Ryder Cup captains keen to avoid Solheim Cup controversy
Wednesday 30 September 2015 10:41, UK
Ryder Cup captains Davis Love III and Darren Clarke have vowed to avoid a repeat of the controversial scenes that scarred the Solheim Cup earlier this month.
The final day in Germany was marred by an altercation on the 17th green as the delayed fourballs concluded, with American rookie Alison Lee mistakenly scooping her ball up believing her two-foot putt had been conceded.
Opponent Suzann Pettersen objected and claimed the hole, and the Norwegian and Charley Hull went on to win the match at the last to give Europe a commanding 10-6 lead before the USA staged a remarkable fightback in the singles to reclaim the trophy.
But the headlines were dominated by the Pettersen-Lee row and a perceived lack of sportsmanship on the part of the Europeans, and Clarke is hopeful next year's Ryder Cup will not generate any negative press.
"This Ryder Cup will be played in the manner that Davis and I respect each other," said Clarke as a press conference in Minnesota to mark exactly one year until the Ryder Cup opening ceremony.
"I hold Davis in the highest regard. He is a good friend and is probably the best gentleman in our sport.
"The Solheim Cup was an unfortunate thing. What Suzann did was correct in the rules of golf, but in the spirit of the game, was wrong. She admitted that on Monday, with hindsight. Hindsight always is a wonderful thing."
Clarke also hinted that Lee was also in the wrong for her part in the incident, adding: "In the Ryder Cup, we are always briefed by the referees early in the week, the rules officials, and we do not touch a golf ball until we hear either from our opposite numbers or from the referees.
"So I hope and I'm sure it won't happen under our watch."
Clarke's USA counterpart Love added: "I'm sure Darren and I will set the tone with our teams and with our messaging over the next year as to what we expect and how we expect the matches to be played.
"Something will come up during the three days that is uncomfortable. But we'll handle it as gentlemen and a sportsmanlike way. It will be fair and competitive and fun.
"In the end, one of us will win, one of us will lose, but we'll enjoy a cigar and a tear afterwards on Sunday night.
"What happened at the Solheim Cup was an unfortunate incident and I think we've learned a lot from it."
