“Need more cookie dough?”, was one of the regular refrains, as was “hot dog” and “mashed potato”.
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Willett, the reigning Masters champion playing in his first Ryder Cup, spoke to his brother, Peter, by phone as soon as he was made aware of the embarrassing story Wednesday.
Now, though, they trail only 5-3 and, crucially, have all the momentum ahead of the second day’s play, much to the delight of their skipper Clarke. It’s a bit of a nightmare now.
In it, American fans are variously described as classless, jelly-faced, pudgy, unwashed irritants. Danny Williett was assigned to a slot early on Thursday afternoon. Getty Images moved a photo of the spectator Willett struck with a bag of ice atop his bloody skull. It was a glancing blow that knocked the ball backwards. Even if you think what he appeared to, which would be utterly ridiculous, it was insane to say it a couple of days before his brother and 11 teammates are to compete against the American team.
“I made him feel awkward and I feel really sorry about that“, Mickelson said.
Danny offered an apology for his brother’s extremely unflattering description of Americans. “It’s obviously not the thoughts of myself and of the team”, Willett said.
Willett met with usa captain Davis Love after his practice round to apologize. “It’s forgive and forget”, Reed said.
Langer missed an easy six-foot putt to hand the trophy to American and spark chaotic scenes as fans invaded the course. “I’m not expecting it to settle down right away”. It’s a little bit of cat-and-mouse whenever you put pairings out together in practice rounds. Willett will get another crack on Saturday, likely with a new partner in the afternoon session, and that could provide the change-up the Englishman needs to get a win under his belt.
“I think there is a difference between supporting your side and abusing the opponents and some of the stuff that has been said to me this week has been shameful really”.
American Patrick Reed, who top-scored on his Ryder Cup debut with 3½ points at Gleneagles in 2014 and made shushing gestures to the home crowd in an attempt to fire up the USA challenge, has asked fans to “forgive and forget”. That’s the nature of the beast. “You don’t mind the odd bit of heckling but hope it doesn’t go too far”.
“What was said wasn’t my writing and wasn’t the team’s writing or anything like it”.
Pete Willett, a 33-year-old teacher, has become something of a celebrity in the world of golf ever since a string of hilarious tweets sent during the final round of the Masters.
I’m very pleased to have them leading our attempt to retain the Ryder Cup. They don’t want you to hit a good shot. I don’t exactly know what about. That would have been a total weak move, and I wanted to get out there. They were walking inside the ropes during Thursday’s practice round.
“Grow a pair, Bubba”, one said. “But things don’t always run smoothly”. “It has been a more fair way to handle it”.
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But bracing for their worst come Friday.
