Morikawa denies being guilty of the controversial behavior at the Ryder Cup

Morikawa Reflects on Fan Behavior at the Ryder Cup

Collin Morikawa has acknowledged that the behavior of the American fans at the Ryder Cup “crossed the line,” although he does not feel responsible for having exacerbated the situation. Prior to the start of the competition at Bethpage Black, New York, the two-time major winner had expressed his desire for the first day to be “absolute chaos”. During the three days of the Ryder Cup, the European players were subjected to insults and hostile comments from the spectators. Booing was reported during the preparation of shots and even the throwing of beer in the direction of Rory McIlroy’s wife, Erica. This behavior was widely criticized.

I think Ryder Cups are made to have a lot of energy, right? And I think by saying the word ‘chaos’, I didn’t mean they were rude, right? So that’s not up to me, I think, to be credited with people being rude. I think what I meant was that I wanted energy, right?

Collin Morikawa

Morikawa, speaking on Wednesday, stated that the fans went too far, but denied any responsibility for it. The PGA of America reinforced security during the matches due to the growing tension at the Ryder Cup, which was ultimately won by the European team. Morikawa made these statements before the PGA Tour’s Baycurrent Classic in Yokohama, Japan, a tournament he won in 2023. The golfer expressed that he doesn’t believe he has the power to incite American fans by “saying a word.” “I think fans can do and say what they want sometimes,” he commented. “A line was probably crossed there, so I’d say there’s a line that needs to be drawn. But what’s so different and unique about golf is that we hear almost everything people say because they have access to being so close to us. I think you have to learn to find that division between what’s appropriate and what’s not.”