Donald Denies Criticism of the United States at the Ryder Cup
The European team captain, Luke Donald, clarified his comments about the Ryder Cup, emphasizing that his words were not directed at the United States team. Donald, speaking on Thursday, mentioned that the Ryder Cup “is not about prize money or world ranking points. It’s about pride”. This year, American players will receive $300,000 each to donate to charity, in addition to an allocation of $200,000, which they have also announced they will donate. Donald’s players will receive nothing.On the other hand, the American captain, Keegan Bradley, also clarified his statements from Wednesday, related to a Ryder Cup from more than 25 years ago. Bradley admitted on Thursday that he made an “honest mistake” when mentioning the name of prominent European Justin Rose when he was actually referring to Justin Leonard, the American who made the winning putt in 1999. The error occurred while Bradley was narrating an anecdote about his experience as a young golf fan, present near the green of the 17th hole in Brookline, Massachusetts, when Leonard made the 45-foot putt. However, he was mistaken in saying that Rose had been the author of the shot.“It wasn’t directed at the United States. My speech was directed at my players. I wrote that speech six months ago. We’ve been very consistent in our stance and why we play. We’re not worried about what the United States does,” Donald said.
Luke Donald
“Someone yelled Justin Rose right before I read it and said it. I didn’t realize it until I was done,” Bradley explained.
Keegan Bradley
