Tyrrell Hatton has urged Team Europe supporters not to seek revenge for the vile treatment dished out to Europe’s Ryder Cup stars when the Americans make their next visit. The PGA of America was compelled to issue an apology after shocking verbal assaults from US spectators at Bethpage left Europe’s players with a sour taste following their campaign.
However, Hatton, who remained undefeated for a second consecutive Ryder Cup as Europe clinched the trophy with a dramatic 15-13 triumph, doesn’t want supporters at Adare Manor in 2027 to target the American squad in similar fashion. “If it was my choice, and obviously what I say isn’t really going to affect how people behave, I don’t really think that the insults are the way forward,” said Hatton, who secured the crucial half-point that sealed victory in Sunday’s singles matches.
“To be honest, I think some guys on the team had it a lot worse than others. For me personally, there were a lot of insults maybe around height or hairline or weight, some of which I pretty much say to myself anyway, so it wasn’t like anything new.”
“But I would much prefer it to be a respectful atmosphere. You let the guys play and the best team wins – rather than trying to affect the outcome by trying to put off players or things like that.
“I don’t think it will be as hostile as maybe as it was last week. I’d like to think that it will be very respectful.”
Rory McIlroy and his American wife Erica were subjected to vile chants, with the PGA of America’s chief executive, Derek Sprague, planning to personally apologise.
“I can’t wait to reach out to Rory and Erica and really, quite frankly, the entire European team,” Sprague stated. “The whole European team should not have been subjected to that. And because of that, I feel badly and I plan on apologising to them.”
However, Matt Fitzpatrick has accused the PGA of America, specifically president Don Rae, of being less than gracious during the trophy presentation.
“I don’t want to speak on behalf of everyone but we did feel there was a little bit of bitterness when they presented the trophy,” Fitzpatrick revealed.
“Me and Rosey both looked at each other as if to say: ‘That wasn’t a very heartfelt congratulations.’ He said we only retained it but actually we won it.”
Luke Donald, the victorious European captain, is currently considering his future in the role, with unanimous support from his players.
Tommy Fleetwood suggested that if Donald decides to step down, Europe already has a ready replacement in assistant Francesco Molinari.
“I’ve spoken to Francesco about it numerous times. I think the respect he has from his peers and the players, his accomplishments and his experience, I think goes a long way to being a Ryder Cup captain,” Fleetwood, Europe’s top points scorer at Bethpage, commented.
Fleetwood, Hatton, Fitzpatrick and Bob McIntyre are set to tee off at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland today.
