Collin Morikawa has admitted that some American fans went too far at the Ryder Cup, but insists he was not responsible for the rowdy behaviour despite calling for “absolute chaos” before the event.
The two-time Major winner had urged home supporters to “go crazy” at Bethpage Black in New York, but the atmosphere turned ugly as Europe reclaimed the trophy after three fiery days of competition. Fans barracked European players throughout the week, and at one point a beer was thrown at Rory McIlroy’s wife, Erica.
Speaking in Japan ahead of this week’s Baycurrent Classic on the PGA Tour, Morikawa said his words had been taken out of context.
“Ryder Cups are meant to have a lot of energy and I think me saying the word ‘chaos’, I didn’t mean for them to be rude,” said the 28-year-old. “That’s not on me to take credit for people being rude. I just wanted energy from the fans – I wanted people to be proud of the country they’re rooting for. I don’t think I have the power to make people behave a certain way.”
McIlroy, who was a frequent target of the abuse, described the behaviour of the Bethpage Black crowd as “unacceptable” after repeatedly clashing with spectators during Saturday’s play. The Northern Irishman even backed off putts due to noise from the galleries, prompting organisers to increase security around the greens.
US golf legend Tom Watson also condemned the crowd’s conduct, saying he was “ashamed” of the fans’ actions.
Morikawa agreed that “it probably crossed the line out there”.
“It wasn’t in my group but that’s what people were hearing,” he said. “There’s a line that needs to be drawn. I think we have to learn how to find that division of what’s appropriate and what’s not.”
Morikawa will tee it up this week alongside Ryder Cup teammate Xander Schauffele, who said “some unsavoury things” were heard during the event.
“I really wish we could have played better to have them cheer for us a bit more,” said Schauffele, who won The Open Championship and PGA Championship last year. “New York’s a tough place to play for anyone. I even got a few comments to play better. I’m not taking much personally when it comes to what fans say.”
The Baycurrent Classic, formerly known as the Zozo Championship, is Asia’s only PGA Tour event and will be played for the first time at the par-71 Yokohama Country Club.
Morikawa and Schauffele will be among the favourites, along with Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama, Sweden’s Alex Noren, and Americans Chris Gotterup and Kurt Kitayama.
Photo: Jamie Squire/Getty Images
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