News
Martin Kaymer the latest to rip Ryder Cup crowds that contained “idiots” and bad “role models”
The European Ryder Cup team remains more upset about the hostile Hazeltine crowds than the fact it lost the biennial event for the first time since 2008. At least, that’s the way it seems. Players like Rory McIlroy, Danny Willett and Justin Rose have been particularly vocal in expressing their displeasure and now, nearly a week after the event began, Martin Kaymer has joined the complaint party.
“Ninety-five percent of the crowd were fine,” Kaymer said after his first round at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. “But there are just some idiots in the crowd and I just find it amazing that they are standing there with their children in their hands and they say things that you think, ‘that’s you child next to you, what role model are you?’ It’s a bit shocking sometimes, the comments you hear.”
That sentiment is tough to argue considering some of the rude things said to, in particular, McIlroy and Willett, including something that got one fan immediately tossed from the premises on Saturday. It’s also nothing we haven’t heard already, although Kaymer drives home his point with the shocking image of a parent shouting obscenities in the presence of his/her own children. The crowds did appear to be more respectful of all the players on the final day when the PGA of America issued a statement of a no-tolerance policy of negativity.
The two-time major champ also offered this comparison to how things are when Europe hosts the Ryder Cup:
“Some guys were saying, ‘it’s the same for us when they come to Europe,’ but it’s not true,” he said. “There were names that we got called that you would never, ever put in your mouth in any media or event among your friends. I think you just need to escort those people off the property as quickly as possible and we keep playing golf.”
Whether you believe Kaymer about this stuff never happening in Europe, it’s hard to imagine there won’t be some payback in France in two years -- especially if players keep talking about it.