Two-time Major champion slams what he saw from US crowd during Ryder Cup - 'despicable'
Tony Jacklin claims Luke Donald and his European team “did a hell of a job’ to retain the trophy in a febrile atmosphere in New York
Tony Jacklin has branded the New York crowd at the Ryder Cup “despicable” - and claimed Europe “did a hell of a job’ to retain the trophy. Luke Donald emulated Jacklin by becoming only the second European captain to win home and away.
But the thrilling 15-13 win was overshadowed by fan misbehaviour with abuse shouted at players and their families - and Rory McIlroy’s wife hit by a beer cup. Police deployed dogs on Saturday afternoon as the crowds threatened to get out of control.
Jacklin captained Europe four times - and achieved their first ever away win at Muirfield Village in 1987. But the double Major champion, invited to Long Island as a former skipper, was shocked by the atmosphere he witnessed last month.
“What disappointed me was the behaviour of sections of the American galleries,” said Jacklin, 81. “It was despicable at times. They even came within minutes of stopping play. Security wasn’t up to it.
“When you have a mass of people and an announcer leading anti-opposition chants, that’s the last thing golf needs. The home-crowd advantage was pushed to the limit. It felt fragile. But in the end, it was all right, and it’s given the Americans something to think about. I read comments from past U.S. captains who were ashamed of the behaviour. That says a lot. In Ireland, if we’re all still kicking, I expect a very different atmosphere.”
Despite the noise in New York - and the appearance of President Donald Trump on the first day - Europe became the first team to ever win the first four sessions in an away tie to take a seven-point lead into the final day. Viktor Hovland’s withdrawal saw the score move to 12-5 - and Shane Lowry secured the half point to retain the trophy in the eighth singles match after a nervy last day.
“They did a hell of a job,” Jacklin told leading UK speakers agency Champions Speakers. “I think they were forewarned and well prepared, Luke deserves credit for that. From what I’ve read, they visited two or three times before the event.
"Luke wasn’t taking anything for granted. Luke did a thorough job. He was absolutely the right captain. He’d had a dry run in Rome with essentially the same side, 11 of the same players, so he already knew which partnerships clicked.
“Europe hit the ground running and were superb for the first two days. “There weren’t many surprises, until the final day,
“I think the President of the PGA of America (Don Rea) is fortunate to still be in the job after suggesting it was a similar situation to Rome. It wasn’t. The behaviour from sections of the galleries was despicable at times, they came within minutes of having to stop play. Security wasn’t up to scratch in my view.
“When you’ve got a mass of people and an announcer, apparently, leading anti-opposition chants, who needs that? Golf doesn’t.”
Tommy Fleetwood was the top scorer with four points out of five - and the FedEx Cup winner continued his strong late-season form by winning the DP World India Championship on Sunday in front of his eight-year-son Frankie.
“He’s an all-round good egg and now one of the best golfers in the world,. He’s paid his dues with so many close calls that he must have wondered if it would ever happen. I’m delighted for him.”
Jacklin was speaking with Champions Speakers, headline sponsor of the Champions UK plc European Senior Masters in association with Equals Money.