It didn't take long for the Ryder Cup to get testy.
The first matchup in the morning foursomes (alternate shot) had a nearly 10-minute delay off the green on the par-3 second hole, as Graeme McDowell (paired with Rory McIlroy) and Jim Furyk (paired with Brandt Snedeker) had a rather stern discussion about whether a sprinkler head was interfering with McDowell's swing. McDowell's ball was a couple of inches in front of the sprinkler head, and he sought relief, while Furyk didn't deem it necessary. A big reason for that? A drop likely would have landed McDowell on the green, meaning he could putt instead of chip.
At one point during the interminable wait, one fan -- very close to the TV and radio microphones -- yelled at McDowell and McIlroy: "Hit a better tee shot next time!"
Eventually, chief rules official David Price came over -- to a mock ovation from the impatient crowd -- and ruled against McDowell. McDowell chipped, McIlroy missed the par putt and the United States won the hole.
But the duo from Northern Ireland responded in a big way, parring the third hole, then making birdie on six of the next seven holes, eventually taking a 3-up lead on No. 11.
The first matchup in the morning foursomes (alternate shot) had a nearly 10-minute delay off the green on the par-3 second hole, as Graeme McDowell (paired with Rory McIlroy) and Jim Furyk (paired with Brandt Snedeker) had a rather stern discussion about whether a sprinkler head was interfering with McDowell's swing. McDowell's ball was a couple of inches in front of the sprinkler head, and he sought relief, while Furyk didn't deem it necessary. A big reason for that? A drop likely would have landed McDowell on the green, meaning he could putt instead of chip.
At one point during the interminable wait, one fan -- very close to the TV and radio microphones -- yelled at McDowell and McIlroy: "Hit a better tee shot next time!"
Eventually, chief rules official David Price came over -- to a mock ovation from the impatient crowd -- and ruled against McDowell. McDowell chipped, McIlroy missed the par putt and the United States won the hole.
But the duo from Northern Ireland responded in a big way, parring the third hole, then making birdie on six of the next seven holes, eventually taking a 3-up lead on No. 11.
Being the daughter of a golf pro feel I have a little insight. This gallery at the Ryder Cup is disgusting and I am personally ashamed of my fellow Americans. The bell ringing on one tee, the failure to clap for ALL members of this prestigious tournament, and the booing - it is crap. These young and old men who are golfing are due the respect any athlete warrants and the gallery people need to have a lesson in manners.