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Collin Morikawa not taking blame for fan behavior at Ryder Cup after ‘absolute chaos’ comment: ‘That’s not on me’

Collin Morikawa not taking blame for fan behavior at Ryder Cup after ‘absolute chaos’ comment: ‘That’s not on me’

14 hours ago7 min read2 comments

Collin Morikawa's pre-Ryder Cup call for 'absolute chaos' from American fans became the defining subplot of a contentious weekend at Bethpage Black, where the line between passionate support and outright abuse blurred beyond recognition. The two-time major champion, now competing at the Baycurrent Classic in Yokohama, firmly distanced himself from the toxic behavior that overshadowed golf's premier team event, insisting his comments were taken 'out of context' and that he never intended to encourage the personal attacks that targeted European players—particularly Rory McIlroy, who endured everything from profane chants to a beer launched toward him and his wife.'Ryder Cups are meant to have a lot of energy,' Morikawa explained, drawing a crucial distinction between creating an electric atmosphere and crossing into disrespect, 'but me saying the word ‘chaos,’ I didn't mean for them to be rude. That's not on me.' This defense arrives against the backdrop of Morikawa's own disappointing performance—going 0-2-1 and ultimately conceding the crucial half-point to Tyrrell Hatton that sealed Europe's victory, continuing their dominance with nine wins in the last twelve meetings. The incident raises profound questions about fan conduct in golf's unique environment, where spectators operate within whispering distance of competitors, creating an intimacy unmatched in other sports.Morikawa acknowledged this dynamic, noting how players 'hear nearly everything people say because people have access to be so close to us,' forcing athletes and organizations alike to 'find that division of what's appropriate and what's not. ' His teammate Xander Schauffele echoed these sentiments, recalling 'unsavory things said at certain times' while philosophically attributing some hostility to New York's notoriously tough sporting environment.The controversy reflects broader tensions in professional golf, where traditional decorum clashes with modern sports entertainment's push toward louder, more engaged crowds. Historically, Ryder Cups have celebrated patriotic fervor—from the 'War on the Shore' at Kiawah Island to the 'Miracle at Medinah'—but Bethpage Black 2025 may be remembered as the moment where enthusiasm curdled into hostility, prompting serious discussions about security protocols and fan education.Morikawa's statistical legacy—six PGA Tour victories, currently ranked ninth worldwide—remains separate from this controversy, yet how he navigates this storm will inevitably shape his reputation as both competitor and ambassador. As golf grapples with balancing accessibility with respect, the Bethpage incident serves as a cautionary tale about the power of athletes' words and the responsibility of fans in preserving the sport's essential character.

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GolfGuy8711 hours ago

wait so he asked for chaos and then was surprised when it got chaotic idk about that one

PhilosoGopher13 hours ago

it's fascinating how the call for chaos creates its own unintended order, a system of consequences the original vision never contained. the energy of a crowd is such a strange and powerful force, never truly directed, only ever released.