Ryder Cup: Collin Morikawa explains Bethpage cheers ahead of Baycurrent Classic in Japan | Golf news

Collin Morikawa says he “didn’t want” Ryder Cup spectators to cross the finish line, explaining his encouragement of “absolute chaos” ahead of the event.

Team Europe beat Team USA 15-13 in a fiery three-day contest at Bethpage Black in New York, where crowd behavior made headlines and prompted increased security for the final day.

Rory McIlroy’s wife Erica had beer thrown at her and the five-time major champion himself was subjected to personal insults, including a rendition of “f*** you Rory” that was egged on by Bethpage MC Black.

McIlroy responded to a heckler during his second four-way match with Tommy Fleetwood by telling them to “shut up”, before firing his approach from close range and securing birdie to give them a 3&2 victory over Harris English and Morikawa.

There seemed to be a less hostile environment during the singles, but McIlroy felt that a minority of the crowd were still “disrespectful” and “abusive”.

Ahead of this week’s Baycurrent Classic in Japan, Morikawa was asked if he felt responsible for the fans’ behavior and said: “I think we took what I said a little bit out of context.

“I think Ryder Cups are supposed to have a lot of energy, right, and I think when I said the word ‘chaos’ I didn’t want them to be crude, right?

“So it’s not my fault, I think it’s me taking credit for people being rude. I think what I meant was like I wanted energy, right?

“You wanted people to be proud of the country, the countries that they support. So I don’t think I said a single word, everyone listened and then – I don’t think I have the power to do that among the people.”

Spectators were warned to consume alcohol responsibly and the PGA of America issued a statement during the Ryder Cup to say it was “closely monitoring” fan behavior.

European captain Luke Donald accused American fans of “crossing the line”, with which Morikawa agreed.

“I think fans can sometimes do and say whatever they want. It probably crossed a line. It wasn’t in my bands but it’s definitely what people were hearing,” he said.

“Yes, there’s a line that needs to be drawn, I believe. But I think what’s so different and unique about golf is that we hear almost everything people say because people have access to being so close to us.

“You watch a lot of other sports, you don’t really hear much. Things are said, but golf has this different aspect. So I think you have to learn to find that division between what’s appropriate and what’s not.”

Schauffele: I wish we played better to give the fans more reasons to cheer

The USA faced a tough blow as they trailed Europe 11.5-4.5 heading into the final day, but they produced an incredible fightback and put Donald’s team on the ropes.

One of the points McIlroy made when criticizing fans was the lack of support for American players, which the Northern Irishman said would bother him.

He added: “I haven’t heard a lot of shouting for Scottie [Scheffler]but I heard many cries against me. It’s like supporting your players. That’s the problem.”

Xander Schauffele, who is also competing in the Baycurrent Classic which begins Thursday, admitted to hearing some “unsavory” comments and thinks the United States didn’t play well enough to give fans something to shout about.

“I really wish we could have played better so they would support us a little more. New York is a tough place for anyone to play,” he said.

“I even got some feedback to play better. I don’t take much personally when it comes to what the fans say.”

Watch the Baycurrent at Yokoyama this week with coverage starting Thursday at 4am, live on Sky Sports Golf. Stream the DP World Tour, PGA Tour, LPGA Tour and more contract-free with NOW.

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