The Loop
British Open 2017: TV graphic turns Russia into a golf powerhouse, generates hilarious responses
Don't believe everything you see on TV, people. And in a time where the terms "Russia" and "fake news" are so prevalent, a graphic that appeared during the 146th British Open was almost too perfect.
When listing the countries that have produced major champions, there was one that stood out: Russia. According to the graphic, a Russian player has won each of golf's four majors. Hmm.
In case you don't know, Russia is NOT a golf powerhouse. No one from Russia has ever won a golf major championship. And just a couple years ago, former World No. 1 tennis player Yevgeny Kafelnikov, a glorified scratch, was co-ranked as the country's best golfer. That's basically the equivalent of Stephen Curry being the best American golfer.
So are the Russians hacking into golf TV coverage now? No. At least, we don't think so. . . The mistake was simply someone mixing up RSA -- Republic of South Africa, an actual golf powerhouse -- with Russia. Hey, it happens. Although, it wasn't the only mistake. As the Telegraph's James Corrigan pointed out, Wales has never won a British Open. And last time we checked, two-time Open champ Padraig Harrington hails from Ireland. Oh, and Vijay Singh never won the Open. Unless the graphic was referring to a different golfer from Fiji.
Anyway, we're glad golf writer Steve Elling caught the gaffe, especially because of the hilarious responses it generated.
And even a jab at Yevgeny Kafelnikov:
Just a guess, but that graphic will be fixed before it's shown again.