I do not follow this game except for passing glances at headlines but was under the impression that decorum among players and spectators was highly valued, at least in public. Even TV commentators would theatrically resort to hushed voices whenever a player was about to hit a shot, even though they were nowhere near the action and could not disturb the player even if they shouted. I remember the fuss some years ago when some wag among the spectators would shout “You da man!” at key moments in major tournaments when a player was about to hit the ball, much to the discomfiture of players and officials who could not locate him.

The usual competitive ugliness that is endemic to most sports would take place behind the scenes in golf. Hence I was surprised to see this report of spectators at the Ryder Cup match between the US and Europe, taking place this weekend in the US, making rude chants at a European player. What surprised me even more is the tone of the article suggested that this was no longer considered that shocking.

The comedian employed to warm up the crowd at the Ryder Cup has apologised and stepped down from her job before the final day’s play after she was recorded leading a foul-mouthed Rory McIlroy chant on the 1st tee on Saturday.
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McMahan had been employed to stoke up the crowd on the 1st tee in an attempt to build the atmosphere, and was using a megaphone to lead them in their chants. She tried to persuade them to join her in a chorus of “Scottie! Scottie! Scheffler!” to the tune of Queen’s We Will Rock You but was booed into abandoning the effort. “Fuck you Rory!” was more popular, and became a persistent chant throughout the day. McIlroy responded by blowing the crowd kisses when he came to the tee.

It set the tone of an ugly day at Bethpage, when the atmosphere around McIlroy in particular became so toxic that the PGA of America brought in squads of state police and park police to walk the course with his group midway through their round. Several spectators were evicted.

McIlroy was repeatedly targeted with personal abuse and grew so exasperated with people shouting out during his backswing that at one point he turned around and told the crowd to “shut the fuck up”. The PGA of America repeatedly posted spectator etiquette warnings on the screens around the grounds. They were widely booed every time they appeared.

McIlroy described the atmosphere as “very, very challenging”. He won both matches regardless.

It looks like while I was not paying attention, standards of behavior at golf tournaments have deteriorated considerably. Given that golf is Trump’s favorite game, I suppose that it should not be surprising that fans are behaving in the same coarse manner that he routinely exhibits.