The Ryder Cup: Top 5 Controversial Moments

The Ryder Cup began in 1927 and is celebrated every two years as a platform to showcase exceptional golf and team spirit. However, the Ryder Cup is not without its share of contentious incidents. Beneath the team spirit lie contentious moments that have ignited controversies and stirred the emotions of fans and players alike.

As another Ryder Cup waits on the horizon, let’s take a walk down memory lane of the five most noteworthy moments that have stirred controversy during this golfing spectacle.

Controversial Ryder Cup incidents

Certain moments highlight the intense competition and rivalry that this event marks. Conflicts that have arisen during this event have a long history. However, we have narrowed down the five most controversial incidences that took place in the history of the Ryder Cup.

The grand pairing of Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson at the Ryder Cup

Two of the greatest golfers of their generation, Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson were paired together in the 2004 Ryder Cup held at the Oakland Hills Country Club. The two golfing superstars have a reputation for not getting along and were known to be competitive rivals on the PGA Tour.

There was a significant controversy about placing these two players together since they both have different playing styles and personalities which may not mesh well together as a team. However, they were still paired together on the opening day in the morning four-ball and afternoon foursomes.

The pairing proved to be futile and they lost both the matches on the first day of the competition itself. The lack of chemistry and success between the two players became a significant storyline of the 2004 Ryder Cup. The United States team ultimately lost the Ryder Cup to the European team by the score of 18.5 to 9.5.

Recently, at the 2016 Ryder Cup press conference, Phil Mickelson revisited the controversial pairing and admitted that it was not ideal and stated that he and Tiger Woods were informed about the pairing only two days prior to the event. In conclusion, the controversial decision to pair the two golfing legends together by then-captain Hal Sutton did not yield positive results.

Patrick Reed’s no-dance show at Gleneagles

In the 2014 Ryder Cup, Patrick Reed started some controversy with his rude and overbearing demeanor. While his record showcased excellent golf skills with an impressive score of 3-0-1, his interactions with the crowd as well as his opponents gathered a lot of negative attention and publicity.

Spectators were asking all players to dance, and when they asked Patrick Reed to do the same he refused and did so rather rudely. His undying focus and competitive spirit did however leave an indelible mark on the Ryder Cup and has made him an iconic player in the event. However, his attitude has also written him down in the nasty section of the event.

Anthony Kim mocks Sergio Garcia’s stance at Valhalla

Add the 2008 Ryder Cup held at Valhalla, where there was a heated moment between Anthony Kim and Sergio Garcia. This incident took place during the Sunday singles, when Garcia’s golf ball ended up at a tough spot where it was surrounded by thick long grass. Being a wise player, he called for help from the referees and explained that certain stones behind him were affecting his stance.

While Sergio Garcia was discussing this with the referee and trying to get relief, the young American golfer Kim walked over seemingly annoyed, and asked Garcia in a very rude tone, “You call that a normal stance?”

This tense moment during the match highlighted the intensity and rivalry prevalent amongst the two teams at the Ryder Cup.

Fans’ shame at Brookline Ryder Cup in 1999

The 1999 Ryder Cup is remembered for hosting a very controversial atmosphere. Colin Montgomerie, the Scottish golfer, got tons of backlash from the fans, including personal insults. The situation escalated so much that a spectator reportedly spat on the golfer.

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The hostility in some spectators was too much to bear and even Montgomerie’s father left in disappointment. British broadcaster Alistair Cooke even labeled it ‘The Arrival of the Golf Hooligan’ in his analysis of the event.

The early victory celebrations in 1999

The Ryder Cup of 1999 saw one more controversial incident wherein Justin Leonard was competing against Jose Maria Olazabal. He sank an incredible 45-foot-long putt for a birdie on the 17th green that led to chaos at the golf club as the Team USA roster, their wives, and camera crews rushed onto the green in celebration before ‘Jules’ even had a chance to putt. Events like these add a drama layer to the Ryder Cup.

Ryder Cup has many layers and these incidents add a layer of drama, controversy as well and excitement to the event. Which incident do you think is the most controversial of all? Let us know in the comments below!

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