Victorious European Team member, Paul Lawrie has returned home critical of the unsportsmanlike behaviour of American fans at last week’s Ryder Cup.
The 43-year old Lawrie was the oldest player on either side competing last week at Medinah and despite losing an opening Fourballs match, the Scot helped set Europe on the path to glory inflicting the biggest Singles defeat of 5 & 3 over Brandt Snedeker.
Paul Lawrie tees off with European Team supporters looking on but it was the American fans that left a sour taste in the mouth of the Scot. (Photo – www.golfile.ie)
And while Lawrie has found himself congratulated at every turn since his arrival back in Europe ahead of teeing-up in this week’s $US 5m Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, the Scot was far from happy with the behaviour of Medinah fans.
“I didn’t get abused, but you get comments like top it, shank it, you’re going to lose, stuff like that on every shot you play,” he said.
“Every single shot you hit last week, that’s what you get.
“That was the same the last time I played in the Ryder Cup in ’99 and I think they (USA team) said it’s the same when they come here.
“So apparently that’s how it is, but I can’t see that.”
Lawrie revealed European Team captain, Jose Maria Olazabal dealt the with subject of crowd behaviour in the team meetings at the start of the week.
“Jose Maria made it clear, don’t even look at them, don’t take them on,” added Lawrie.
“Certainly don’t react. Don’t make on as though it’s hurting us. Just hit your shot and walk on.
“It’s pretty tough when someone is screaming and blowing in your ear that you’re a loser, but there’s not much you can do.
“Which makes it all the more satisfying on Sunday night when you’re standing there with the Ryder Cup in front of you they are not. It helps up to be fair.”
Lawrie joins fellow victorious Europeans Martin Kaymer and Peter Hanson in this week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.
Lawrie was the tournaments inaugural winner in 2001 and the first to win using the then new Odyssey 2Ball putter.
