Is nothing sacred in golf anymore? Our sport has long been regarded as an environment of respect and honour.
Bobby Jones once famously said that “you may as well praise a man for not robbing a bank” as give him credit for calling a penalty on himself, albeit that was almost a century ago now.
It must be accepted that the Ryder Cup changed, fundamentally, as long ago as the 1990s. A line was crossed at Kiawah Island in 1991, when, among a smattering of unsavoury moments, Hale Irwin’s drive at the final and decisive hole of the whole competition miraculously reappeared, several seconds later, on the edge of the fairway after being hooked deep into the galleries.
And the less said about the final day at Brookline in 1999, the better.
The match is now becoming a biennial exhibition of excessive, slightly cringe-inducing and gloating celebrations that used to have no place in our sport.
Much more recently, at this year’s Irish Open, the home galleries cheered when Joakim Lagergren’s play-off approach to the 18th found water, virtually guaranteeing home favourite Rory McIlroy’s success.
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Has golf spectator etiquette and player behaviour gone too far?
I confess to being slightly taken aback at this delight taken in another’s misfortune.
Still, I thought, at least we had the Walker Cup. Being played at Cypress Point, no less, that sacred cathedral of golfing exceptionalism. For a match contested between the leading amateurs (or gentlemen as we used to call them) of Great Britain & Ireland and the USA. Off the course, it is the R&A against the USGA.
In fact, this was the 50th playing of a match designed to “stimulate interest in golf via spirited competition on both sides of the Atlantic, all while engendering international friendship and understanding between the USGA and The Royal and Ancient Golf Club”.
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This is golf’s equivalent of a state visit; of high art; of a set piece; pomp and ceremony even.
So was it really necessary, or in keeping with the occasion, to see the players whooping and hollering, throwing high fives at each other, launching celebrations that seemed to last for minutes at a time and generally disturbing the very special atmosphere of the match?
The Wallker Cup is a niche occasion. Let’s be honest, it barely touches the consciousness of the avid golf fan, let alone the average sports watcher.
But for those of us who cherish variously: the spirit of respectful, amateur competition; the undiluted privilege of representing one’s country; the cut and thrust of high-quality matchplay; the purity of foursomes and singles golf; and the backdrop of the very best and most historic courses in the world.
I ask you: In the year 2025, is it really too much to ask for one weekend every two years where the players and spectators behave in a sporting and respectful fashion towards one another? Apparently, it is.
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What do you make of golf spectator etiquette and player behaviour nowadays? Has golf course etiquette plummeted in recent years? Tell us on X!
