienced players and go with younger players.
Read More: ‘Milking That Friendship With Tiger’: Justin Thomas’ Latest Glow Up Puts Golf World in a Foul Mood
Knost’s response, however, counters the argument and attributes the success of the European teams to the ‘boys club’ culture. He implies that a stronger bond makes a better team. But who did the fans side with? Well, considering how the former PGA Tour star got trolled, it’s not hard to tell!
Fans comment on their discontent with the Ryder Cup picks
Commenters mostly felt that Knost’s comparison did not have any merit. There are many cultural differences among European players, including the differences in their native languages. Also, fans felt the success of the Europeans couldn’t completely be attributed to their team structure.
There were multiple comments informing Knost that his comparison made little sense.
Two very different things, Colt!!
— The Penalty Drop Golf Blog & Podcast (@thepenaltydrop) August 29, 2023
Big difference here. USA is mostly a bunch of country club snob types. Europe is made up a regular guys who gel well together.
— John Newcomb (@jcgolf04) August 29, 2023
Naaa! The Europeans just grasp and come together as a team better than the Americans, who are taught rugged individualism. There’s plenty of European players who don’t like each other and come together every two years.
— Jimmy Dale Hewitt (@JimmyDaleHewitt) August 30, 2023
One fan pointed out the obvious disconnect in the comparison that Knost was drawing.
Come on Colt…the Euros have to work harder to create a team environment that the USA…different countries, different cultural beliefs…a boys club is when there are picks that have right being made…love JT but this one smells
— John Cunningham (@1hipguy) August 29, 2023
This comment put LIV Golf ahead of the PGA Tour.
So much for the the performance based pga. Might as well just join LIV. More $, same chance to get chosen for the “elite” teams.
— Joe Wilk (@joewilkjr) August 29, 2023
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One fan also accused Knost of promoting paid propaganda.
Colt give it a rest. We know you get paid to support the PGA but come on. JT does not deserve to no this team.
— Michael Minter (@mdminter) August 29, 2023
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With more conversations building around the Ryder Cup picks, the public’s disapproval is merely getting stronger, it appears. What is your take on this perspective of Knost? Tell us in the comments!
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