Prominent golf psychologist Bob Rotella says watching the Ryder Cup has become a competition between the two sets of fans to decide who can "become the craziest". It was brought into sharper focus by Matt Fitzpatrick saying his parents had opted not to attend this year's event, in part because of abusive fans four years ago at Whistling Straits in Ohio. "I think it's kind of become a competition between the American fans and the European fans to see who can become the craziest," Rotella told BBC Radio 5 Live Drive.
Prominent golf psychologist Bob Rotella says watching the Ryder Cup has become a competition between the two sets of fans to decide who can "become the craziest".
The tournament gets under way at Bethpage Black, New York on Friday with much of the pre-event chatter focusing on the behaviour of supporters.
It was brought into sharper focus by Matt Fitzpatrick saying his parents had opted not to attend this year's event, in part because of abusive fans four years ago at Whistling Straits in Ohio.
"I think it's kind of become a competition between the American fans and the European fans to see who can become the craziest," Rotella told BBC Radio 5 Live Drive.
"[Fitzpatrick] mentioned wanting the fans to be respectful. I wish they would be. I think that would be really nice - but I'd be shocked."
Europe's captain Luke Donald is renowned for his attention to detail and has sought to prepare his team as best as possible for the atmosphere they will face, including giving them VR headsets to simulate abuse.
"The good news is that we can anticipate that they might say or do anything and if you can anticipate it you can be prepared for it," Rotella added. "They tend to be very boisterous and be willing to say anything.
"But you basically say: 'What are the craziest things they could possibly say or do?' And you try and say: 'All I know is that I'm going to try and laugh and get a kick out of it.'
"I know this much, you better not take it personally."
Category: General Sports
