British golfer Ian Poulter has voiced his discontent with American fans just days ahead of the Ryder Cup, labeling their antics as “embarrassing stupidity.”
“I don’t even know where to start,” Poulter remarked in an interview on September 24. “I mean, ‘f***ing mashed potato’ and all that bulls*** you hear is madness. ‘In the hole! Get in the hole!’ It’s a 600-yard par 5, you f***ing idiot.”
His comments didn’t stop there; he humorously suggested that stronger measures might be necessary for disruptive spectators. “I actually just want to borrow the taser [from] the security guard, just to let one go per hole would be amazing,” he quipped. “Imagine that, you got one taser per hole. That’d be awesome. That’d go right between the eyes. Have it.”
Poulter’s frustration stems from what he perceives as a lack of decorum among some American golf fans. “It’s not heckling,” he stated. “It’s just complete and utter embarrassing stupidity. We don’t get that at The Open Championship… It’s only in America the stupidness comes out. It’s just so annoying. Our fans are very respectful! I’m not dissing all American fans, but f*** them!”
Despite his criticisms, Poulter acknowledged the vibrant atmosphere that American crowds can create. “I’m not completely dissing the American fans because the atmosphere in America is amazing,” he added.
His remarks come during a week charged with anticipation as the Ryder Cup commenced on September 26 at Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York, a venue known for its boisterous crowds.
European captain Luke Donald has prepared his team for the raucous environment by incorporating simulated crowd noise into practice sessions using VR headsets.
European players have been vocal about their strategies for handling the intense atmosphere. Tommy Fleetwood emphasized embracing the “extreme atmosphere,” while Jon Rahm noted that New York fans have a unique ability to create chants and heckles that no amount of training can prepare players for.
During practice, Matt Fitzpatrick faced playful taunts like, “The green’s that way,” while American golfer Collin Morikawa encouraged U.S. fans to “bring chaos” when competition begins.
Rory McIlroy experienced heckling firsthand while adjusting his shirt on the tee box during practice on September 25, with a fan shouting, “You don’t need a button to choke, Rory!”
McIlroy and Team Europe took the jibe in stride, laughing and acknowledging the fan’s humor.
Although Poulter is not part of this year’s Ryder Cup team after joining LIV Golf in 2022, his legacy in the tournament remains significant. Over seven appearances, he earned a reputation as one of Europe’s most formidable players, famously dubbed “The Postman” for consistently delivering crucial points.
The rivalry between U.S. and European golfers thrives on crowd energy, and Poulter’s candid critique is likely to keep attention focused on fan behavior as much as on the competition itself.
As the Ryder Cup unfolds this weekend, concluding on Sunday, September 28, it remains to be seen whether fans will heed Poulter’s call for decorum or continue to amplify the charged atmosphere at Bethpage Black.
